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Olive oil has a number of health and beauty benefits and can be used in a variety of ways in skin care. Extra virgin olive oil is the least processed and refined type of olive oil, meaning that it's the most natural and pure. Refined olive oil is often referred to as "pure" olive oil. You can buy both types of olive oil at grocery stores. Both are safe to use for skin care, but extra olive oil is more beneficial because of its more natural state.
Start Add olive oil to your bath water.
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Linoleic acid is a component of olive oil that the human body doesn't produce. Linoleic acid prevents water from evaporating, making olive oil the perfect natural lubricant. You can use olive oil as a daily moisturizer that will penetrate deep into the skin, meaning that the moisturizing effects will last much longer than those of most commercial lotions. Because olive oil is thick, it can take awhile to soak into your skin. To get the moisturizing benefits of olive oil without applying it directly to your skin, add a small amount of the oil to your bath water.
Soak your hands in hot water and olive oil.
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The moisturizing effects of olive oil can benefit your nails and cuticles. Rub the oil directly on your nails and cuticles, or add it to a bowl of hot water for a relaxing hand soak. Olive oil can help moisturize and protect your cuticles and repair dry, cracked nails, giving them a soft sheen.
Olive oil can slow the skin-aging process.
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Olive oil's antioxidants, including vitamins E and A, can repair skin damage caused by weather, sun and air pollution. The antioxidants stimulate skin cells, promoting faster regrowth and repair and slowing the skin-aging process. Olive oil can make skin appear firmer and smoother, while it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Mix sea salt with oil to make an exfoliant.
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You can mix olive oil with sea salt or granulated sugar to make an exfoliant for dry skin. Mix the oil with a small amount of sea salt or sugar and rub it on dry skin to reveal the smooth layer of skin below. You can also mix olive oil with melted beeswax in equal amounts and use it as a lip balm for rough, chapped lips.
