SEOUL/HONG KONG – A beauty ritual endorsed by IVE member Jang Wonyoung has sparked a global frenzy, but what began as a glowing skincare revelation is now leaving a trail of angry pimples, mouth ulcers, and inflamed skin in its wake. The so-called “Olle Shot”—a daily dose of extra virgin olive oil mixed with fresh lemon juice consumed on an empty stomach—has divided the internet. While some early adopters swore by its anti-aging effects, a growing chorus of users on social media platforms like Xiaohongshu are reporting disastrous “flip-flop” results, with many claiming their skin has never looked worse. In an exclusive interview with U Food, Natural Plus Chief Nutritionist Kennie Siu breaks down why this extreme dietary shortcut may be doing more harm than good.
The Rise of the ‘Olle Shot’ Craze
It started with a simple revelation. Jang Wonyoung, a member of the K-pop sensation IVE, shared her personal morning routine with fans: upon waking, she downs a shot of high-quality extra virgin olive oil blended with freshly squeezed lemon juice. This mixture, dubbed the “Olle Shot” in Korea, quickly went viral. The logic appeared sound. Olive oil is packed with polyphenols, potent antioxidants that fight free radicals—the unstable molecules caused by UV rays, pollution, and aging that break down collagen and lead to wrinkles. Lemon juice, rich in Vitamin C, is a well-known collagen booster that helps maintain skin elasticity.
Initially, the results seemed promising. Dozens of online testimonials praised the shot for clearer, brighter skin. But the honeymoon period was short-lived.
When Beauty Turns to Breakouts
Within weeks, a wave of negative reports flooded social media. Users who had faithfully adopted the regimen began sharing photos of skin covered in inflamed acne, particularly around the jawline and ears. Others complained of painful, tiny bumps across their faces and recurring bouts of mouth ulcers, or “flying fat” as they are colloquially known.
Nutritionist Kennie Siu explains that these adverse reactions are not random—they are a textbook response to a shock to the digestive system. “Swallowing a significant amount of pure fat and strong citric acid on an empty stomach puts immense stress on the gut,” Siu told U Food. For individuals with even mild digestive sensitivity, this combination is difficult to process. This internal stress triggers a spike in cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, which in turn can cause acute acne flare-ups.
The mouth ulcers, she adds, are a separate but equally predictable issue. “Pure, undiluted lemon juice is highly acidic. It directly attacks the oral mucosa, stripping away its natural protective barrier. If there is even a micro-scratch inside the mouth, the acid will aggressively irritate it, often leading to painful ulcers.”
Three Groups Who Must Avoid This Trend
Kennie Siu is clear: while both ingredients are healthy in moderation, the “Olle Shot” is a dangerous extreme. She identifies three specific groups who should never attempt this practice:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Sufferers: The high acidity of lemon juice combined with the high fat content of olive oil can relax the esophageal sphincter and slow gastric emptying, dramatically worsening heartburn and acid reflux.
- Gallbladder Patients or Those with Bile Insufficiency: A sudden influx of pure fat on an empty stomach can trigger a painful contraction of the gallbladder, potentially leading to biliary colic or even moving gallstones.
- Individuals on Long-Term Medication: Fat can slow down the absorption of oral medications, while high doses of citric acid can interfere with the liver’s metabolism of certain drugs, including statins and antihistamines.
When asked if using only the highest-grade “extra virgin” oil would mitigate the risks, Siu was firm. “The problem is not the quality of the oil. The problem is the method. Drinking pure fat and acid in isolation, on an empty stomach, is a nutritional stress test that most bodies will fail.”
A Smarter, Safer Path to Skin Health
The good news is that you do not need to risk your health to reap the benefits of these ingredients. Siu recommends a gentler, scientifically sound approach. Start your day with a large glass of warm water infused with two slices of lemon. Later, during breakfast, incorporate one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil by drizzling it over scrambled eggs or whole-wheat toast. This method allows your body to digest the nutrients alongside other food, avoiding the shock to the gut.
Furthermore, Siu emphasizes that skin health is a holistic issue. “No single food can replace the need for a balanced diet, sleep, sun protection, and stress management. If you suspect a new food or drink is causing skin problems, stop using it immediately and consult a doctor or dietitian.”
As the “Olle Shot” craze continues to spread, Siu’s warning serves as a critical reminder: in the world of beauty, not every viral trend is a shortcut to perfection. Sometimes, the quickest path to glowing skin is simply the most balanced one.