Did you know that the beneficial properties of extra virgin olive oil can protect your skin from UV rays?
The sun is our primary source of life on Earth, but its light, so beneficial, also poses dangers, especially to our skin. Sunlight is composed of several types of rays, including ultraviolet (UV) rays. These invisible rays can damage the skin, causing sunburn, premature aging, and increasing the risk of cancer.
Scientific studies have shown that the compounds present in olive leaf extract can prevent skin changes typical of acute exposure to UVB rays . Topical application of olive oil also provides a lipid barrier that helps mitigate the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, proving to be a valuable ally for the skin of cancer patients.
The olive tree , with its leaves and its precious oil, represents a natural resource rich in beneficial properties for the skin.
Olive leaf extract has been shown to prevent damage caused by UVB rays, while olive oil, thanks to its emollient and protective action, may be useful in counteracting the side effects of cancer treatments.
What are the effects of UV rays on the skin?
Sunlight, composed of ultraviolet rays (UVA, UVB and UVC) , visible infrared rays, has a significant impact on our skin.
While UVC rays are filtered by the atmosphere, UVA and UVB rays penetrate the epidermis, causing premature aging, sunburn, and increasing the risk of skin cancer.
UVA and UVB rays induce inflammation, damage DNA, and stimulate the production of free radicals.
To recap:
- the most dangerous, UVC , are fortunately filtered by the Earth's atmosphere
- UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, causing long-term tanning and contributing to skin aging.
- UVB rays, on the other hand, are responsible for sunburn and play an important role in the development of some types of skin cancer, such as melanoma.
Prolonged and repeated exposure to these radiations increases the risk of melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, as well as other diseases such as cataracts and keratosis.
For this reason, it is always advisable to protect your skin, avoid exposure during the hours when the sun is at its strongest, and always apply after-sun lotion.
What are the health risks associated with UV exposure?
Skin tumors:
- Melanoma: The most aggressive and deadly type of skin cancer, often associated with severe sunburn during childhood.
- Basal cell carcinoma: The most common type of skin cancer, it grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: A tumor that grows more rapidly than basal cell carcinoma and can metastasize.
Eye damage:
- Cataract: Clouding of the lens of the eye that can lead to blindness.
- Pterygium: Abnormal growth of the conjunctiva that can cover the cornea.
- Macular degeneration: Destruction of cells in the macula, the central part of the retina, leading to loss of central vision.
Premature skin aging:
- Wrinkles: UV radiation degrades collagen and elastin, causing wrinkles to form.
- Sunspots: Hyperpigmentation of the skin due to increased melanin production.
- Skin laxity: Loss of elasticity and tone of the skin.
Suppression of the immune system:
- Increased susceptibility to infections: UV rays can weaken the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to infections.
Other pathologies:
- Actinic keratosis: Precancerous lesions that can develop into squamous cell carcinoma.
- Sunburn: Acute skin damage caused by excessive exposure to UV rays.
- Cold sore reactivation: Exposure to UV rays can weaken the immune system and cause cold sores to recur.
But what does extra virgin olive oil have to do with UV rays?
Fortunately, nature comes to our aid with a simple and effective remedy: extra virgin olive oil. This precious elixir, besides being a fundamental ingredient of the Mediterranean diet, possesses beneficial properties for the skin. Thanks to the presence of antioxidants such as oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, olive oil can protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays. These antioxidants act as true "scavengers of free radicals," unstable molecules that damage skin cells.
The phenolic compounds found in olives, such as oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, play a key role in protecting the skin from UV rays. These powerful antioxidants act on multiple levels: they absorb a portion of ultraviolet rays, neutralize free radicals produced by the interaction between UV rays and the skin, and stimulate cellular repair mechanisms. Thanks to these properties, olive phenolic compounds are considered valuable allies in the prevention of premature skin aging and skin cancer.
How to use olive oil?
- Direct Application: You can apply a small amount of olive oil to your skin after sun exposure to soothe and moisturize.
- Nutritional supplements: Taking olive oil supplements can provide internal protection.
- Cosmetics: Many cosmetic products, such as creams and lotions, contain olive oil or its derivatives.
Extra virgin olive oil is an excellent ally for skin health , but it is not a substitute for sunscreen.
It is always advisable to use a sunscreen with a high protection factor (SPF) and follow the instructions on the package.
Extra virgin olive oil, thanks to its antioxidant and hydrating properties, is a precious ally in protecting the skin from damage caused by UV rays.
However, it is important to remember that proper sun exposure, combined with good sun protection, is essential for maintaining healthy, radiant skin.
