The Passionate Olive (12 page)

Now that we have learned how olive oil can contribute to one’s health, both internally and externally, I would like to share with you some of my family’s “secret formulas” for using the magical golden liquid in beauty treatments. Read on.

CHAPTER FIVE
Beauty Is Skin Deep

FOR CENTURIES
, people of the Mediterranean have recognized the beautifying benefits of olive oil for the body, skin, and hair. In fact, the
first
uses of olive oil were actually
on
the body and not
in
it. In ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece, olive oil was infused with herbs and fragrant grasses to produce cosmetics as well as medicines.

Researchers continue to find proof of the healing and beautifying attributes of olive oil. In fact, not long ago, archaeologists at a Mycenae excavation site uncovered a list enumerating different ointments composed of olive oil and various aromatics, such as fennel, rose, sage, and watercress. Even the ancient Indian holistic technique Ayurveda suggests using olive oil and water to bring skin to its maximum hydration and beauty.

For generations, my family has passed along time-honored recipes for potions, elixirs, and beauty masks.
For literally thousands of years, Italian women have used olive oil in daily beauty rituals. From the top of their heads to the soles of their feet, olive oil has been
the
source of many beauty treatments. Even Renaissance writer Isabella Cortese, in her
Secreti
books, touted “the secret” uses of olive oil as a natural beautification remedy. Our family, too, has always prided itself on having smooth skin and shining hair—aided by—what else?—olive oil! In this chapter, I will share with you some of our family’s beauty secrets. As my father used to say, “
Everything old is new once again
.” Or was that Cole Porter or Peter Allen?

Olive oil is indeed a beauty oil. In addition to its other properties, the oil helps to improve the appearance and texture of one’s skin and hair. Need proof? I have heard of three great beauties who regularly use olive oil in their beauty regimens and are happy to share their secrets with the world. If you know who Jane Seymour is, then you know how amazingly beautiful her long hair is. She attributes its shine and overall radiance to regular olive oil treatments. Then there is the forever-lovely Sophia Loren. I’ve read that this beautiful woman takes two tablespoons of olive oil every day. A third famous beauty, Juliette Binoche, follows her hairstylist’s recommendation that she use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner made with olive oil. Certainly we can all agree on the positive results these three women have achieved!

On the subject of hair, before electric clippers came to barbershops throughout Italy, barbers used a drop of olive oil to maintain the moving parts of the hand clipper’s blades. If a bit of the precious oil dripped on the hair … 
no problem. The gentleman left the shop with a sharp new trim and shining hair to boot.

When I think of all the wonderful, alluringly packaged beauty products, whose list of ingredients include an infusion of olive oil, I often think of my father’s cousin Louisa. Louisa had two passions in her life: her family and her special beauty regimen. To care for her beautiful skin, she would exfoliate it with olive oil and salt. To condition her long dark hair, she would regularly apply a conditioner of the precious oil.

When my sisters and I were young, we were amazed that this older woman had such shiny hair and smooth and supple skin, and we were, I must admit, a bit amused by her ways. I imagine she envisioned herself as an ancient Roman goddess as she took particular care with her “sacred” beauty rituals. When she died recently, at eighty-eight, she still had the most beautiful skin and hair. In her honor, I have included Louisa’s beauty formulas in this guide.

Today’s beauty-conscious adults are looking to spas for the latest in beauty treatments; spas are perceived as
the
sources of the secrets to eternal youth and beauty. People the world over are sparing no expense in their pursuit of the very latest beauty craze, and it’s no surprise to me that many top spas include olive oil treatments as a part of their many exotic offerings.

While attending the annual Sonoma Olive Festival this past year, I noticed that several spas and hotels featured special Olive Festival Packages. The package at one hotel included a one-hour herbal wrap with a warm olive oil massage. The olive oil was infused with mandarin orange,
cinnamon, and bergamot. There was also mention of olive oil pedicures—recommended for those with “beauty-challenged feet.”

Among all the natural lipids, olive oil has the chemical distribution most similar to human sebum (for non-biology majors, sebum is the body’s own natural skin lubricant). This similarity gives olive oil a strong affinity to human skin. Olive oil is completely safe, easily absorbed, and has a “cell-refattening” capacity. By making a simple emulsion (by mixing equal parts water and olive oil), a perfect balance between water and oil is produced—as water rehydrates the skin and olive oil protects it from delipidification (losing its own natural lubrication).

