How to Use Extra Virgin Body Soap: Benefits for Skin and Everyday Care

Quick Answer

Use extra virgin body soap daily in the shower or bath, lathering directly on damp skin and rinsing thoroughly. It's especially beneficial for dry or sensitive skin because the olive oil helps nourish while cleansing, leaving skin soft without stripping natural moisture.

If you've ever stepped out of the shower with that tight, uncomfortable feeling, your soap might be the culprit. Many conventional bars strip away natural oils, leaving skin dry and irritated. Extra virgin body soap offers a gentler alternative, using the same olive oil that's prized in your kitchen to cleanse and nourish your skin at the same time.

In this guide, we'll walk through how to use extra virgin body soap for the best results, explore its benefits, and share practical tips for getting the most out of this natural body care staple.

Why Olive Oil Soap Is Different

Olive oil soap stands apart from regular soap because of its high content of healthy fats, particularly oleic acid. These fats help maintain the skin's natural barrier, locking in moisture and preventing the dryness that often comes with harsher cleansers. The result is a clean that feels comfortable, not tight.

Kosterina's Extra Virgin Body Soap is crafted with their signature extra virgin olive oil from Greece, combined with clean ingredients and a subtle lemon and lavender scent. It's free from parabens, phthalates, petroleum, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances, making it a solid choice for anyone looking to simplify their body care routine.

• Look for soaps with olive oil listed near the top of the ingredient list for a higher concentration.
• Avoid soaps with synthetic fragrances if you have sensitive skin—natural scents like lemon and lavender are gentler.

How to Use Extra Virgin Body Soap: Step-by-Step

Using olive oil soap is simple, but a few adjustments can make a big difference. Start by wetting your skin with warm—not hot—water. Hot water can strip oils, so keep it lukewarm to preserve your skin's natural moisture.

Lather the soap directly onto your skin or into your hands, then massage in circular motions. Focus on areas that need extra care, like elbows, knees, and heels. Rinse thoroughly and pat your skin dry with a towel—avoid rubbing, which can irritate. Follow with a moisturizer if needed, especially in colder months.

• Use a loofah or washcloth if you prefer a richer lather, but don't scrub too hard.
• For a moisturizing boost, leave the lather on your skin for a minute before rinsing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is using too much soap or lathering multiple times. A single pass is enough—over-cleansing can strip your skin. Another is using hot water, which can undo the moisturizing benefits of the olive oil.

Also, avoid leaving the soap sitting in water. Store it on a well-draining dish so it doesn't dissolve quickly. And if you have very dry skin, pair your soap with a hydrating balm or oil after showering for extra nourishment.

• Don't use olive oil soap on broken or severely irritated skin—it's gentle but not a treatment.
• If you have eczema, patch test first and consult your dermatologist.

Your 5-Step Routine for Best Results

1. Step 1: Wet Your Skin with Warm Water: Start by wetting your skin with lukewarm water. Hot water strips natural oils, so keep it warm to preserve moisture. Checkpoint: Your skin should feel warm, not hot. If it feels tingly, adjust the temperature.
2. Step 2: Lather the Soap: Rub the bar between your hands or directly on your body to create a rich lather. Focus on areas that need extra cleansing. Checkpoint: If the lather feels too thin, add a little more water—don't use more soap.
3. Step 3: Massage Gently: Massage the lather into your skin using circular motions. This helps remove dirt and dead skin without harsh scrubbing. Checkpoint: Avoid scrubbing hard. Gentle pressure is enough to cleanse effectively.
4. Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse off all the soap with warm water. Leftover residue can cause irritation, so make sure you rinse well. Checkpoint: Run your hand over your skin—if it feels slippery, you haven't rinsed enough.
5. Step 5: Pat Dry and Moisturize: Pat your skin dry with a towel, then apply a moisturizer or body oil while your skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration. Checkpoint: For extra dry areas, use a balm like Kosterina's Extra Virgin Oil Balm for targeted nourishment.

Kosterina Extra Virgin Body Soap at a Glance

• Extra Virgin Body Soap: Crafted with our signature extra virgin olive oil from Greece, this luxurious handmade soap will leave your skin feeling clean, nourished and silky smooth. Made with all clean ingredients, it has a subtle scent, with fresh aromas of lemon and lavender meant to transport you to the Mediterranean seaside. Clean formulation, without any parabens, phtalates, petroleum, sulfates or synthetic fragrances. This soap cleanses without harsh chemicals, making it a great everyday option for dry or sensitive skin.
• Extra Virgin Oil Balm: Our Oil Balm provides the same burst of hydration as our face oil in a super convenient stick form. Perfect for your purse and a true nightstand necessity, our EVOO balm delivers grab-and-go nourishment to the places that need it most. This balm has comes in our subtle, signature lemon & lavender scent. Pair the balm with the soap for on-the-go hydration, especially on dry spots like elbows and cuticles.

Extra virgin body soap is a simple switch that can make a real difference for your skin. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you'll enjoy a clean that feels comfortable and nourished. Whether you're dealing with dry skin or just want a cleaner ingredient list, olive oil soap is a versatile addition to your everyday care routine.