
Olive oil is great for cooking and extremely healthy. However, it can also solve your skincare woes and has a wonderful effect on your skin. You can use olive oil for glowing skin and improving skin texture.
This nutritious oil discovered by Egyptians is one of the best oils you can add to your diet if you want to use a healthier option compared to other available varieties. So, both skincare and fitness enthusiasts make space for olive oil in their pantries.
Don’t you want to know how olive oil helps your skin? Do you know that even Cleopatra used this oil? If you are doubtful of the benefits of olive oil for the skin, this article may help you learn more about it. Keep reading to learn the various benefits of olive oil and its topical application.
In This Article
1. Benefits Of Olive Oil
2. How To Use Olive Oil To Get Glowing Skin?
3. Side Effects Of Olive Oil On Skin
4. Infographic: 3 Easy Ways To Use Olive Oil For Glowing Skin
5. Frequently Asked Questions
6. Key Takeaways
7. Illustration: How To Use Olive Oil To Get Glowing Skin?
Benefits Of Olive Oil
Olive oil is considered the closest oil to match the chemical structure of our skin’s natural oils. Apart from providing glowing and healthy skin, it also helps in fighting other skin problems such as blackheads and whiteheads. The best skin benefits of olive oil are as follows –
Skin Benefits
- Moisturizes Skin: Olive oil is deeply hydrating and helps soften dry skin.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Contains vitamins E and K, which protect skin from environmental damage.
- Anti-Aging Properties: Helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
- Reduces Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory compounds in olive oil can soothe irritated skin.
- Natural Exfoliator: When mixed with sugar or sea salt, it can help remove dead skin cells, leaving skin brighter.
Hair and Scalp Benefits
- Strengthens Hair: Helps prevent breakage and adds shine to hair.
- Moisturizes Scalp: Relieves dandruff and dry scalp issues.
- Enhances Hair Growth: Massaging the scalp with olive oil can stimulate blood flow and promote hair growth.
Overall Health Benefits
- Supports Heart Health: Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which help reduce bad cholesterol.
- Aids Digestion: It can help improve digestive health and ease constipation.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Contains oleocanthal, a compound that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Boosts Immune System: The antioxidants in olive oil strengthen the immune response.
- Supports Bone Health: The oil’s high vitamin K and calcium content are beneficial for bones.
If you need specific usage tips for any of these benefits, let me know!
How To Use Olive Oil To Get Glowing Skin?
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Olive Oil And Lemon Juice
- Olive Oil And Honey
- Olive Oil And Turmeric
- Olive Oil And Castor Oil
- Olive Oil And Vinegar
Effective Ways Of Using Olive Oil For Skin
1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Face cloth
- Hot water
What You Have To Do
- Using your fingertips, massage the oil on your facial area in circular motions. Try to rub firmly over your nose, cheeks, and forehead.
- Now, dip the face cloth in hot water. Press and hold the face cloth firmly against your face until it comes down to room temperature.
- Remove the cloth and rinse it using the hot water again. This time, instead of pressing the cloth, try to rub it gently all over your face while trying to remove the top layer of olive oil.
- Pat your face dry using a paper towel.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this every morning and night. You will be able to see results within a week.
Why This Works
The benefits of using olive oil are mentioned above in detail. If you have dry skin, all the uneven and dry patches will be healed, leaving your skin glowing and rejuvenated. For oily skin, the excess oil production in your skin will be brought under control, and your pores will be clean and unclogged.
Caution
The hotness of the water should be at a tolerable limit.
2. Olive Oil And Lemon Juice

You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
What You Have To Do
- Mix the lemon juice well in the olive oil.
- Apply this all over the face and massage it in for a minute or two.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water.
- Do a final rinse with cool water.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 2-3 times a week.
Why This Works
Lemon juice unclogs pores and brightens up the complexion. It is also an astringent and an antiseptic (5).
3. Olive Oil And Honey

