Although olive oil is a staple in many kitchens, most people aren’t aware of its huge health and beauty benefits! So this week’s post will introduce you to extra virgin olive oil — nature’s miracle potion (and one of the three main ingredients in our balms!).
We thought it would fun to write a series of posts dedicated entirely to the natural ingredients that make NOYA lip balms such a tasty treat for your lips. Not only will this help you get to know us better, but knowing what these ingredients do in and outside the body will help you make better, healthier choices when you’re out on your next shopping spree for food or cosmetics products. In the following weeks, we will cover NOYA’s two other main ingredients: coconut oil and beeswax
But for now, on to EVOO! Extra virgin olive oil is made from the first pressing of olives, making it different from regular olive oil. It’s chock full of antioxidants and monounsaturated fatty acids, which are considered good dietary fats. The result is that olive oil can lower your cholesterol and improve heart health. Moreover, the antioxidants in olive oil slow down the aging process as well as help to improve your metabolism. However, it is important to remember that EVOO has a high calorie count so it’s only good for you in moderation by substituting it in place of stuff like butter!
Mediterranean women have always used olive oil for it’s beauty benefits – they rub it on their hair as a nourishing mask and on their skin as a gentle moisturizer, even putting some in their bath water for a nice, hydrating soak.
Used on the skin, olive oil regulates your skin’s natural moisture, and works to soften, smooth, tone, and firm the skin. If that’s not a miracle potion, we’re not sure what is! Furthermore, because it is rich in antioxidants, it functions as a natural anti-aging serum whether ingested or placed directly onto the skin. However, when applied to the skin, olive oil can plump wrinkles for a more youthful, radiant skin tone. And when applied after sunbathing, olive oil can protect the skin from sun damage. What doesn’t this stuff do? If you are worried about the greasy skin factor in using this stuff, never fear, we have a few tips and tricks you can try out for yourself:
- Try putting EVOO on your skin right before bed, and gently cleans with a delicate body wash when you wake up. Your glowing, healthy skin will love you for it!
- Apply the olive oil onto moistened skin, which helps to dilute the olive oil leaving your skin soft but not greasy.
- Mix the olive oil with some lemon juice, and apply either as a moisturizer or as a zesty cleanser.
- Make an all over body exfoliant by mixing olive oil with sugar and honey. Rinse off in your shower and enjoy skin that stays totally hydrated throughout the day.
Aside from what we’ve listed so far, olive oil has a tons more functions (including as a furniture polish!). It’s gentle enough for everyday use even on the most sensitive of skin, and has the added benefit of being a multi-tasker – cook with it, clean with it and when you’re done, soak in a hot bath with it!
Let us know what your favorite olive oil tricks are in the comments. And, as always, live divinely. 😉
