It's the main ingredient for a no-frills salad dressing; adding it to nuts, salt, and a handful of basil leaves in the food processor yields amazing pesto; and dipping fresh-baked bread in it makes for a nice starter to a hearty meal. Olive oil has won the hearts of many a food lover because of its deep flavor, versatility, and heart-healthy benefits.
But olive oil's abilities extend beyond the kitchen-it's a great ingredient to add to your grooming repertoire. According to the California Olive Oil Council, it's long been used to maintain the suppleness of skin and muscle, to heal abrasions, to give body and sheen to hair, and to even relieve aching muscles.
"This oil is a favorite for dry skin," write Kathi Keville and Mindy Green in the book Aromatherapy. And it is so for good reason: "[Olive oil] has a superior moisturizing effect," explains Kayla Fioravanti, a certified aromatherapist and owner of Essential Wholesale.
It's not just dry skin that benefits from olive oil. If you have sensitive or combination skin, you may benefit from its smoothening and softening effect, as well as its anti-oxidant content, says Fioravanti. Olive oil even helps repair and tone skin damage caused by pollution, UV radiation, and post-acne scarring.
Ready for a head-to-toe dose? Our 12 picks bring with them the amazing qualities of this healing ingredient, as all are made with organic olive- or extra-virgin olive oil.
For the Hair...
1) Chi Organics Olive Nutrient Therapy Conditioner: To get maximum benefit when you condition your hair, massage it on your scalp instead of just the strands. $22
2) John Masters Organics Dry Hair Nourishment & Defrizzer: Summer may be over, but frizzy tresses persist all the way to fall. Massage a few drops on wet hair for an intense moisturizing experience. $16
3) Organix Mandarin Olive Oil Shampoo: This antioxidant-filled shampoo reinvigorates tired spirits-lather up at the end of a long day at work. $6.99
For the Face...
4) Juice Beauty Organic Facial Wash: Remove dirt, grime, and make-up without stripping your face of moisture with this refreshing grape- and apple juice-blended cleanser. $22
5) Organic Expressions Night Creme: Your skin heals and renews in the evening, so what better time to give it a helping hand? This cream is easily absorbed and is packed with anti-inflammatories to counteract signs of aging. $29.50
6) NaturOli New Radiance Facial Creme: Mix this cream with your favorite foundation for a dewy, effortless finish. $33
For the Body...
7) Oliv' Moisturizing Body Cream: Smooth on your elbows, knees, and ankles for all-over suppleness. $34.50
8) Kiss My Face Olive My Body: Brittle nails in need of moisture? Massaging this butter on them-and on other parts of your body that need hydration-would do the trick. $8.95
9) Badger Sore Joint Rub: Stow this handy tin in your gym bag to bring warm comforts to hard-working joints. $10
For the Bath...
10) Olive Diva Oatmeal Soap: This soap is gentle enough to soothe and polish even the most sensitive of skin. $12
11) Sapothecary Peppermint with Mint Leaves Soap: Use the cooling properties of peppermint essential oil whether you need a pick-me-up in the morning or to ready you for bed. $18 for four
12) Olivia Care French Mandarin Soap: Along with lavender, mandarin helps aid in relieving insomnia. $7.50
SHOPPING DIRECTORY >> Badger, www.badgerbalm.com, 800-603-6100; Chi Organics, www.farouk.com, 800-237-9175; Juice Beauty, www.juicebeauty.com, 415-457-4600; John Masters Organics, www.johnmasters.com, 800-599-2450; Kiss My Face, www.kissmyface.com, 866-404-1260; NaturOli, www.naturoli.com, 877-654-5433; Oliv', www.laclaree.com, 512-531-9399 (through FutureNaturals.com); Olive Diva, www.olivediva.com, 727-424-8040; Olivia Care, www.oliviacare.com, 310-649-4593; Organix, www.organixhair.com; Sapothecary, www.sapothecary.com, 707-467-1940.
Comments
hey I knew that olive oil is good for dry skin but its just nice to know about the other advantages of olive oil. I regularly use olive oil products as I have dry skin. Thanks a lot for sharing.
By makeup artist on 12/16/2009i have sensitive or combination skin, you may benefit from its smoothening and softening effect, as well as its anti-oxidant content, says Fioravanti.
By explore talent on 12/30/2009it's long been used to maintain the suppleness of skin and muscle, to heal abrasions, to give body and sheen to hair, and to even relieve aching muscles.
By Health Insurance on 01/20/2010thanks for the post. it is so good product.
By nedenleri on 02/24/2010Olive Diva Oatmeal Soap: This soap is gentle enough to soothe and polish even the most sensitive of skin.Bridges To Recovery
By jercy on 02/24/2010Just as he gets injured, the Raptors are on a losing streak...
By Bridges To Recovery on 02/24/2010Why is olive oil suppose to be good for you? I been hearing a craze on olive oil. I use it on my foods, but don't know the benefits. What are they? Bridges To Recovery
By adera on 02/28/2010I use a mixture of olive oil and castor oil to clean my face. I found a web site called The Oil Cleansing Method and it works great and it is not as expeinsive as buying face wash with olive oil in it. I also use in in my childrens bath water instead of baby oil.
By Jessica on 03/16/2010