11 Uses of Olive Oil for Skin and Nails (All You Need to Know)

Many people are turning to natural remedies for their skincare and hair-care requirements. While commercial products can give you quick results, they may lead to various side effects.

When it comes to natural remedies, one of the most popular ingredients widely used across the world is olive oil. It is the one-stop solution for all your beauty and skincare needs.

Olive oil contains several important nutrients that enhance it's beauty benefits. It offers antioxidants, enhances exfoliation, and doesn’t clog the pores on your skin.  This beauty booster causes no harms or side effects.

It is one of the age-old remedies that has been used in hair-care products, facial cleansing products, body washes, lip-care products, lotions, soaps, and others. Here are 11 uses of olive oil for skin and nails that you need to know.

#Skin

Method 1: Anti-aging

Being a rich source of vitamins, fatty acids, and minerals, olive oil can help keep away fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. Vitamin E in this oil is a strong antioxidant that supports the regeneration of skin cells.

Olive oil also contains monounsaturated fatty acids that help in rejuvenating the skin. Using this remedy topically helps in stimulating the production of collagen, giving you a smooth, plump skin.

 Things you’ll need:

• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Raw honey - 1 tablespoon
• Glycerin - 1 tablespoon

Step1. Mix all the ingredients together

•  Mix olive oil, honey, and glycerin in equal proportion.

Step 2. Use your finger to apply the mixture on problem areas

• Dip your finger in the mixture.
• Gently massage the problem areas with this olive oil, glycerin, and honey solution for about 5 minutes.

For best results, use this remedy 2 times a day. It will help you tighten sagging skin and remove dead skin cells.

Method 2: Natural Moisturizer

Beeswax is a major ingredient used in several skin-care products. It protects the skin against irritants and has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a workable remedy for treating dry skin. Beeswax penetrates deep into your skin and keeps it looking fresh and moisturized for hours. Olive oil also boasts of strong moisturizing abilities.

Together olive oil and beeswax can help treat dry skin. A natural moisturizer made from these ingredients is the perfect substitute for Vaseline!

Things you’ll need:

• Beeswax (pellets) - 1/4 cup
• Olive oil - 1/2 cup

Step 1. Arrange a double boiler and put the ingredients in it

• Put some stones in a large saucepan to arrange a double boiler.
• Fill one-fourth of the saucepan with water.
• Place a glass bowl in the middle of the saucepan.
• Put beeswax and olive oil in the bowl.

Step 2. Heat the ingredients on a low flame

• Heat the ingredients until the beeswax melts.
• Whisk occasionally to mix the ingredients.
• Remove the bowl from heat once the beeswax has melted.

Step 3. Pour the liquid into a glass jar and allow it to solidify

• Transfer the contents of the glass bowl into a jar and let it sit for few hours.
• Once the mixture solidifies, close the lid.

Store the moisturizer in a cool place. It will stay for about 5 months.

Method 3: Dry Rough Hands

The sugar and olive oil scrub is a super-fast way to get softer, moisturized hands. Sugar will gently buff off the dead skin cells and make your skin look fresh and hydrated instantly. As it is a natural moisturizer, olive oil will help make your skin soft and supple.

Things you’ll need:

• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Brown sugar - 1 tablespoon

Single-Step Method: Mix the ingredients and use the mixture to scrub your hands

• Mix olive oil and brown sugar to make a scrub.
• Use this scrub on your hands by gently rubbing it in circular motions for a few minutes.
• Leave the scrub on for a few more minutes before washing your hands with warm water.
• Finish by applying a moisturizer.

Use this remedy 2 to 3 times a week for soft, moisturized hands.

Method 4: Dark Circles Eraser

Dark circles are caused by a variety of factors including sleep deprivation, sun exposure, vitamin deficiency, and stress, among others. The good news is that these are not permanent. One of the easiest and most effective remedies for getting rid of dark circles is olive oil. Vitamin E in olive oil helps in repairing and healing damaged skin. It also contains polyphenols and phytosterols that help in brightening the skin. Olive oil is a safe way to tone and repair the skin around your eyes. It is recommended that you use a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for treating dark circles under your eyes.

Single-Step Method: Gently apply the olive oil around your eyes

• Clean your skin to make sure your face is makeup-free or grime-free.
• Using your finger, dab the olive oil around your eyes gently.
• Keep massaging in gentle circular motions till your skin absorbs the oil completely.

Using this remedy every day before going to bed will help you get rid of those stubborn dark circles in no time.

Method 5: DIY Makeup Remover

Tired of abrasive makeup removers that leave your skin rough and dry? The remedy is just what you need! This DIY makeup remover is very effective in removing eye makeup and has no adverse effects on your skin.

Things you’ll need:

• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Witch hazel - 1/2 tablespoon
• Water - 1 cup
• Paper towels - 8 to 10 sheets (cut in half)
• Lavender essential oil (optional) - 5 drops

Step 1. Mix the ingredients together

• Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to a cup of water.
• Put in 1/2 tablespoon witch hazel.
• Add a few drops of lavender oil to the mix.
• Mix all the ingredients properly.

Step 2. Pour this solution over the paper towels

• Fold the paper towels (that are already cut into half) into smaller sizes. Place them in a container.
• Pour this solution into the container with paper towels.
• Lid the container and let the paper towels soak in the mixture.
• In case there is excess liquid, add more paper towels.
• Use these paper towels for removing makeup.

