Olive Oil: Great on the Palate and the Skin

Olives and olive oil in the evening olive grove.

Considered “liquid gold” by the ancient Greeks, the same still holds true today. It’s not only readily available, it also contains three major antioxidants: Vitamin E, Polyphenols and Phytosterols. Antioxidants, when topically applied, may help protect the skin from premature skin aging.

• Vitamin E partly accounts for the anti-aging benefits of olive oil because it helps restore skin smoothness and protects against ultraviolet light.
• Hydroxytyrosol, a rather rare compound found in olive oil, prevents free radical damage to the skin.
• Noncomedogenic, olive oil penetrates deeply into the skin while providing a cleansing effect.
• Exfoliates effectively because of its deep penetrating action. When used with a mild abrasive such as sea salt it will remove dead skin cells and leave the skin looking refreshed.
• Useful in general beauty regimen. Use it for the care of nails and cuticles and as an eye makeup remover. It can be used in place of shaving cream and as an aftershave.