Olive oil, the green gold of cosmetics

Olive Oil in Cosmetics

In the ancient world, olive oil was used by the Phoenicians, Romans, Greeks, Arabs, and Berbers, both in cooking and for its benefits on beauty and skin health. “Green Gold” is undoubtedly one of the first beauty products.

Women saw in it the secret to eternal youth and used it as a true beauty elixir. They coated their hair to beautify it, their body to soften it, and their face to give it a perfect complexion.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil, nourishing and emollient

Rich in vitamin E, Extra Virgin Olive Oil is primarily composed of fatty acids, excellent emollients for the skin and a source of omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9.

Among the oils used in cosmetics, this oil is characterized by a relatively low content of saturated fatty acids and the highest content of monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid). Monounsaturated fatty acids help maintain skin elasticity and flexibility. They are nourishing and maintain hydration by creating a protective lipid film on the skin.

The oil also has a significant proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids, the so-called essential fatty acids, which the body cannot produce and needs. They help maintain skin hydration by keeping water in the cells and improve the skin’s barrier function. They are well absorbed without leaving any greasy residue.

A special feature of Leos Extra Virgin Olive Oil is its high content of vegetable squalene. In the cosmetics industry, the main source of squalene is animal (from shark liver). Plant squalene (or phytosqualene) therefore presents an interesting alternative source, with emollient properties, to soften and smooth the skin. Its use gives a supple and soft, silky “dry” feel and very good penetration.

Contrary to popular belief, olive oil is suitable without exception for all skin types, from very dry to oily, and even the most delicate.

Olive Oil for Brittle Nails

All of us interested in health and wellness have long heard about the benefits of olive oil, especially extra virgin olive oil, unprocessed and unaltered. It indeed has a high content of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and healthy monounsaturated fats. In fact, oleic acid makes up over 70% of the fat content in olive oil, and this particular fatty acid is known to reduce inflammation and may even lower the risk of cancer.

Even more incredible are the anti-inflammatory properties of oleocanthal, a micro-component of olive oil, which has an effect on the body similar to that of the pain reliever ibuprofen. Notably, studies show that just 3.4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil has effects on pain and inflammation comparable to 10% of the standard adult dose of ibuprofen, the active ingredient in medications like Advil. Additionally, olive oil is linked to a lower risk of stroke, which is a leading cause of death in developed countries.

Because of all these healthy fats, olive oil is also an ingredient in some skin care products. Now, a TikTok trend claims that using olive oil on nails can help people with dry or brittle nails grow healthier, longer nails.
Olive Oil on Nails
Regularly soaking your nails in olive oil can help improve nail condition, according to Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, as it’s the least processed type and retains its natural fatty acids and other properties.

While there isn’t much medical documentation on extra virgin olive oil as a treatment for dry nails, using moisturizing oils, such as EVOO, may improve nail plate separation and overall nail quality.
Soaking Your Nails in Olive Oil
Mixing extra virgin olive oil and a couple of drops of lemon juice in a bowl sounds like the beginning of a salad dressing recipe, but it’s actually a recipe for good nail care. First, make sure you don’t have any allergies to olives or olive oil.

And if you’re not sure, do a small patch test on the inside of your wrist and see if you experience any unwanted reactions. Once you’re sure the olive oil is safe,If the moisturizer feels good on you, you can make this mixture and soak your fingertips in it for several minutes.

Of course, this isn’t an overnight miracle, but if you do it regularly over the course of a few weeks, you should be able to notice a marked difference in the suppleness of your skin and cuticles. It is, indeed, a completely natural solution, completely free of synthetic chemicals or additives, unlike many other moisturizing solutions on the market.