Whether drizzled on a Caprese salad or used to create the perfect plate of pasta, olive oil is a delicious accompaniment to every meal. But this kitchen cupboard staple has so much more to offer, namely when it comes to your beauty regime.
In fact, olive oil has been used for its beauty-boosting abilities for centuries (Cleopatra used to bathe in it) and can be used to cure both a multitude of skin issues and hair woes.
We've rounded up a few of the benefits of the miracle oil...
IT'S FULL OF ANTIOXIDANTS
"Olive oil contains three major antioxidants - Vitamin E, polyphenols and phytosterols," says Caroline Artiss, author of Natural Beauty Mask: And Other Homemade Scrubs and Lotions .
Antioxidants are essential in the battle against free-radical damage from environmental aggressors (think pollution, UV rays and everyday stress), which causes premature ageing, lacklustre tone and congested skin.
IT CAN BE USED EVERYWHERE
From the ends of your hair to help seal and nourish dry strands and split ends, to treating cracked heels in time for summer sandals, olive oil is the ideal remedy for all areas of your body. We love massaging it into nail beds to soften cuticles and prevent dehydrated nail beds.
IT CAN BE MIXED WITH OTHER INGREDIENTS
Release the science-geek within and mix up some of your own beauty products using olive oil.
Some of our favourite concoctions include an exfoliator sugar scrub - the oil will keep the skin moisturised, while the sugar granules will lift any dead skin cells - and a damage-defying hair mask (try it with banana for scalp care or oats for volume).
IT WON'T CLOG UP PORES
Prone to breakouts? Don't worry, olive oil is totally non-comedogenic, meaning it won't block up your pores or cause spots so everyone can enjoy its wondrous benefits.
IT'S STILL GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT
"Olive oil is packed full of mono-unsaturated fats, phenols, polyphenols and Vitamin E so is known for its cardio-protective and anti-inflammatory properties," says Nutritionist Grace Barnes.
"The high antioxidant content also helps to counterbalance oxidative damage of all of the body's cells, so helps with overall health, too."
Read more about skin-loving oils with the GLAMOUR round up of the best face oils out now.
