What is it? Olive oil has a long history: The ancient Greeks bathed in it; athletes ritually anointed their bodies with the oil. Ancient Egyptians embalmed mummies before burial with olive oil. In ancient Rome, the oil was infused with flowers and herbs to create medicine and cosmetics. Even Cleopatra, admired for her beauty and flawless skin, used olive oil perfumes and cosmetics.

Rich in vitamin E and other antioxidants, olive oil is often used to treat and prevent cardiovascular disease and regulate cholesterol. When used topically, olive oil moisturizes and protects the skin, keeping it smooth and firm. Hydroxytyrosol, a potent antioxidant found in olives, and vitamin E help fight free radicals and prevent cell degeneration. Extra virgin olive oil contains squalene, a very emollient substance similar to sebum. Research has shown squalene improves elasticity, protects the skin from dehydration and improves vitality and tone.

A quick tip: When cooking with olive oil, choose extra virgin, the highest quality of olive oil. It's extracted without the use of heat or chemicals and retains the highest levels of antioxidants. Keep your olive oil securely sealed, in a dark, cool place.

You'll find it in: No doubt fascinated by its versatile properties, Homer is credited as describing olive oil as "liquid gold." Clearly this sentiment exists today; we use olive oil for cooking, as a garnish and in skin care and beauty products. Olive oil is used as an ingredient in a bevy of products, including shampoos, hand lotions, soaps, cleansers, scrubs and masks.

Our product picks: With olive oil, beeswax, vitamin E and rosemary extract, L'Occitane Olive Harvest Olive Radiance Moisturizing Cream is perfect for dry skin, leaving it hydrated, glowing and radiant. L'Occitane Olive Harvest Olive Face Scrub Mud revitalizes and clarifies the skin with olive fruit oil and extract, as well as shea butter.

What to expect: Because olive oil is rich in antioxidants, researchers speculate it might help counteract the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Studies in Japan suggest that the antioxidants in olive oil help neutralize free radical damage. And while olive oil isn't a sunscreen and doesn't prevent UV rays from penetrating the skin, using it in skin care products might further protect the skin against extrinsic aging and damage from the sun. Olive oil is also a powerful moisturizer and humectant, so expect to get deep hydration.

Who should avoid it: Similar in composition to sebum, olive oil is naturally compatible with human skin, making it useful for many skin types. Skin conditions such as eczema and acne respond well to products made with olive oil because of the oil's anti-bacterial properties. Also, since it's so mild, allergic reactions are rare.

See also:

Glycolic Acid

Grapefruit

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How Massage Therapy Improves Your Skin

6 Ways to Look Younger