Fact-checked
х

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

Olive oil for face

Medical expert of the article

Internist, infectious disease specialist
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025

Olive oil has been used for the face for a very long time, ever since people discovered the amazing properties of this truly miraculous product. This irreplaceable product is used in the manufacture of modern cosmetic products designed for gentle care of the face, hair, body and skin of the hands.

Olive oil has a cleansing, toning and rejuvenating effect, the ability to accelerate the process of cell regeneration, as a result of which it is possible to preserve the natural elasticity, flexibility and youth of the skin for a long time. Regular use of natural olive oil helps smooth out fine wrinkles and prevents the appearance of new ones.

According to the results of research by French scientists, the fats in olive oil are identical to those that form sebum. It is this property that explains the fact that olive oil effectively removes redness, irritation and inflammation of the skin, and also prevents its peeling, dryness and aging. Due to the fact that the oil easily penetrates the capillaries of the skin, it is often used as a conductor for creating various essential oil compositions.

Olive oil can rightfully be considered a universal and very inexpensive cosmetic product, which is convenient and profitable to use for home care of the skin of the face and body.

Benefits of Olive Oil for Facial Skin

Olive oil is useful for the face, first of all, due to its unique composition, which contains vitamins A B, E, D, K, monounsaturated fats, phosphatides and phospholipids, as well as other substances that stimulate metabolic processes in the skin and improve blood microcirculation. This product is ideal for the care of problematic, dry, sensitive skin of the face, and is also often used in cosmetic products for the care of aging skin. And this is not surprising, because olive oil perfectly moisturizes, softens, nourishes the skin, helps to maintain its natural elasticity. It has been proven that regular use of olive oil smoothes wrinkles well.

It is not for nothing that olive oil is also called “liquid gold” – its composition is so useful! It should be noted that many women from Ancient Greece used this remedy to preserve the youth of their skin. And today this trend continues, especially among connoisseurs of environmentally friendly, natural products.

The benefits of olive oil for facial skin are due to the usefulness of its components:

  • Vitamin A – perfectly moisturizes and nourishes the skin, normalizes subcutaneous blood circulation;
  • Vitamin E is a universal antioxidant, plays a significant role in cell renewal, evens out skin texture and prevents its aging;
  • Phosphatides - contain a lot of sugars and retain water well;
  • Phospholipids – play a major role in the construction of cell membranes, and also take an active part in metabolic processes;
  • Unsaponifiable substances (sterols, carotenoids, cocopherols) – have pronounced restorative and soothing properties for the skin;
  • Fatty acids (saturated and unsaturated: palmitic, stearic, linoleic, etc.) – form a film that has protective functions and protects the skin from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation and low temperatures;
  • Squalene is a moisturizing agent;
  • Microelements (copper, iron, calcium) – neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals, which cause the skin to quickly age.

Olive oil is effective against sunburn due to its antibacterial and softening properties. It is indispensable for high-quality moisturizing and healing of the skin of the face and body.

Using Olive Oil for Face

Olive oil for the face is used by many women at home for the purpose of delicate cleansing, nourishing and moisturizing the skin, both in its pure, natural form and as the main component in the preparation of all kinds of masks.

The use of olive oil for the face in its pure form is primarily aimed at cleansing and moisturizing the skin in the morning and evening hours. To carry out such cosmetic procedures, the oil must first be heated in a small container placed in hot water. After that, a cotton swab should be soaked in it, gently wipe the skin of the face, leave for 15 minutes, and then thoroughly rinse with warm boiled water, or blot with a paper napkin. If you perform the procedure immediately before going to bed, then it is not necessary to wash off the oil - this way, the skin (especially dry) will receive even more moisture.

For oily skin care, after the olive oil cleansing procedure, it is recommended to rinse your face with cool water after 10-20 minutes. It should be emphasized that warm olive oil removes decorative cosmetics from the face well. Thus, it can be used as a natural makeup remover.

