Olive oil is an extremely nutritive oil that has been an important part of life in many civilizations such as the Mediterranean, Roman, Egyptian, and Greek. It not only nourishes our body from within but also helps fight dryness, scars, and itching. Also, those concerned with uneven complexion issues may use olive oil for skin Glow and whitening. It can be used as a massage oil, a cleanser as well as in your homemade face packs. This symbol of peace is abundantly available in many parts of the world and is readily available in the market for our regular usage.
Benefits of olive oil that help skin glow and whitening from within
High in antioxidants
Olive oil is rich in vitamin E, polyphenols, and many other antioxidants(source). These antioxidants protect our bodies by absorbing the free radicals that damage our bodies. Thus, our system is well protected from serious cardiovascular diseases or cancer. They also protect the skin from the harmful rays of the sun as well as help delay early signs of aging.
Excellent cleanser & makeup remover
If you prefer using a natural product over commercial products for cleansing your skin then olive oil should be your go-to. It has a comedogenic rating of 2 which means it is only moderately low comedogenic hence it does not clog pores of most people except a few.
Skin moisturizer
Olive Oil contains many vitamins like Vit A, E D, and K which are all beneficial for skincare. They help moisturize and nourish the skin without any side effects.
Anti-bacterial properties
As per a study, olive oil has anti-bacterial properties and can be used to fight mild bacterial infections.
How to use olive oil for skin whitening and instant radiance?
Let’s learn a few easy homemade recipes using olive oil and some kitchen ingredients
Olive oil and vitamin E
The vitamins and nutrients present in olive oil may help remove mild scars. Vitamin E helps fight mild pigmentation. Topical usage of both olive oil and vitamin E may help fight aging and make your skin even-toned.
Method
Take 2 tbsp of olive oil in a bowl. Break open 2 vitamin E capsules and mix them with the oil. Clean your face and pat dry. Now apply the olive oil and vitamin E mixture over your face and massage for 5-6 minutes. Take a clean cotton cloth and soak it in slightly hot water. Squeeze out excess water and place the cloth over your face. Till the cloth is back to room temperature. Repeat one more time. Then use a cotton ball soaked in warm water to remove excess oil from the face. Dry your face and apply any good moisturizer.
Olive oil, milk cream, and lemon juice
Lemon juice is loaded with vitamin C which helps fade away sun tan and lighten complexion. Milk cream has lactic acid which helps fight both pigmentation as well as signs of aging. Mixed with olive oil they form a great pack to brighten the complexion and bring out lost radiance to the skin.
Method
Take 2 tbsp of milk cream in a bowl. Add 1 tsp of lemon juice and 2 tbsp of olive oil. Mix well and apply over your face and neck. Wait for 20 minutes. Wash off using lukewarm water.
Olive oil, oats, and curd
The saponins found in oats are great to remove oil and dirt from the skin. They help prevent blackheads and are quite gentle on eczema-prone skin. Curd contains lactic acid which helps fight uneven skin-tone.
Method
Take 3 tbsp of oats and dry grind them into a powder. Now add 2 tbsp of curd and 2 tbsp of olive oil and mix all three into a thick paste. Apply over your face and let it sit for 20 minutes. Wash it away with lukewarm water.
Licorice, Olive Oil, and Milk
Licorice has been used for centuries to brighten skin and fight off scars and marks. Milk contains lactic acid which helps lighten the complexion as well as it helps make the skin soft and supple. Not only does olive oil help skin whitening but it also eases out fine wrinkles and lines.
Method
Take 2 tbsp of licorice powder in a bowl. Add 3 tbsp of milk and 1 tbsp of olive oil. Mix everything to make a thick paste. Apply over your skin and wait for 20 minutes. Wash using lukewarm water.
Sandalwood, Olive Oil, Turmeric, and Milk Cream
Both turmeric, as well as sandalwood powder, are anti-inflammatory in nature hence help reduce any skin conditions like acne or eczema. They have been used for decades to lighten the complexion and reduce suntan. Milk cream also helps bring radiance to the skin and moisturizes the skin. Olive oil helps with skin whitening as well as makes the skin soft and supple.
Method
In a bowl, add 2 tbsp of sandalwood powder, ½ tsp of turmeric powder, 1 tbsp of olive oil, and 2 tbsp of milk cream. Mix everything to make a smooth paste. Apply on the face and neck. Let it sit for 20 minutes. Then wash off using lukewarm water.
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In case you are plagued with any kind of uneven skin issues, the above homemade remedies can help you solve them. Olive oil is not only great for skin whitening but also helps prevent early signs of aging like fine lines or wrinkles. Use the above remedies regularly to gain maximum benefits.
Sources:
https://www.ancient.eu/article/947/the-olive-in-the-ancient-mediterranean/
https://www.oliveoil.com/understand-olive-comedogenic/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321246#how-to-use
https://www.healthline.com/health/vitamin-e-for-face#benefits
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/293479412_Steroidal_Saponins_in_Oat_Bran
