Olive oil for acne and scars, how effective is it?

Apart from being used as a cooking ingredient, olive oil is also known as a way to get rid of acne naturally. In fact, olive oil is also believed to fade acne scars. Check out the facts here.

Olive oil content

Olive oil is a natural oil that is extracted from olives. About 14% of this oil content is saturated fat, while the other 11% is unsaturated oils, such as omega-3 and omega-6.

Olive oil also contains oleic acid, which is the main fatty acid that includes unsaturated fats. This oleic acid makes up about 73% of the total oil content.

The oleic acid present in olive oil has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body. This was revealed in the research from Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity.

In fact, these anti-inflammatory properties are also mediated by antioxidants, namely oleocants which are said to work like ibuprofen. The strong antioxidant content in olive oil also helps reduce free radicals in the body.

Can olive oil be used for acne?

Acne is a skin disease that can occur to anyone due to clogged pores by dead skin cells and excess oil production.

If the two causes of acne meet with bacteria and infect the blockage, the acne can become infected and cause pain. Some people say that olive oil can reduce the inflammation.

In fact, until now there has been no research that proves that olive oil can be used as a natural acne remedy. Despite its anti-inflammatory properties, research on olive oil so far has focused on internal organs such as the heart.

Therefore, it is not certain that olive oil has benefits for facial and skin acne and scars. However, it doesn't hurt to try the properties of this oil once it is approved by your doctor.

Benefits of olive oil for skin

Although it is not yet known whether olive oil can be used as a natural acne remedy, this ingredient is quite useful for removing makeup scars on the face.

Generally, natural oils, such as olive oil, can be used as skin care products. In fact, this oil can also be used to remove make-up in the eyes.

This will help prevent pimples from appearing afterward. The reason is, cleaning the face with olive oil does not dry out the skin so that it forces the skin to produce more oil.

This condition may be different when compared to alcohol-based cleansers which can dry out the face. Skin that produces too much oil can clog pores, triggering acne breakouts.

If you are compatible with this vitamin and antioxidant-rich oil, use it sparingly and not too often.

However, each product has its own composition and purity. As a result, this composition is a determining factor whether your skin type is suitable or not when using olive oil.

If you experience skin irritation, such as rashes and itching, after using olive oil for acne, you should stop using it.

Olive oil side effects for skin

Even though it is said to have a myriad of benefits that are good for the skin, it does not mean that olive oil has no side effects. There are a number of risks and side effects that can occur when using olive oil for the skin, especially those with acne.

Clogged pores

One of the side effects that can occur when using olive oil on the skin is that it can clog pores. Olive oil is an oil that is a comedogenic product. This means that these products can clog pores and cause acne.

Therefore, using olive oil for acne actually risks growing more pimples.

Breaks down the natural skin barrier

Who would have thought that using olive oil for the skin could actually weaken the natural barrier of human skin? This condition can occur because the high levels of oleic acid in olive oil can damage the outer layer of the skin.

If the skin barrier is weakened, the skin may become drier and possibly cause breakouts. Even so, this doesn't happen to everyone.

Research published in the journal Pediatric Dermatology reported that the use of olive oil for dry skin owners is not recommended. The reason is, the content of oleic acid can cause redness and damage to the outer layer of the skin.

Triggers eczema

For children who are at risk for eczema (atopic dermatitis) it is advisable not to use olive oil.

This is because oleic acid can decrease the barrier function of the skin, which is problematic for people who are prone to eczema. If used, of course people who are at risk will experience eczema more easily.

Tips for safe using olive oil for skin

Olive oil has not been proven to be effective in getting rid of acne naturally. However, you can still use it as a makeup remover with the notes below.

• Use pure olive oil without any mixture.
• Rinse the olive oil immediately with soap and water after use.
• Do not let the oil sit on the facial skin overnight.
• Make sure there is no oil and soap residue on the face.

That way, you can avoid the risk of blackheads and other types of acne. If you have further questions, please consult with your doctor to find the right solution.