Olive Oil-based soaps are some of the oldest in the world for a good reason: olive oil is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also an emollient plant; therefore, it softens and smooths the skin. Historically, olive oil was an important commodity. In ancient Greece, athletes would routinely rub olive oil all over their bodies as part of their training ritual. Olive oil was considered the fountain of great wealth and power. It was called “liquid gold” by Homer and “the great healer” by Hippocrates. Galen praised it for its positive healing effects. The benefits of olive oil are endless; let’s dive deeper into some of its unique qualities.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants assist in fighting oxidative stress and therefore lessen or even prevent the impact of free radicals.
Free radicals are unstable atoms that attack essential macromolecules, which can damage cells and cause illnesses and aging. Free radicals can be derived naturally and through external sources such as UV exposure, air pollutants, industrial chemicals, and x-rays. When the body cannot regulate the free radicals, a condition known as oxidate stress occurs. Free radicals could then adversely impact lipids, protein and even DNA triggering several illnesses. Oxidative stress is a leading contributor to inflammatory diseases (e.g., arthritis, lupus, adult raspatory diseases), ischemic diseases (e.g., heart diseases, strokes), neurological disorders (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease), cancer, and many more.
Antioxidants can protect against cell damage caused by free radicals (i.e., oxidative stress). Antioxidants are present in different forms, such as in vitamins A, C, and vitamin E.
Olive oil is a powerful antioxidant. It is rich in vitamins, notably vitamins A, D, K and E, which are the primary source of protection against free radicals. In addition, olive oil could protect against free radicals that can lead to wrinkles and prevent premature skin aging.
Anti-inflammatory
Olive oil has been used for centuries to treat wounds, sores, and infections. Wound healing happens in 4 stages: homeostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and tissue regeneration. Olive oil contains properties such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, which are effective in the wound healing process.
Studies on the use of olive oil to treat chronic ulcers, diabetic wounds, perineal ulcers, and atopic dermatitis (eczema) concluded that olive oil was effective in reducing these wounds compared to other alternatives (e.g., chemical treatments). In addition, these studies showed that olive oil is generally effective in healing wounds and improving damage to the skin by assisting with collagen production. Therefore, olive oil is considered a safer alternative to conventional chemical treatments with adverse side effects.
Emollient & Moisturizing
As an emollient, olive oil can assist in softening rough, scaly skin. It contains monosaturated fatty acids and antioxidants making it an excellent moisturizer. Olive oil locks in our skin’s moisture by preventing water loss. The monosaturated fatty acids are also beneficial in penetrating the hair shaft, which will help your hair retain its moisture.
This all-natural moisturizer will keep your skin hydrated and feeling soft when used on your skin.
The above are just a few reasons why olive oil-based soaps should be your all-in-one skin care solution: whether it be to wash your hands, face, body, or hair. We use soaps on our skin more than we do any other cosmetic or skin-care products; therefore, it’s essential to use organic, toxic-free, quality products. In addition to mainly containing organic virgin olive oil, our natural soaps are created with no paraben, no sulphates, no petrolatum, no artificial fragrances, no artificial colours, and no harsh ingredients.
Our olive oil-based soaps will become a must in your household as it’s been in ours for decades.
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References:
- Olive Oil and Skin. (2022). International Olive Council. https://www.internationaloliveoil.org/olive-world/olive-oil-health/#skin
- Lobo, A. Patil, A. Phatak, N. Chandra. (2010). Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249911/
- Wilson. (2017). How do Free Radicals Affect the Body? MedicalNewsToday. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318652
- Olsen. (2018). How Can Antioxidants Benefit our Health? MedicalNewsToday. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/301506
- Clodoveo, S. Camposeo, B. De Gennaro, S. Pascuzzi, L. Roselli. (2014). In the ancient world, virgin olive oil was called “liquid gold” by Homer and “the great healer” by Hippocrates. Why has this mythic image been forgotten? Food Research International. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0963996914003494
- Taheri, L. Amiri-Farahani. (2021). Anti-Inflammatory and Restorative Effects of Olives in Topical Application. Hindawi. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/drp/2021/9927976/
- Lin, L. Zhong. J. Luis Santiago. (2017). Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/
- Quinn. (2022). Is Olive Oil Good for Your Skin? We Asked Experts. Real Simple. https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/olive-oil-for-skin
- Eckelkamp. (2021). Olive Oil for Skin and Hair: How Good Is It? Olive Oil. https://www.oliveoil.com/olive-oil-skin-care-hair-care/