Olive + M Founder Mariska Talks Oil-Based Skincare

Over the last several weeks, I have been using cleansing and face oils from OLIVE + M. My skin is combination to oily and these two products have been game changers. My face no longer produces as much oil as it used to and my skin feels wonderfully hydrated throughout the day.

When I first heard about oil-based skincare, my immediate reaction was that it wasn’t for me… the last thing I needed was more oil on my face!

But the more I learned and the more I used it, the more I’m recommending these products to all my friends. They are seriously amazing, and I haven’t even used them all. I have my eye on the Face Polish next!

I thought I’d ask OLIVE + M founder, Mariska Nicholson, to give us the scoop on this skincare approach and how it can make a huge difference for people with all skin types.

Tell us about how OLIVE + M was started, and what sparked you to start your own business?

OLIVE + M was created out of a desire to provide people of all ages and skin types with an honest, simple and effective skin care line that’s designed to hydrate, repair and protect skin. I had been using oil on my skin for years so all of these formulas were really me wanting to educate and share the powerful properties of plant based oils with others.

Give us the scoop on oil-based skincare. There’s been so much buzz about this approach and yet, there’s still a lot of people that think it may not be for them.

I like to compare what you are putting in your body to what you are putting on your body. Its a simple way to help people understand the benefits of the plant based oil. We all rush to the farmers market to get the freshest and juiciest produce to eat and that is what you get when you apply the oils to your skin.

Each bottle of OLIVE + M is packed with all natural, cold pressed, plant-based oil blends that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, omegas and amino acids. The lightweight formulas absorb quickly into the skin without leaving any residue. Instead, it leaves you with a subtle glow and velvety soft skin. It is literally food for your face; the farmers market in a bottle.

Will oil-based skincare work for all skin types?

Yes. That said, you have to be your own scientist with the oils and see what your skin wants. I find when people tell me they have oily skin they are using products to “combat the oil.”  Your skin produces oil as a protective barrier and so when you strip it of that layer with harsh cleansers you are sending your skin into overdrive and it produces more and more. The oils will actually balance your skin’s ecosystem beautifully. It does take some time when you make the transition to oils for your skin to balance out so patience and trial are essential!

What kind of oils/ingredients do you use and what are some of the benefits we can expect?

There are so many wonderful plant based oils in the formulas but here is the 411 on a few and why we choose them.

Olive Oil is the base of all of our formulas. Because of the low comedogenic level of olive oil, it can be used on all skin types, from extremely dry to acne prone. Olive oil is very close to the skin’s natural sebum, therefore it absorbs easily into the skin, while drawing in moisture and creating a protective barrier.

Rose Hip Seed Oil is well known for its ability to treat dry, dehydrated and damaged skin. It is high in essential fatty acids and antioxidants like vitamin C, and has a therapeutic concentration of vitamin A. This makes rose hip seed oil ideal for treating wrinkles and slowing the aging process, while targeting problems such as scarring, discoloration and skin damage from environmental factors like pollution & UV rays.

Avocado Oil’s nutrient and antioxidant rich properties include vitamins A, B, D and E, high levels of essential fatty acids, chlorophyll, lecithin and potassium, which boost collagen production in the skin and fade age spots. It also contains high concentrations of palmitoleic acid, a fatty acid already present in the skin. When applied to the skin, avocado oil is easily recognized and absorbed deep into the skin’s layers. The fatty acids found in avocado oil are natural anti-inflammatories as well, making it good for more sensitive skin.

Rich in vitamins A, D and E, Sunflower Seed Oil absorbs deeply into the skin, and its highly nourishing and conditioning properties make it great for dry, weathered and dehydrated skin. It is high in vitamin E, an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, keeping them from destroying and damaging healthy cells. In addition, sunflower seed oil contains powerful skin cell regenerating properties while softening wrinkles and preventing premature aging.

Will the facial oil provide sufficient hydration, or do you require an additional cream or moisturizer?

You do not need to follow with a cream or moisturizer, the face oil would replace one of those.

Are there any additional products you recommend we incorporate?

Yes. Our products play well with others!! The face oil is actually a great vehicle to “piggyback” serums deep into the lipid layer when applied after the oil. I personally use a Vitamin C serum and a hyaluronic acid every morning after I apply the oil. Vitamin C for added antioxidant protection and the hyaluronic acid to boost hydration.

For those who want to give it a go, which products should they start with?

The Face Oil was the first formula I created so I do play a little favoritism with her! Let’s just say that she is the matriarch but all of her children are winners! No bad apples here!!

Cleansing with oil is a game changer too. The result is clean skin that is also hydrated and glowing. When we get people to “give it a go” its transforming for them and they are so grateful and then I am so grateful and to me, that’s what makes the world go round!

Thanks so much Mariska! I adore these products and I can’t wait to see more people fall in love with them too!

Thank you for this opportunity chat with you, Vilma! Love and Hugs! M.