Sunny Health

Yet while celebrities and socialites are papering their faces in gold for healthier skin, much to the envy of the greater majority, the goodness of nature’s “liquid gold”, a far more economical alternative, seems to be forgotten.

Olive oil contains many health and beauty benefits. Apart from being an exceedingly healthy alternative to saturated oil for cooking, it is also a natural skin moisturizer, repairs damaged hair, reportedly effective for clearing acne, amongst many others.

Do you know that this wondrous oil has also proven to reduce the likelihood of skin cancer? In the Mediterranean countries like Greece, only three in every 100,000 people develop skin cancer, this despite the fact that these countries are also famous for their sunny beaches. Mediterranean diets are renowned for containing fresh produce rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help the body to build up resistance against the ultra violet radiation in the sun’s rays. Olive oil is the only vegetable oil that can be consumed raw, which means that it retains all its nutrients and vitamins. It contains mono-unsaturated fatty acids which are high in antioxidants.

A short term study conducted by Japanese researchers on mice back in 2000 also suggested that high quality olive oil may reduce the risk of skin cancer. In the experiment, bald mice were exposed to a sunlamp, and olive oil was applied to the skins of some, better quality oil for another group, and no oil for the placebo. The placebo group developed tumour the earliest, while those who had the protection of olive oil developed tumours later than projected. Other specific studies suggest olive oil might have a hand in reducing breast cancer and bowel cancer.

As many studies require more indepth research, and have not been performed on humans for obvious reasons, that is not to say that olive oil should completely replace professionally manufactured sun block meant for protecting the skin against the sun. It does however show that there is some basis to the preventive qualities of olive oil. If you do not apply sunblock indoors, consider applying extra virgin oil to soothe your skin from any mild UV rays indoors. If anything, it doubles as a non-chemical moisturiser, and is a popular home remedy for acne.

However, make sure you use fresh olive oil that has not expired, and it has to be extra virgin oil, not any old inpure olive oil; these might have little effect or worst, damage your skin. In addition, olive oil loses its health benefits when cooked, so it is best consumed raw, such as as a salad dressing.

The days are getting hotter and sunnier in Singapore. One more good reason to include more olive oil in your diet in place of other fattier, oily foods like butter and animal oil!

When humongous blobs of snowy white foam invaded Choa Chu Kang early this week, residents had mixed reactions. Fascination was a common feeling as many people took out their camera phones to snap the bizarre phenomenon. For some, Christmas had arrived early as they began jumping in the foam and having their private foam party. Others frowned and made their unhappiness known through public complaint letters.

The latter may not have much sense of fun, but they have not worried unduly. Detergents and soaps that have not been made for skin, unlike our body shampoos and the foams at New Year foam parties, can cause skin problems. In less severe cases of exposure, the skin may present some redness and feel a little itchy. This sensation goes away after washing with water and respite from the chemicals.

However, in severe cases where contact is frequent, or there is an existing skin condition like sensitive skin, dermatitis or eczema, the skin may swell and blister, and feel irritated and painful. Perspiring aggravates the problem, as it may cause chemical reactions with the skin irritants from the detergents, leading to extreme rash and redness. This is also why homemakers and dishwashers who frequently come into close contact with detergents often experience skin discomforts on the hands.

For mild or one-off exposure, washing your skin thoroughly with water should solve the problem. If there is mild rash or itching, you can get over-the-counter ointments from the pharmacy to alleviate the inflammation. You can also apply a clean, cold compress to your skin to provide temporary relief for the itching. If the discomfort and redness are severe, go to the doctor for professional help.

If you have to touch detergents or any sort of washing liquid often, invest in a good pair of rubber gloves. Some people have said that the rubber gloves hinder their work and would rather do without them. In that case, you either need to get a pair of fitting gloves, or simply get used to them. Skin injuries would hinder you more otherwise!