Olive oil as a cosmetic ingredient and care product

In ancient Greece, the olive was considered a sacred tree, since its origin was attributed to one of the most influential goddesses of the Greek Pantheon. The branch of this tree adorned the heads of senators and dresses of brides, served as a symbol of various religions and marked the world. For a felled olive tree, one could pay with one's life, and olive oil is part of the oil, which still accompanies the most important church rites today. The oil also had more mundane uses – it served as a medicine that reduced pain and accelerated the healing of wounds. What properties led to such an application, found out estet-portal.com.

Biologically active ingredients in olive oil

As is usually the case with herbal bioactive substances, myths and legends about their use eventually find confirmation of scientific facts. With regard to olive oil, scientists were very interested in the fact that Greek athletes always rubbed their whole body with olive oil before the competition. It was believed that such a ritual gives strength to the muscles, and makes the body insensitive to pain.

Studies have shown that olive oil contains a substance called oleocanthal, which has a very similar mechanism of action to ibuprofen. Like other modern anti-inflammatory drugs, oleocanthal could relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Olive oil is valued for its fatty acids, especially oleic acid, which can reach up to 80% depending on the ripening and harvesting conditions of the olive fruit.

The content of important fat-soluble vitamins in the oil is directly correlated with the amount of oleic acid – A and E. The stimulating, healing and rejuvenating effect of the oil on the skin depends on them.

Bioactive components of olive oil

Substance	Action
Polyphenols	Fight free radicals
Squalene	Cleansing of blood vessels
Terpene alcohols, beta-sitosterol	Cholesterol Reduction
B vitamins	Slow down skin aging
Vitamins C and K	Accelerate wound healing

Olive oil is hypoallergenic and neutral enough to serve as a base for compositions of various plant extracts and essential oils.

The value of olive oil in terms of application in cosmetology

Oleic acid contained in olive oil affects fat metabolism in the deep layers of the skin. Therefore, oil is included in the composition of products for cellulite correction. Regular use of olive oil helps to even out the skin and reduce the appearance of "orange peel".

Vitamins and antioxidantsOlive oil – a fairly strong bioactive substance, and when applied to the skin, it can literally melt its upper lipid layers, penetrating into the depths. This can lead to drying and thinning of the skin, loss of the ability to retain water. Therefore, patients who seek to soften and nourish the skin with natural olive oil should be reminded: after 1-2 weeks of use, a long break should be taken so that the skin restores its protective resources.

Treat sunburn, restore skin after intense sunburn	Oleocanthal
Helps reduce inflammation, reduce pain and accelerate recovery after peels, dermabrasion, laser resurfacing	B vitamins
Strengthen hair follicles, get rid of dandruff, give hair elasticity

Olive oil works optimally as part of – creams and emulsions for the care of aging skin of the face and body, cosmetics for the care of the periorbital area, anti-cellulite compositions.