There is no question that there are a lot of benefits to olive oil massages.
Not only does a massage with olive oil feel great, but it can also help improve your overall health.
However, there are also some side effects that you should be aware of before you book your next appointment or reach for the olive oil in your home.
In this blog post, we will discuss the side effects of olive oil massages and how to avoid them.
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Side Effects of Olive Oil Massage
The most common side effect of an olive oil massage is skin irritation.
This is because olive oil can cause your skin to become more sensitive and some people naturally have allergies to it.
If you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid using olive oil or test it on a small area of your skin before using it all over your body.
Another side effect of olive oil massages is that they can make your skin feel more oily than usual.
If you have oily skin, you may want to avoid olive oil massages or use a light touch when applying the oil.
You should also be sure to wash your hands after an olive oil massage so that you don’t transfer the oil to your face or other areas of your body.
Lastly, olive oil massages can sometimes cause acne.
This is because the oil can clog pores and trap dirt and bacteria on the skin.
If you are prone to acne, you may want to avoid olive oil massages altogether.
How to Lessen the Side Effects of An Olive Oil Massage
There are a few things you can do to lessen the side effects of an olive oil massage.
If you have sensitive skin, I recommend you try using a different oil such as jojoba or almond oil.
These oils are less likely to cause irritation and are just as effective at moisturizing the skin.
If you have oily skin, be sure to use a light touch when applying the oil and wash your hands afterward.
You can also try using a different oil altogether such as grapeseed or coconut oil.
These oils are less likely to clog pores and cause acne.
The bottom line is that if the benefits do not outweigh the side effects you’re experiencing, don’t use olive oil.
There are plenty of other oils that will be much more enjoyable and beneficial.
Can Olive Oil Damage Your Skin?
Now that we’ve discussed the side effects of olive oil massages, you may be wondering if olive oil can actually damage your skin.
The answer is yes, olive oil can damage your skin.
If you have sensitive or dry skin, or suffer from an existing skin condition, using olive oil can further damage your skin.
If you have any doubts about whether or not olive oil is right for you, I recommend speaking to a dermatologist or skin care professional.
Does Olive Oil Darken Skin?
Another common question I get asked is whether or not olive oil darkens skin.
The answer to this question is no, olive oil will not darken your skin.
Olive oil can actually help improve the appearance of your skin by making it softer and more supple, but it doesn’t darken it.
What Are the Disadvantages of Olive Oil for Skin?
While there are many benefits to using olive oil on your skin, there are also some disadvantages.
The main disadvantage of olive oil is that it can be very messy.
If you’re not careful, olive oil can end up all over your clothes and furniture and it’s incredibly difficult to remove!
It can also be difficult to remove from your skin and another disadvantage of olive oil is that it can be quite greasy.
If you have oily skin, using olive oil can actually make your skin oilier and cause breakouts.
Lastly, olive oil is a natural product which means it doesn’t last as long as other commercial products.
You will need to replace it more often and it can go bad if not stored properly.
Related – Side effects of cupping therapy and massage explained.
How to Store Olive Oil
If you do decide to use olive oil on your skin, it’s important to know how to store it properly.
Olive oil should be stored in a cool, dark place and used within six months of opening.
You should also keep the bottle tightly sealed when not in use to prevent the oil from going bad.
If you notice the olive oil has changed color or texture, or if it smells bad, throw it away.
It’s also a good idea to keep olive oil away from heat sources as heat can cause the oil to go rancid.
Header Photo by jonathan ocampo on Unsplash
I’m a MA, (CMT) Certified Massage Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), and Reiki Master — I’m a licensed massage therapist with over 10 years of experience in the industry.