Using a combination of olive oil and honey on the skin is a powerful natural treatment due to their hydrating, soothing, and healing properties. Here’s how they benefit the skin together and a few ways to use them:
Benefits of Olive Oil and Honey for Skin
- Intense Hydration: Olive oil is deeply moisturizing, while honey acts as a humectant, attracting and retaining moisture in the skin.
- Antioxidant Boost: Both olive oil and honey are rich in antioxidants, which help protect skin from damage caused by free radicals.
- Anti-Aging: This combination can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with regular use.
- Natural Healing: Honey has natural antibacterial properties, helping to heal acne and blemishes, while olive oil soothes and restores.
- Brightens Skin: Regular use can improve skin tone, making it look brighter and more even.
How to Use Olive Oil and Honey on Your Skin
1. Moisturizing Face Mask
- How To: Mix 1 tablespoon of olive oil with 1 tablespoon of raw honey.
- Application: Apply to cleansed skin, leave on for 10-15 minutes, and rinse with warm water.
- Result: Leaves skin feeling smooth, hydrated, and refreshed.
2. Exfoliating Mask
- How To: Add 1 teaspoon of sugar to the olive oil and honey mixture.
- Application: Gently massage onto skin in circular motions, then rinse.
- Result: Helps remove dead skin cells and reveals a glowing complexion.
3. Overnight Spot Treatment
- How To: Mix a small amount of honey and olive oil, and apply it as a thin layer to dry areas or spots before bed.
- Result: Provides extra hydration and can help reduce redness or irritation.
For best results, use pure extra virgin olive oil and raw honey, as these retain the most beneficial properties.
4. Olive Oil And Turmeric For Skin

You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
What You Have To Do
- Mix all the ingredients together and apply on the face.
- Let the face pack dry for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse it off with water. You can use a gentle facial cleanser to remove the turmeric stain from the skin.
How Often You Should Do This
Apply this twice a week.
Why This Works
Turmeric powder is often used in herbal face packs to not only treat skin issues but also to impart a natural glow to the skin. Curcumin is a key component of turmeric that is responsible for its beneficial effects on the skin (7). The soothing yogurt in this face pack conditions the skin. According to anecdotal evidence, its lactic acid content also helps lighten the skin.
5. Olive Oil And Castor Oil

You Will Need
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon castor oil or coconut oil
- Few drops of tea tree oil or lavender oil (optional)
- Washcloth
- Warm water
What You Have To Do
- Mix all the oils together and massage the facial skin with it. Use gentle circular motions.
- Keep massaging for 2-3 minutes.
- Keep the oil blend on for another 10 minutes and then wipe it off with a washcloth dipped in warm water.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 3-4 times a week.
Why This Works
Using an oil blend to massage the skin will restore the skin’s natural oil production to normal levels. The skin cells will be nourished and replenished regularly making your skin soft, supple, and glowing. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that this remedy with olive oil has the additional benefit of helping reduce signs of premature aging.
Sophia, a model and blogger, shared her experience of using olive and castor oils on her skin. Initially, she mixed both the oils in equal proportions but this caused her skin to become dry. She then took one-third of castor oil and two-thirds of olive oil, which helped reduce the number of pimples but did not help in removing her blackheads and left behind some dry areas. She writes, “I usually have at least one decent sized spot (aka pimple) some time around my period along with several smaller ones, mostly around my chin. This time after having used the OCM for about two weeks prior to the time I usually get the spots, I only had a few of the smaller ones.
6. Olive Oil And Vinegar For Skin

Using a combination of olive oil and vinegar on the skin may seem surprising, but it’s actually an effective natural treatment! Olive oil deeply nourishes, while vinegar balances the skin’s pH and helps with exfoliation. Here’s how they benefit the skin together and a few ways to use them:
Benefits of Olive Oil and Vinegar for Skin
- Hydration and Moisture Lock: Olive oil provides lasting moisture to the skin, while vinegar helps seal in hydration by balancing the skin’s natural pH.
- Natural Exfoliation: The mild acidity of vinegar gently exfoliates, removing dead skin cells and revealing a brighter complexion.
- Antibacterial and Anti-Acne: Vinegar, particularly apple cider vinegar, has antibacterial properties that can help with acne-prone skin.
- Improves Skin Tone and Texture: Regular use can improve skin texture and even out skin tone.
- Anti-Aging: Olive oil’s antioxidants work with vinegar’s pH-balancing properties to reduce the appearance of fine lines and keep skin looking youthful.
How to Use Olive Oil and Vinegar on Your Skin
1. Moisturizing Toner
- How To: Mix 1 part olive oil with 2 parts apple cider vinegar.
- Application: Apply a few drops to a cotton pad and gently swipe across cleansed skin. Leave on for a few minutes, then rinse if needed.
- Result: Balances pH, hydrates, and preps skin for moisturizing.
2. Brightening Facial Mask
- How To: Mix 1 tablespoon of olive oil with 1 teaspoon of vinegar.
- Application: Apply to the face, leave on for 5–10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
- Result: Leaves skin feeling refreshed, smooth, and brighter.
3. Overnight Spot Treatment for Acne
- How To: Dab a mixture of equal parts olive oil and apple cider vinegar onto acne spots with a cotton swab.
- Result: The antibacterial properties help reduce acne, while olive oil soothes the skin.
For best results, use extra virgin olive oil and raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. Always perform a patch test before trying a new treatment, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Side Effects Of Olive Oil On Skin

