Olive Oil Treatment for Skin and Hair
Summary: Not just for salads anymore, olive oil is a kitchen staple that can also be used as a readily available, economical beauty aid. With natural healing properties, olive oil conditions hair and treats rough, dry skin.
Over the past several years, olive oil has developed a reputation for being a healthy oil to use for cooking, but heart health is not the only thing this versatile oil has going for it. It may be one of the best remedies for dry scalp and itchy skin as well.
Olive Oil Hair Treatment
As effective as it is economical, olive oil is an all-natural ingredient for conditionin g even the most unruly hair. In addition to providing moisture and enhancing shine, olive oil helps to de-frizz and de-tangle your hair without leaving an oily residue. Here is an easy way to apply olive oil to your hair:
In general, 2-4 tablespoons of olive oil is all you need to condition hair. Depending on the length and thickness of your hair, this amount may vary.
Tip: Add a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil to enhance the fragrance of your olive oil conditioner.
Warm oil slightly and apply to scalp with tips of fingers using a circular motion.
Work oil all the way down to the ends of hair.
Cover head with a shower cap. For best results, leave oil on your hair for at least thirty minutes.
Shampoo hair as usual. You may need to use more shampoo than normal to get all of the oil out.
Tip: Use a rubber shower mat. Olive oil on the shower floor can be slipper y.
Olive Oil Skin Treatment
Since antiquity, women have been using olive oil in their beauty regimens. Many writings of Egyptian, Greek and Roman origin have recorded the benefits of olive oil as a skin treatment. Olive oil promotes healthy skin by healing dry, itchy skin and helping skin maintain its elasticity. Here are a few ways to treat your skin with olive oil.
For a skin-nourishing soak, add about ΒΌ cup of olive oil to your bath water along with a few drops of essential oil.
Tip: Combine a dropper full of olive oil with your favorite lotion to increase its moisturizing properties.
Mix up an exquisite exfoliating scrub by combining equal amounts of olive oil and plain table sugar. Dead skin cells will be sloughed off and your skin will be smooth and silky.
To treat calloused and cracked feet, rub olive oil liberally all over rough area. Cover with cotton socks overnight.
Apply olive oil to chapped lips at bedtime. Your lips will be soft again by morning.
Widely regarded for its health-promoting properties in the culinary arena , olive oil has also acquired status as a spa-quality ingredient for skin and hair care.