Ignore a ‘myth’ about olive oil for skin – my anti-aging tips reduce wrinkles
A Mediterranean diet appears to work wonders for mature skin, according to the founder of a skin care brand.
Her tricks will keep your skin smooth and supple.
SETTING THE SKINCARE RECORD STRAIGHT
Lucrezia Del Papa, co-founder of olive oil-based skincare brand Olivella, shares her tips for reducing the signs of aging.
Forget pouring olive oil on bread, she wants you to use the ingredient to fight fine lines and wrinkles.
She especially wants to dispel a popular myth about using olive oil on certain skin types.
“Olive oil skin care is not good for oily skin: False! It is not true that olive oil products are not suitable for oily skin,” she told The US Sun.
“They have the same hydrating and anti-aging properties for all skin types, from extremely sensitive and thin to thicker skin,” she continues.
Olive oil products are well tolerated by younger skin and have long been used for cleansing babies.
“Mature skin benefits from the regenerative power of olive oil, which is also known to soothe redness and promote wound healing.”
OLIVE OIL EVERYWHERE
She explained that the more olive oil you use, the younger you will look.
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“Olive oil offers several anti-aging benefits. It protects the skin from external factors by forming a protective barrier that shields the skin, preventing photo-aging,” she said.
“It also has excellent hydrating properties and retains water in the subcutaneous tissues, keeping the skin hydrated and supple, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” she added.
“In addition, olive oil is rich in antioxidants, which neutralize free radicals, thus preventing cell damage and premature aging.”
She explained how substances like polyphenols and vitamin E protect the skin from oxidative damage, helping to maintain a youthful appearance and improve overall skin health.
The hydroxytyrosol in the oil also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce both inflammation and irritation of the skin.
“Chronic inflammation can accelerate the aging process and damage the skin’s barrier function. The anti-inflammatory effect of hydroxytyrosol can therefore help keep the skin looking youthful and healthy,” she said.
“By neutralizing free radicals, hydroxytyrosol helps maintain skin elasticity and firmness. It also supports collagen production, which is crucial for keeping the skin’s structure intact.”
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SOFT AND GENTLE
She also shared how olive oil is good for healthy skin.
“Research in the field of cosmetics shows that the active ingredients in extra virgin olive oil can act selectively by retaining water and forming a protective and elastic layer on the skin surface,” she said.
It consists of a complex mixture of fatty acids and vitamins.
“Thanks to this combination of active ingredients, we can say with certainty that olive oil nourishes, protects, firms and makes the skin more elastic, thus having an anti-aging effect,” she says.
TAKE A SHOT
She also wants you to replace your morning cup of coffee with this: a dash of top-quality extra virgin olive oil.
“It helps the gut and nourishes the body from within. The antioxidants in EVOO, like hydroxytyrosol, can help support collagen production in the skin,” she said.
“Collagen is essential for skin elasticity and firmness. Maintaining healthy collagen levels can help promote a youthful, radiant complexion,” she continues.
Premium extra virgin olive oil is rich in antioxidants, especially polyphenols and vitamin E, which help protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
“By reducing oxidative damage, consuming EVOO can help maintain the skin’s youthful appearance and protect against signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines.”
Another tip she gives is to cleanse your face with a natural moisturizer, like her brand Olivella soap, which is made by saponifying oil.
“The main ingredient is ‘Sodium Olivate’ – a mixture of hydroxide salts obtained from extra virgin olive oil, rich in fatty acids. Olive oil soap can also be made at home with a lengthy process,” she said.
“Hydrate with a few drops of highly purified olive oil – Olivella Moisturizer Oil or use an oil/serum such as Olivella Olitox Lift Face Oil, enriched based on your age and skin’s hydration status.”
She also recommends using a hydrating face cream and an eye contour cream for extra nourishment and protection.