Olive Oil is an oil obtained from a olive tree. It is commonly used as a cooking oil and in hundreds of skincare products. The reason it is so popular in skincare is because it contains natural antioxidants and protects the skin from harmful damage. It is high in Vitamin E and Vitamin K and contains Fatty Acids, Omega-3.

My mum met an old lady in her 70's who had beautiful skin with barely any wrinkles, the lady said all she used was Olive Oil. She smoked, she drank, and worshiped the sun which are all factors of seriously premature ageing but the natural antioxidants in Olive Oil can heal and repair that damage. I'm not saying it was definitely down to the Olive Oil as to why her skin looked so young but there is a possibility that it could of been.

Olive Oil is used in skincare products mixed in with masses of chemicals, so why not just use the real thing. It's a more greener option, it helps the environment, and is a lot cheaper. If you are going to use Olive Oil for beauty purposes then its best to get 'Italian Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil' as it is more natural. I have purchased this at Marks & Spencers for £3 in a 200ml bottle.

Olive Oil can be used as a chemical-free eye make-up remover. I have used this and it has removed all traces of mascara and I wear tons. The Olive Oil is actually beneficial to the skin around your eyes but make sure your close your eyes whilst doing this or it might sting. Just use a few drops on a cotton pad and place on your eye to soak up all the eye make-up.

You can use it as a nightly moisturiser, but only use a 5p sized amount as it is an oil and can get quite greasy. I don't have dry skin but this would work wonders for dry skin sufferers. My skin type is normal/sensitive and my skin felt baby soft after using Olive Oil. The smell isn't flattering to me, it smells like you are putting cooking oil on your face which is exactly what you're doing, but for a good reason! Although it is an oil I have not suffered any breakouts, and I have heard it even works great for people with oily skin as it is a natural oil.

You can add it to a bath and it will sort out any dry skin problems or use it as a body moisturiser or hand cream. If you have severe dry skin then you could also mix it with Shea Butter which is also known for it's moisturising properties. I don't know where you can purchase this as it is pretty rare to find in shops but you could do a bit of browsing online.

If Olive Oil doesn't appeal to you as a moisturiser then you can use it as a face mask instead, leave it on for 10 minutes. It will still leave you with moisturised skin. You can also use it to exfoliate by adding some sea salt or even sugar. Rub in circular motions and you'll be left with radiant skin!

It can also be used as a hair mask, although be cautious when doing this. I've just slathered it on my hair, washed out with shampoo and was left with severely greasy hair, I had to go to the hairdressers the next day which was embarrassing, it would not come out! I still tried it again though, and 4 table spoons does the trick heated in the microwave for 3 minutes to reconstruct damaged hair. I have damaged hair from bleaching my hair blonde and using Olive Oil as a hair mask has improved the condition dramatically.
It can also be used as a leave in conditioner and can protect your hair from sun damage. Ken Peeves, celebrity hairdresser of Jessica Simpson and Eva Longoria introduced me to this trick. Use a minimum amount and glide down your hair with your fingertips.

Obviously, Olive Oil also provides great benefits when it is eaten too, it can help protect against heart disease, and lower cholesterol levels. So remember to add it to cooking every now and again. I wouldn't recommend drinking it though, it might make you sick.

There are many types of Olive Oil such as :
Extra Virgin - Least Processed.
Pure Olive Oil - This Olive Oil does not contain as high levels of Vitamin E.
Light Olive Oil - Most Processed.