While olive oil is generally safe and beneficial for most skin types, it can have some side effects, especially if used in excess or on sensitive skin. Here are some potential side effects to be aware of:
1. Clogged Pores and Acne
- Issue: Olive oil is a heavier oil and can sit on top of the skin rather than being fully absorbed, potentially clogging pores.
- Recommendation: If you have oily or acne-prone skin, avoid leaving olive oil on for extended periods or try a lighter oil like jojoba.
2. Allergic Reactions and Irritation
- Issue: Though rare, some people can be allergic to olive oil, resulting in redness, itching, or rashes.
- Recommendation: Perform a patch test by applying a small amount on the inner arm or behind the ear before using it on your face.
3. Skin Sensitivity in Sunlight
- Issue: Olive oil may make skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn or sun damage.
- Recommendation: Avoid using olive oil before sun exposure, or use it in the evening or as an overnight treatment.
4. Worsening of Eczema or Dermatitis
- Issue: Olive oil’s natural compounds may worsen eczema or dermatitis in some people, potentially irritating broken or inflamed skin.
- Recommendation: Those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema should avoid using olive oil or consult a dermatologist before using it.
5. Possible Increase in Skin Oiliness
- Issue: Using olive oil on naturally oily skin may leave it feeling greasy and overly oily.
- Recommendation: Use sparingly and ensure it’s thoroughly washed off if you have oily skin.
If you’re considering using olive oil on your skin and have any skin concerns or sensitivities, it’s wise to consult a dermatologist.
Infographic: 3 Easy Ways To Use Olive Oil For Glowing Skin
Olive oil is one of the healthiest oils you can add to your diet, as it has many health benefits. But did you know that the oil is also very effective for the skin as it is rich in vitamins and antioxidants and is a natural moisturizer that helps treat uneven skin moisture and aging? As discussed in the article, there are different recipes for using olive oil on the skin. However, in the infographic below, we have listed the most effortless ways of using olive oil on your skin. Take a look!

Olive oil for skin is quite useful with its hydrating as well as softening properties, especially when applied topically. All of these remedies are natural and will leave you with glowing, clear skin if you apply them daily. After all, we all desire that healthy glow without having to spend a fortune on chemically altered cosmetics. So, if you’re seeking ways to use olive oil for that glow, try these cost-effective options, which may be simply prepared at home. However, before utilizing it, make sure to perform a patch test. It is safe to use on the face and body if no adverse response or irritation occurs within 48 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which olive oil is best for glowing skin?
Extra virgin olive oil is best for glowing skin.
2. Does olive oil make your skin dark?
No, applying olive oil does not darken the skin.
3. Which is better: coconut oil or olive oil for the skin?
There is no clear winner. Understanding what works for one individual may be disastrous for another, is critical. Both carrier oils include a wide range of chemical components that can provide skin with antioxidant and possibly anti-inflammatory qualities. The only way to truly proclaim a winner for yourself is to test it on your skin and observe how it reacts.
Key Takeaways
- Olive oil is useful in treating patchy skin and oily skin.
- Combining olive oil with lemon juice, honey or castor oil adds extra nourishment to the skin.
- It may also help in regenerating skin cells naturally and unclog pores.
- Before applying olive oil, always perform a patch test to confirm skin compatibility.
Illustration: How To Use Olive Oil To Get Glowing Skin?

Personal Experience: Source
Getmakeup’s articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.