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The Countless Benefits of Olive Oil

Photo credit: Mia Feitel
Photo credit: Mia Feitel

From ELLE

It’s been rumored that the Cleopatra (you know, one of history’s great beauties) used olive oil in one of her many routines. That bit of spon con for the world's first influencer aside, olive oil is packed with antioxidants that work to fight free radical damage and protect your skin against harmful UV rays. “It’s also super moisturizing,” adds Marnie B. Nussbaum, a New York City based dermatologist. With its antioxidant superpowers and moisturizing benefits, olive oil can be used in a number of ways and even mixed with other ingredients for countless benefits. We picked Nussbaum’s brain for the best EVOO tips.

For your hair

Olive oil can be a super powerful hair conditioning treatment. “It can be applied to the scalp and hair for ten to 20 minutes after you shampoo regularly,” explained Nussbaum. Plus, a few drops can be applied as a serum to freshly blow dried hair for a bit of shine.

For your body

If you’re feeling dry, olive oil can be your best friend. You can apply olive oil to dry patches of your skin or use it as an all-over moisturizer. Nussbaum notes that while it’s non-comedogenic, it can still clog pores and doesn’t recommend the oil-as-a-moisturizer trick to the acne-prone folk. For really dry patches, use a combination of olive oil, sugar and a little lemon juice as an exfoliator for your lips and heels. Hello summer skin.

For your face

Olive oil can be used as a serum to help moisturize your face and prevent premature aging. (Remember that whole antioxidant thing?)

It should be noted, though, that olive oil cannot and should not replace sunscreen. It is an oil and can cause sunburns when combined with UV light-think of yourself sizzling in a pan.

DIY hacks

In addition to the aforementioned uses, Nussbaum still has a long list of ways you can use olive oil. Olive oil can be used as a cuticle oil, eye makeup remover, and shaving cream. Here's a few more ways the good people of YouTube are using the elixir. Look out for that-can't-be-right-tips like olive oil for your makeup brushes.

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