Ask Dr. Schultz
Extra virgin olive oil for dry skin?
My question is that I have heard a lot of things about the moisturizing benefits of extra virgin olive oil being applied to the face.. I’ve got fairly dry skin and with the winter fast approaching its sure to become even worse. I was wondering what the facts really are regarding this because some articles I have read make it seem like a miracle product! Thank you for your time
Dry skin is caused by not having enough water (moisture) in your skin. Water (sweat glands) make water in and on your skin. Oil glands make oil and have nothing to do with water/sweat glands.
If your skin is dry you need a moisturizer (with water), not oil and not an “oilizer.” Putting any oil on your skin (even the finest extra virgin olive oil) at best may hold in a tiny bit of your own natural water but is much more apt to clog pores and cause acne breakouts and folliculitis. What dry skin needs is an oil free, water based moisturizer. Beware of any oil based products.