These DIY makeup remover wipes will stay good for up to a month.

Method 6: Cracked Heel Soother

Although it is a very common and easily treatable problem, cracked heels may cause a lot of trouble in severe cases. It may also lead to other symptoms such as itching, redness, peeling skin, and inflammation.

This scrub is a workable remedy for getting rid of cracked heels. Granular sugar is an exfoliant that'll help remove the dead skin from your heels while the antibacterial properties of green tea will aid the healing process. Green tea is rich in antioxidants and is great for your skin.

All this, combined with the rich moisturizing properties of olive oil, will heal and protect your heels.

Things you’ll need:

• Granulated sugar - ¼ cup
• Tea tree essential oil - 4 to 5 drops
• Green tea bags - 2
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon

Single-Step Method: Mix all the ingredients to make the scrub

• Open tea bags and add the contents to a bowl of sugar. Mix well.
• Add essential oil and olive oil and mix again.
• Use this scrub to gently exfoliate your dead skin cells from your feet.

You may store and use this olive oil foot scrub for about 3 weeks. Keep it in a cool, dark place.

Another way to use olive oil for soothing cracked heels is by gently massaging your feet with it for at least 10 minutes. Wear a pair of socks and leave the olive oil on for an hour before washing it off.

Method 7: Chapped and Blackened Lips Soother

Lips are pretty sensitive and need special care to stay hydrated and healthy. This remedy has 3 powerful ingredients that will help restore the pink color and the smooth texture of your lips.

Brown sugar acts as an exfoliant, removing the dead skin cells from your lips and revealing a fresh layer. Honey is great for keeping the lips moist and hydrated.

Olive oil works well for dull, dry, and chapped lips. It penetrates deep into the skin and replenishes them with moisture.

Things you’ll need:

• Brown sugar - 2 teaspoons
• Olive oil - 1 teaspoon
• Honey - 1 teaspoon

Single-Step Method: Combine the ingredients to make a scrub

• Mix sugar, olive oil, and honey together to make a scrub.
• Gently exfoliate your lips with this mixture.
• Rinse it off with warm water.
• Finish by applying a little olive oil over your lips.

For best results, use this remedy twice a week.

Method 8: Grow Thicker Brows and Lashes

Olive oil moisturizes eyelashes, stimulating their growth and protecting them from damage. It also tackles issues such as shedding and aids in making the lashes longer. Being rich in vitamins A and E, olive oil works well for dense eyebrow growth. This nutritious oil will help you achieve thick eyebrow and eyelashes you always desired. It is best to use organic extra-virgin olive oil for this remedy.

Single-Step Method: Apply olive oil to your lashes before going to bed

• Apply olive oil to your lashes before going to bed.
• Wash your face when you get up the next day.

Method 9: Skin Exfoliate

Regular exfoliation of the skin helps in removing dead skin cells and promoting the regeneration of new cells. It allows your skin to breathe and stay hydrated. Sugar is a great exfoliant. It also helps by drawing in moisture to your skin.

Lemon comes with antibacterial properties and is good for the skin. Lemon juice will help make your skin brighter and give a pleasant fragrance to your DIY olive oil scrub. Antioxidants and fatty acids in olive oil make it an excellent treatment for skincare and nails.

Things you’ll need:

• Olive oil - 2 teaspoons
• Lemon juice - 1/2 teaspoon
• Brown sugar - 2 tablespoons
• Refined sugar - 1 tablespoon

Single-Step Method: Mix all the ingredients in a bowl

• Mix brown sugar, refined sugar, lemon juice, and olive oil.
• You may increase or decrease the quantity of the ingredients to get the desired consistency.

For best results, use this scrub 2 to 3 times a week. You can store the scrub for up to 2 months.

#Nails

Method 1: Grow Nails

Olive oil is packed with the goodness of several nutrients such as vitamins E and K. These help in strengthening your nails and improving their texture. Keeping your nails well-moisturized is essential for nail growth. Olive oil keeps them moisturized and nourished.

Things you’ll need:

• Olive oil
• Paper towel

Single-Step Method: Soak your nails in warm olive oil for about 15 minutes

• Warm olive oil.
• Soak your nails in the oil for at least 15 minutes.
• Remove your fingers from the bowl and massage the oil on your nails and cuticles.
• Use a paper towel to wipe off the excess oil.

You may use this remedy once a day.

Method 2: Nail Paint Drying

Applying nail polish is not at all easy. Painting your nails in perfect strokes without smudging the lacquer over your cuticles and fingers is just the first part of the process. Once that is done, you need to put your life on hold for a few minutes to allow the nail paint to dry! To be honest, flapping your hands and blowing on your nail doesn’t quite do the job.

Olive oil helps dry freshly painted nails in a matter of seconds and is great for the skin.

Single-Step Method: Dip your nails in olive oil

• Take enough olive oil in a bowl to soak your fingernails.
• Dip your painted nails in the oil for 2-3 seconds.
• Wipe off excess olive oil.

Tips

• Always choose high-quality olive oil for skin and nails, that is free from chemicals and additives.
• It is not recommended to expose the olive oil to excess light or heat.
• Olive oil remedies may not work well for those with sensitive skin, oily skin, and other skin conditions.
• If you are a DIY fan, you can also prepare a homemade cream for dark circles and wrinkles.