Sophia Loren bathed in it, JLo claimed to moisturise her face with it and even Brazilian beauty Gisele Bundchen reportedly uses it as a hair conditioner on her signature locks. In addition to the fact that olive oil has been a staple of many a classic Mediterranean meal for millennia, here’s why olive leaf extract in skin care is also having a moment.
Olive leaf extract explained
Fans of olive oil (whether they ingest it or apply it to their skin) have long touted the benefits of adding the fresh juice of the olive fruit into their diets and skin care regimes.
However, an even more potent option is available in olive leaf extract, which contains a higher quantity and variety of polyphenols than those found in EVOO.
This may explain why Weleda recently introduced the ingredient into their new Skin Food Nourishing Day Cream, with Weleda Naturopath Liezel Barnard revealing some of the key benefits below.
Anti everything! Starting with anti-inflammatory
Olive leaf extract has the capacity to support a number of skin concerns, from acne to ageing and all the stops in between, with Liezel shining the spot light on olive leaf extract’s myriad benefits for a range of skin conditions.
“To start, it has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce skin redness, irritation, and inflammation. This can benefit individuals with sensitive skin.”
Onto antioxidants and age revitalisation
Beyond this, olive leaf extract also contains compounds like polyphenols, flavonoids, and oleuropein, which are powerful antioxidants.
These antioxidants can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, pollution, and UV radiation. Such damage may lead to premature aging and various skin problems.
The antioxidants found in olive leaf extract show promise in diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, rendering it a potential ingredient in age revitalising skin care products. Additionally, they can stimulate collagen production – a crucial factor for those who wish to maintain skin elasticity and keep it firm.
Olive leaf extract is also anti-bacterial
Finally, (and as if that all weren’t enough!) according to Liezel “the anti-microbial properties of olive leaf extract may help in the management of acne by calming red, angry, inflamed skin and combatting the growth of acne causing bacteria.”
And so, while the Weleda brand has never needed much introduction, the bonus benefits it now delivers through the addition of the humble olive leaf extract to its iconic iconic skin food range is literally a little more food for thought for those looking for natural skin care solutions!
