Face and Body

Is olive oil the secret to anti-ageing?

18 February, 2022 . 0

When Jennifer Lopez started crediting her youthful complexion to olive oil, it set off a chain reaction, but is the superfood good for our skin?

Olive oil is well celebrated for its positive health benefits in our diets, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but could those same properties make it a good candidate in skincare?

According to dermal therapist and beauty journalist Yadira Cauchi, olive oil in skincare dates back to ancient Egypt when it was commonly used as an anti-wrinkle treatment.

“Olive oil in skincare isn’t anything revolutionary or new; it’s been around for hundreds of years,” Yadir says.

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How can olive oil benefit our skin?

Dermatologist Dr Samantha Davidson says olive oil can benefit the skin in a variety of ways.

“Olive oil provides an occlusive vehicle for the delivery of strong antioxidants vitamin E and vitamin K, in addition to the anti-inflammatory combination of oleic acid, omega 3 and saturated fats,” Dr Davidson says.

An emollient ingredient, the soothing properties of olive oil moisturisers don’t stop there, explains Yadira.

“It contains antioxidants that fight free radicals that can damage the skin, and may help prevent premature ageing,” she says.

“It’s also rich in monounsaturated fatty acids – healthy fats – and squalene, which is an incredibly hydrating ingredient.

“It also has anti-inflammatory properties that may help treat inflammation and heal damaged skin, including assisting with eczema.”

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How to use olive oil in your skin care

Because of its emollient and antibacterial properties, olive oil is best suited to being used as a moisturiser or cleanser.

Simply apply it directly to your skin and blot off any excess with a cloth or towel.

However, not all olive oil formulas are effective on the skin, and you’ll want to seek a virgin olive oil formula that is organic, non-GMO and cold-pressed for optimal results.

Another option is to look for olive oil-infused skincare or products that incorporate olive leaf extract into their formulations.

Such products tend to be sensitive-skin friendly as they’re generally lighter and non-comedogenic.

Is olive oil suitable for all skin types?

Although it’s a naturally derived skincare, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s for everyone, and one study found it can actually make some skin conditions worse.

Dr Davidson says olive oil is best suited for dry, aged skin due to it nourishing qualities.

“I wouldn’t recommend it for oily skin types or skin that’s prone to seborrheic dermatitis or anyone suffering from yeast overgrowth on their skin because squalene provides a substrate for the yeast to metabolise and flourish,” she says.

Instead, she recommends coconut oil for eczema sufferers due to its antibacterial properties, and jojoba oil and argan oil for sensitive skin types as these oils tend to be less reactive.

“This is because they have a more similar molecular profile to naturally occurring oil and sebum,” she says.

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Is olive oil an effective anti-ageing product?

The ageing process involves way too many factors to rely on olive oil alone, says Yadira.

“Olive oil may be beneficial in treating age management concerns, however there is a lot correlated to the ageing process so I wouldn’t rely on a topical application of olive oil alone; that won’t make you look younger, or make you look more like JLo,” she says.

“Additionally, it also can’t replace more effective anti-ageing ingredients in your skincare routine; specifically, vitamin A, an ingredient that has decades of scientific evidence to prove its effectiveness in managing the signs of ageing.”