Olive oil can be used to care for the delicate skin around the eyes, which requires special moisturizing, since it is often in this area of the face that signs of skin aging and the first wrinkles appear. The procedure is quite simple: you need to lubricate the skin around the eyes with slightly warm olive oil, massaging them with your fingertips. After this, the oil should be left to soak into the skin for half an hour (or overnight), and then remove excess oil with a dry napkin.

Cosmetic olive oil for face

Olive oil for the face is used in modern cosmetic procedures, as well as in care products for various skin types. It is interesting to know that the first creator of the cream was the famous ancient Greek doctor Claudius Galen (date of birth - 130 A.D.). He used olive oil for his cream.

Cosmetic olive oil for the face is a popular component of all kinds of creams, balms, scrubs, lotions, masks, soaps, and makeup removers. Delicately penetrating the skin, the oil helps to soften it and transport nutrients to the epidermis. Most often, the cosmetic composition does not include a natural oil base, but an extract in the form of lanolin, which contains a complex of vitamins, as well as minerals and useful antioxidants. Cosmetic products based on olive oil from famous brands have proven themselves to be excellent in our time. For example, the face mask from AVON "Paradise Moisturizing" of the "Planet SPA" series; cream-gel from A'kin for combination and oily skin "Vital Hydration"; soap from Yves Rocher "Les Plaisirs Nature" (for dry skin care), etc.

Due to the fact that olive oil contains special substances squalane and squalene, it is used in rejuvenating products - face and neck masks, with the help of which you can eliminate fine wrinkles and reduce the number of deep age wrinkles. Phenols are another unique component of olive oil. They help slow down the aging process, make the skin smoother, more elastic and silky. The amazing properties of olive oil allow you to use it to create face and body creams with UV protection. If you do not have a safe tanning product at hand, you can safely use olive oil - the tan will lie on the skin beautifully and evenly. This is surprising, but even men can use olive oil for the face, having previously lubricated the skin with it before the shaving process. Thus, the oil will protect the skin from damage and irritation, and also facilitate the process itself.

Cosmetologists advise paying attention to cosmetic products with olive oil, especially to those who have signs of aging and dry skin.

Olive Oil Based Face Masks

Olive oil for the face is very often used in folk recipes for the purpose of preparing all kinds of masks for the careful care of both dry and combination or aging skin, for toning, additional moisturizing and vitamin nutrition of the face, smoothing out expression wrinkles. One of the main properties of olive oil is the gentle protection of the skin from the negative effects of the sun, wind, unfavorable ecology and other environmental factors. Olive oil is a 100% natural product, so care for delicate facial skin with its help will be high-quality and very effective.

What types of olive oil-based face masks are there? The modern recipes below are very popular with many women. Moreover, the preparation of various olive oil masks is possible in ordinary home conditions.

  • To thoroughly moisturize dry facial skin, use pure olive oil, which should be slightly warmed in a small container and then applied to the face, after cleansing the skin with a toner or lotion. After 20 minutes, the remaining amount of oil should be removed with a clean napkin. Problem areas of the face, which most often peel, should be lubricated with oil more often - up to 4 times a day.
  • For additional nutrition of dry facial skin, it is recommended to thoroughly mix a special gruel made from fresh vegetables or fruits with olive oil - 1 tablespoon of each ingredient. The resulting mixture should be carefully applied to the face, kept for 20 minutes and washed off thoroughly with warm water. To prepare the gruel, the pulp of melon, banana, apricot, etc. is usually used. In this case, it is best to give preference to cucumber, grated carrots, potatoes, zucchini, etc. of vegetables. This mask is ideal for toning combination skin. For this purpose, you can use the pulp of apple, peach, citrus, kiwi, watermelon, grapes and other fruits.
  • For delicate skin softening, use fatty cottage cheese and olive oil (in a 1:2 ratio) ‒ mix everything well. The finished mixture should be carefully applied to the face, and after 25-30 minutes, rinse with warm water. You can add honey to this cottage cheese and olive mixture ‒ you will get an effective moisturizer for aging skin that needs special care.
  • A mask with a whitening effect is prepared by mixing equal portions of low-fat cottage cheese, carrot juice, milk and olive oil. The mixture should be thoroughly rubbed in the palms, and then generously applied to the face. After 15 minutes, the mask is washed off with warm water, and the skin of the face is wiped with a piece of ice. This procedure promotes rejuvenation and effective moisturizing of the skin.
  • For the care of delicate, sensitive skin, a soothing mask is used, which is prepared quite simply: for this, you need to mix cucumber and banana, grated on a fine grater. Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil into the prepared gruel, apply the mask to the face, and after half an hour, wash off its remains with cool water.
  • To prolong the youthfulness of facial skin, cosmetic clay mixed with 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil is often used. The mask should be applied for 15-20 minutes, after which the unabsorbed residue should be washed off with cool water.
  • The anti-aging mask is prepared by mixing equal amounts of olive oil and lemon juice. This mixture is applied to the face with a cotton pad or tampon, and is very effective against wrinkles.

