Dealing with oily skin is no easy task—watching your face get shinier throughout the day can be frustrating. So, the idea of putting olive oil on already oily skin might sound odd. Oil for oily skin? It feels backward.
But olive oil may actually help manage excess oil and reduce acne. It works by balancing your skin’s natural oil levels and may even calm irritation. While it might seem counterproductive, using olive oil the right way could support healthier, clearer skin over time.
Why Olive Oil Works for Oily Skin
Olive oil may seem like an unlikely choice for oily skin, but its natural properties make it surprisingly effective. Here’s why this lightweight oil can be beneficial for greasy or acne-prone skin:
- It acts as a natural moisturizer, helping to lock in hydration and calm overactive sebaceous glands, which may reduce excess oil production.
- Packed with antioxidants, olive oil supports skin repair and protection, keeping your complexion clear and healthy.
- Its antibacterial properties help fight acne-causing bacteria, a common concern for oily skin types.
- Olive oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn’t clog pores. Instead, it helps dissolve buildup—like dead skin, excess sebum, and bacteria—leaving your skin purified and refreshed.
When used properly, olive oil can gently balance oily skin and help keep breakouts in check.
How to Use Olive Oil for Oily Skin
While it may seem unusual, applying olive oil the right way can actually help balance excess oil, reduce breakouts, and hydrate your skin naturally. Just make sure you’re using cold-pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil, as many cooking oils are mixed with pore-clogging ingredients that may cause breakouts.
1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) for Oily Skin
You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Method:
- Wash and cleanse your face thoroughly.
- Gently pat dry with a towel.
- Apply olive oil using your fingertips and massage in circular motions for 2–3 minutes.
- Leave the oil on overnight.
- Rinse off with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water the next morning.
How Often:
Daily
Why It Works:
This method helps cleanse the skin, unclog pores, and calm inflammation, thanks to the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil.
2. Castor Oil and Olive Oil Blend
You’ll Need:
- 1 tsp Castor Oil
- 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Method:
- Cleanse your face and pat it dry.
- Mix the oils and apply the blend to your face.
- Massage gently for a few minutes and leave it on overnight.
- Wash it off with a cleanser and lukewarm water in the morning.
How Often:
Daily
Why It Works:
This oil blend offers deep hydration, which helps balance oily skin. Avoid this method if your skin is sensitive, as castor oil can be too intense for some skin types.
3. Honey, Lemon, and Olive Oil Mask
You’ll Need:
- 1 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tbsp Raw Honey
Method:
- Mix all ingredients until smooth.
- Gently warm the mixture using a double boiler method.
- Apply to your face like a mask and leave on for 15–20 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water, followed by cool water.
How Often:
1–2 times per week
Why It Works:
This mask helps brighten the skin and lock in moisture while calming breakouts and evening out your complexion.
4. Sugar and Olive Oil Face Scrub
You’ll Need:
- 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Sugar
Method:
- Mix the ingredients into a coarse scrub.
- Apply and gently exfoliate your skin in circular motions.
- Let the mixture sit for 5 more minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
How Often:
2–3 times per week
Why It Works:
This gentle scrub removes dead skin without triggering oil overproduction, leaving your skin smooth and refreshed.
5. Olive Oil and Lemon Juice Cleanser
You’ll Need:
- 1 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- ½ tsp Lemon Juice
Method:
- Mix well and apply to your face.
- Massage in circular motions for a few minutes.
- Leave on for 5–7 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
How Often:
Daily
Why It Works:
Lemon juice helps minimize pores and control shine, while olive oil hydrates and soothes without clogging pores.
These olive oil remedies are simple yet effective ways to manage oily skin naturally. Incorporate them into your skincare routine consistently, and remember to always patch test before trying a new method.