After one of my most recent experiment, (applying a face mask overnight), I wanted to tackle the next topic that sparked my interest – what are the benefits of applying olive oil on your face overnight, and should you use it to your face every night?
And the answer to the first question is yes, of course (for most people)! You should apply olive oil on your face and leave it on overnight. There are numerous benefits to using this oil on your skin, some of which are anti-aging, antibacterial, moisturizing and an overall nourishing one. But, if you have sensitive skin keep on reading, we have some information that may surprise you.
Is It OK/Safe to Put Olive Oil on Your Face Overnight?
We all know that olive oil is healthy. Experts suggest its daily use, both in nutrition and skincare. Many people use it as a hair conditioner, massage oil and an inevitable ingredient of home-made cosmetic products. Although there is no doubt about the effectiveness of this product, we have to ask ourselves if there are some restrictions in its use.
Even if it’s hard for you to believe, some people should "beware" of olive oil. Its use is generally not recommended for people with problematic skin. If you are prone to acne and often get painful, subcutaneous pimples, olive oil is just not your cup of tea. This oil is comedogenic, so it can make a pretty "mess" on your skin.
Olive Oil Is Not Good for Problematic Skin
The "culprit" why we can't name olive oil a miraculous product is oleic acid. This substance has many benefits, but in people with problematic skin, it can cause irritation and dehydration, especially if you leave it on through the night. Besides, this oil can cause allergic reactions. If you didn't try it before, be sure to test it first, for example, on the forearm. If it starts to tingle or itch, this product is not for you.
Still, there are many great natural products out there. I believe that everyone can find suitable skincare products for themselves. Olive oil works for my facial skin, and I decided to give it a shot. Applying this great product became my routine before bedtime, and the results are already visible.
Olive Oil Skin Benefits
Olive oil is an essential ingredient in the beauty industry. It contains many vitamins and minerals that make it nutritious and useful for our skin. It abounds in elements that keep the skin flexible and shiny. At the same time, it nourishes and prevents the impact of harmful effects on a surface layer. This oil is an excellent remedy for skin problems such as burns, eczema, and psoriasis.
The olive oil's nutritional value is based on the antioxidants and vitamins it contains. As you know, we can see the first signs of aging on our face. Polyphenols and vitamin E, which belong to antioxidants, slow down this process. Or, at least, make it less visible.
These molecules fight against free radicals that cause oxidative stress. It makes our skin losing elasticity and moisture. Dry skin is prone to cracking and damaging. So I think that the early thirties are the right time to start with the prevention of wrinkles and other skin imperfections. I usually leave olive oil overnight so that it can get deeper into all the skin layers.
Face Glow
Another essential ingredient of olive oil is chlorophyll. In addition to helping you treat various skin issues, this anti-aging substance reduces all those fine lines and keeps our skin youthful and shiny. Our face is glowing when it's clean, hydrated and protected from harmful effects. Not when it’s oily and full of dirt and makeup leftovers.
Olive oil contains healthy fatty acids (besides oleic which we already mentioned). The role of these acids is to nourish the skin both from the outside and from the inside. And when the hydration is regulated, the production of sebum is under control. So our skin makes enough natural oils to form a protective layer and not to clog pores on our face.
Skin Complexion
A uniform complexion and shiny skin are something we all dream of. The ingredients that olive oil contains trigger the process of skin rejuvenation. Antioxidants stimulate the production of collagen, which has to "fill" all the gaps and lines on our face. This reduces the visibility of acne and pimples scars. If you apply a homemade mask before bedtime and leave it on your face by the morning, you did some good things for your skin.
Also, olive oil is one of those natural products that we use on the beach. If we want to get tanned, we apply this oil. But most of us don't know how it works for the skin exposed to the sun. This oil decreases the effect of UV radiation on the skin cells because it prevents the surface layer from drying out. However, this doesn't mean you can use it instead of protective cream. It helps you to get that sun-kissed glow, but it can't protect you from burns.
Using Olive Oil Overnight For Oily Skin
It became a trend to solve the problem of dull and oily skin with the help of natural oils. Given that olive oil belongs to really greasy oils, it may sound weird if we say that this product is suitable for cleansing your face and treating acne.
Since we have explained how olive oil regulates sebum production, it also creates a protective micro-layer. So the dirt cannot get into pores. But in order not to get an opposite effect, people with oily and combination skin should apply this oil in a moderate amount. It is recommended to use it on slightly moist skin, to avoid that unpleasant, greasy feeling.
Olive Oil for Dry, Sensitive Skin
Dry, lifeless skin can be a big problem. When it is dehydrated and tightened, it means that the surface layer doesn't do its protection function. It’s even worse if the skin peels off. The root of the problem is in deeper layers, which do not create enough collagen and don't nourish our skin. Vitamins A and E from olive oil will restart this process.
Fatty acids from this oil are an excellent thing for dry skin, but you shouldn't exaggerate with its use. The goal is to regenerate the skin and retain its functionality. It is enough to apply smaller quantities instead of night facial cream. Leave olive oil on the face overnight, so the skin can gradually absorb it. In this way, nutrients will reach and recover every cell.
The dermatologists advise applying olive oil right after you clean your face and remove makeup. Use your fingertips to rub it gently in your skin. That will stimulate blood flow. Further, this means a quick transfer of nutrients through the skin. Soon, this product will become your best ally for skin care - it's cheap, effective, and you can always use it as a delicious salad dressing.