Even simply lubricating the skin with olive oil in its natural, pure form will definitely help to rejuvenate and moisturize the face, smooth out fine wrinkles and prevent the appearance of new ones. Therefore, such a natural healthy product as olive oil is extremely popular among women who strive to preserve natural beauty.

Harm of olive oil for face

Olive oil for the face is actively used in modern cosmetology as an effective means for skin care that requires moisturizing, toning and nourishment.

Everyone knows about the benefits of olive oil. But many are interested in the question of whether olive oil is harmful to the face? It should be noted that there are practically no "minuses" in its use. The only important condition is to use the oil as intended and in the optimal amount. In rare cases, an allergic reaction of the body to olive oil is possible. To prevent possible allergies or individual intolerance, you should test it on your wrist before using the product.

It is important to maintain the correct time when applying olive oil masks to the skin of the face. So, you should keep the mask on for no more than 40 minutes, and it is best to wash it off with water at room temperature, slightly acidified with lemon juice. If the mask is used to care for oily skin, it must necessarily contain citrus fruits, fruit juices, or low-fat dairy products. Those with increased sebum production are not recommended to abuse products containing olive oil.

In addition, olive oil should not be used frequently when caring for young problematic facial skin. It is important to consider the period of use of olive oil - it should not exceed 2-3 weeks, since the oil film may disrupt the water-fat balance of the skin and the appearance of so-called "comedones" (blackheads) - in other words, the sebaceous glands may become clogged. Olive oil is incompatible with any creams, since mixing the oil film with the ingredients of the cream will worsen the skin's condition.

Reviews of Olive Oil for Face

Olive oil for the face is currently in great demand among the fairer sex, primarily because it has the property of significantly slowing down the skin aging process and smoothing wrinkles, as well as moisturizing and nourishing the skin of the face.

Positive reviews of olive oil for the face indicate that this product has received high marks from consumers and is truly trustworthy. It is only important to know how to choose a quality product so that it makes the skin care result as effective as possible. Before buying, it is recommended to pay attention to the label - olive oil must be fresh. The highest quality product is the one that is produced and bottled in the same place. Extra virgin oil is very popular, and its quality is really high, since selected raw materials are used in the production of such a product. Olive oil is produced by cold pressing, which means that it retains all the beneficial properties of the olive tree fruits.

Olive oil for the face labeled "Virgin" is more democratic and is produced in a similar way - by "cold" pressing. The labels "Refined" and "Рomace" indicate other methods of producing the product: by refining and heat treatment, often with the use of chemicals. Such oil is inferior in usefulness to the above-described options. Usually, high-quality olive oil is bottled in dark glass bottles; it is better not to buy this product in tin cans.


Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Olive oil for face" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

The iLive portal does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
The information published on the portal is for reference only and should not be used without consulting a specialist.
Carefully read the rules and policies of the site. You can also contact us!

Copyright © 2011 - 2025 iLive. All rights reserved.