Does Olive Oil Provide Anti-Aging Benefits to the Skin?

A variety of studies have shown that olive oil added to the diet may reduce the risk of heart disease and may even help to prevent certain forms of cancer. What about it’s effect on the skin? Does olive oil have anti-aging benefits when applied topically?

The Anti-aging Benefits of Olive Oil

Olive oil is a rich source of monounsaturated fats which plays a role in its ability to reduce the risk of heart disease, but it also has natural anti-inflammatory properties which may reduce the risk of age-related diseases as well as benefit the skin when applied topically. The anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil have been attributed to a component found in premium oils known as oleocanthal. The isolation of this anti-inflammatory component of olive oil and its anti-inflammatory properties was described and published in the journal Nature in 2005. Olive oil is also rich in polyphenols which act as free radical scavengers to help repair cellular damage. In addition, the monounsaturated fats found in olive oil have good moisturizing and humectant properties.

What evidence is there that olive oil does, indeed, benefit the skin and help with aging? Although few studies have objectively addressed the topical anti-aging benefits of olive oil, Japanese scientists have discovered that cold pressed olive oil may help to protect sun worshipers from skin cancer. A Japanese study showed that bald mice that were covered with high grade, virgin olive oil after being exposed to ultraviolet light were less likely to develop skin cancer than those who weren’t. It’s interesting to note that regular olive oil didn’t seem to have a protective effect which illustrates the importance of using quality virgin olive oil. It’s thought the reduction in skin cancers could be attributed to the ability of the virgin olive oil to clean up free radical damage induced by ultraviolet light. It should be noted that olive oil doesn’t appear to have sunscreen properties.

Although there are skin products available that contain olive oil such as Dr. Perricone’s hydrating line with added olive oil, the best way to benefit from the antioxidant potential of olive oil is to apply it directly to the skin, concentrating on the drier areas of the face. As suggested by the previous study, a high quality, virgin olive oil should be used, preferably extra-virgin olive oil. If you’re prone to skin breakouts or eruptions, olive oil may be too moisturizing for use except in the driest areas of the face such as around the eyes. It can also be added to your regular skin moisturizing cream to get its additional benefits. Olive oil has been used down through the ages as a skin moisturizer and anti-aging remedy with excellent anecdotal results.

It’s gratifying to know that in this world of expensive and overly hyped moisturizers and skin care products, a simple product like virgin olive oil may have skin nourishing, anti-aging properties.