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Olive oil skin care is nothing new. In fact, it is an ancient beauty secret.

Discovered over 5000 years ago, olive oil quickly became an essential component of skin care. The Egyptians (imagine the legendary Cleopatra), Greeks, Phoenicians, and Romans all took full advantage of this prized oil.

Today, we observe the beautiful skin of Mediterranean women. Many claim their secret is the oil of the tiny fruit.

The oil comes in several grades. Extra virgin is the least processed and the most beneficial.

Olive oil for skin care will...

• Promote a smooth, radiant complexion
• Help maintain elasticity of skin
• Heal dry, brittle nails and soften cuticles
• Condition and add shine to hair

Tasty, too...

To receive the full benefit of olive oil, don't limit it to external care. Take a cue from the Mediterranean culture... eat it! Incorporate this healthy oil regularly into your diet. You’ll enhance your health while improving the appearance of your skin.

Olive oil is high in antioxidants, including vitamin E. Antioxidants are nutritional powerhouses that protect against age-accelerating free radicals. The oil of this miraculous fruit will guard your body and your skin... from the inside out.

The next time you enjoy a healthy salad, top with a drizzle of olive oil. Balsamic vinegar and olive oil make a delicious vinaigrette that is high in antioxidant, anti-aging protection.

When purchasing, always choose Extra Virgin olive oil, preferably organic. This is the least processed and retains the highest nutrient value.

Olive Oil Skin Care... Straight From the Bottle!

You can concoct simple skin care recipes right in your kitchen. Try the mini beauty treatments below...

Bath: For a moisturizing soak, add about ¼ cup olive oil and several drops of essential oil to your bathwater. Lavender oil will help you relax before going to bed. (Be careful as the tub may be slippery.)

Dry Skin: Gently massage a small amount of olive oil on extra dry areas such as elbows or heels.

Hands: Whip up a quick sugar scrub for rough, dry hands. Combine two tablespoons of oil with two tablespoons of sugar. Rub on hands until sugar begins to dissolve. Rinse with warm water. Voilà! Silky-smooth hands.

Feet: Apply a liberal amount of oil to feet at bedtime. Cover with cotton socks. Not sexy... but oh-so-soft feet in the morning! The magic works for hands, too. Cover with white cotton gloves (hmm, even less sexy).

Face: Create a moisturizing facial mask with olive oil, honey, and an egg yolk. Beat until well blended and apply to face... then relax! Leave on for 15 minutes; rinse with warm water.

Nails: Warm a small dish of olive oil (not too hot) with a tablespoon of lemon juice. Soak nails for 5- 10 minutes. This softens cuticles while it strengthens nails.

Hair: For a simple oil treatment, warm several tablespoons of olive oil (again, not hot). Rub into scalp and hair. Cover with a shower cap or small plastic bag. Leave on for 20-30 minutes.

For extra conditioning, mix an egg yolk with the olive oil... but do not warm. This is great for dry hair and split ends. It may even heal dandruff. Shampoo twice after this treatment or you'll smell like raw egg!

Lips: Alleviate chapped lips with straight olive oil. Dab on lips... especially helpful at bedtime.

If you’d prefer to purchase ready made olive oil skin products, you’re in luck. Manufacturers have discovered the power of this traditional beauty treasure.

There are plenty of olive oil skin care products on the market... from olive oil soap to olive oil skin cream to olive oil hair care. The benefits of this anti-oxidant rich oil are no longer just an ancient beauty secret!