From cooking to beauty, (it can even be used in coffee !) Did you know that extra virgin olive oil can also be used as a special ingredient in making soap?
Is extra virgin olive oil soap good for your skin?
Since extra virgin olive oil is a natural and healthy component of any beauty regimen , it is a great addition to soap:
- contains antioxidants and essential fatty acids which are important for maintaining healthy skin and fighting free radicals that lead to aging and other skin conditions;
- It is rich in natural moisturizers that protect the skin from dryness, which is especially important in the cold winter months when it needs an extra boost of hydration to combat the harsh winds and low humidity;
- Compared to other soaps, it is able to moisturize dry skin without leaving an oily residue, it can be used as a daily cleanser without worrying about clogging pores.
The most famous soap made with extra virgin olive oil is Castile or Castilian soap.
Castile soap is a cold-process soap made with 100% extra virgin olive oil.
Why is it called Castile Soap ?
Olive oil soap originated in the Castile region of present-day Spain, where extra virgin olive oil is produced. It was renowned for its high-quality soap during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
Extra virgin olive oil soaps often have a softer lather than other types of cold process soap, but the longer it hardens, the better its cleaning power will be.
If you are in doubt and wondering whether it is possible to use oil soap on your face , the answer is yes!
The antioxidants present in extra virgin olive oil make this type of soap ideal for the face .
Olive oils are especially beneficial for people with dry or aging skin because they contain antioxidants that help maintain a radiant complexion without clogging pores.
How to make homemade soap with extra virgin olive oil
Making natural soap at home is simple and very rewarding.
To make a DIY soap with extra virgin olive oil, we suggest combining its properties with those of almonds: perfect for leaving the skin soft and smooth.
To make your soaps you will need:
- 300 g of pure Marseille soap
- 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 250 g almonds (unpeeled)
- water to taste
Procedure:
- Grate the soap and place it in a bain-marie, leaving it to cook gently for about a quarter of an hour, stirring.
- Separately, chop the almonds
- Combine the completely softened soap with the ground almonds and the extra virgin olive oil, mixing evenly.
- You are ready to prepare your favorite molds: sprinkle with talcum powder (necessary to be able to easily remove the soap once ready) and add the soap
- Let them cool and when they have solidified you can extract your soaps
- Place them on some paper towels and let them dry further (avoiding direct heat sources) for about 6 days, turning them often to dry them in all areas.
What are the skin benefits of extra virgin olive oil soap?
Thanks to the natural benefits that extra virgin olive oil has on the skin, it is an ideal cleanser choice for various skin conditions.
Here are some of the most common benefits of using it regularly.
- It's a perfect moisturizer : it can help hydrate dry skin and give it a healthy, vibrant glow. The natural oils in this soap also leave skin smooth and soft because it has a natural ability to retain moisture, which can help with dry, chapped, or cracked skin. Not only does it moisturize, but it helps protect skin from the elements and cold.
- It's a gentle makeup remover : it helps remove makeup gently, without drying out the skin or leaving residue. This makes it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin, as it doesn't irritate the face like other soaps can.
- It soothes eczema and psoriasis, offering relief. Many people who use this type of soap have been shown to experience relief from symptoms such as itching, redness, and dryness.
- It is suitable and delicate for all skin types : it is not aggressive even on the most sensitive skin, including a baby's skin.
- It is hypoallergenic : there is no need to worry about adverse skin reactions that can be caused by harsh detergents found in many soaps
- It can also help with acne because this type of oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It can therefore clear up breakouts and help prevent future recurrences. The oil doesn't clog pores but keeps them clean and clear so they can begin to heal. Pairing extra virgin olive oil soaps with an essential oil like tea tree oil is an excellent way to combat skin problems.
- It's anti-aging ! Thanks to the high antioxidant content in extra virgin olive oil, it can help protect the skin from free radicals, which contribute to aging. It's also rich in oleic acid and polyphenols, which offer anti-aging benefits such as reducing the appearance of wrinkles and age spots.
- Soothes sunburn : Antioxidants and fatty acids can help soothe sunburn and reduce redness. Additionally, its moisturizing properties can help reduce the risk of flaking and discomfort.
Additionally, extra virgin olive oil soap helps replenish the oils our skin loses as we age, leaving it healthy and nourished. In fact, extra virgin olive oil soap is naturally rich in vitamins A and E, which play a role in maintaining healthy skin and help stimulate the growth of new cells.
The oil restores the skin's natural shine and can also improve its health, making it smoother and brighter.
Extra virgin olive oil is also fat-soluble , meaning it can penetrate the layers of the skin and ensure that vitamins A and E are delivered where they need to go.
The oil's fatty acid content makes it an excellent choice for soothing dry, irritated skin.