More and more aromatherapists and massage therapists are using olive oil as a base for their oils and potions. A “warm olive oil massage” offered at fine hotels and spas points to the documented health- and beauty-enhancing benefits of olive oil.

Many of the beauty tips that follow, while not scientifically proven, have been handed down in my family for generations. Unless otherwise noted, use an early-harvest extra virgin olive oil (the greener the better) for each of the beauty applications. Olive oil is natural and pure, and the greener oils tend to have more antioxidants and less greasy characteristics. I have also read that the best extra virgin olive oil for the skin is from cultivars that have the highest percentage of polyphenols (antioxidants) and alpha tocopherols (vitamin E). For example, try Coratina, Cornicabra, Koroneiki, Moraiolo, and Picual.

For the Skin

46)
DISCOVER
THE
ULTIMATE BEAUTY SECRET

Interested in having skin like a fashion model? Many models and others in the fashion industry attribute the perfection of their skin to the swallowing of at least 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil each morning. You can follow their advice in one of two ways: first thing in the morning, either swallow 1 tablespoon of straight extra virgin olive oil or combine ½ cup warm water, 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass and drink the mixture. I love the taste of straight extra virgin olive oil and actually savor its flavor. It may take a while for you to find your favorite olive oil—yes, tastes of oils vary just as the tastes of wines and other things do. In the chapter on Parties and Special Occasions, I give some tips for throwing an olive oil-tasting party—you and your friends will enjoy this one!

But, getting back to the recipe, some people prefer the apple cider vinegar and olive oil mixture because the vinegar purportedly acts to remove toxins from one’s system, while the olive oil lubricates the inside of the body. However, when the oil is mixed with apple cider vinegar, make sure to drink it quickly.
Talk about an acquired taste!

THE Ultimate Beauty Secret

• Upon rising and before eating anything, swallow 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
  
• Or,
  
• Mix ½ cup warm water, 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  
• Drink quickly!
  

47)
REJUVENATE DRY SKIN

Extra virgin olive oils make wonderful moisturizers for both the face and body. A key benefit of these completely natural moisturizers is that you do not have to worry about any of the potentially harmful or allergenic ingredients found in some commercially prepared creams and moisturizers available today.

I use olive oil on my face (and body) straight out of the bottle; however, my cousin Louisa whipped up her own custom moisturizer, utilizing various ingredients straight from her kitchen. Her favorite moisturizing formula included Italian parsley (she said it was an antibiotic that also combated “lurking germs”), water (to release parsley’s benefits), and olive oil (to lock in the moisture).

Louisa’s Moisturizing Formula

• Combine 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh Italian parsley with 1 teaspoon of hot water
  
• Add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
  
• Mix well
  
• Moisten your face with warm water
  
• Apply the mixture to your face with your fingers in an upward circular motion Leave on for 5 minutes
  
• Remove by blotting with a soft cloth
  
• Make sure the parsley is blotted away!
  

At night, apply the oil mixture more heavily and leave it on till morning for a deep-rejuvenating beauty treatment. You may wish to leave out the parsley. I do not use olive oil as a moisturizer directly under makeup because I find that it makes my makeup run. If you do use it under makeup, make sure you have blotted your skin and removed any excess oil (and parsley!) before following up with your makeup application.

48)
SMOOTH OUT WRINKLES

Olive oil both softens and smoothes the skin, leaving it very supple. It has exceptional penetrating ability, and is able to lock natural moisture in, thus preventing dry skin. In addition, it is high in well-documented antioxidant properties. Olive oil has the natural ability to target epidermal keratinocytes (the basic cells from which the upper layer of skin is made) and can stimulate the synthesis of collagen and elastin, thus encouraging firmer and healthier skin. There are some excellent commercially prepared olive oil creams, or you can make your very own beauty creams.

Nighttime Antiwrinkle Formula

• Mix 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and several drops of the juice of a lemon
  
• Apply the mixture to the face (except around the eyes and eyelids)
  
• Only apply straight extra virgin olive oil to the under eye and eyelid areas
  
• Keep on overnight
  

49)
EXFOLIATE WITH AN OLIVE OIL SALT GLOW

Do you ever find your skin in a dry and flaky state? It can be so disheartening! But once again, our magical golden oil can come to your immediate aid. It’s so simple to have beautifully smooth and glowing skin all year round with the regular use of a completely natural exfoliator. Use an olive oil body scrub, and your skin will feel smooth instantly. My cousin Louisa did, and her skin remained beautiful her entire life.

Extra virgin olive oil has its own great scent and, used alone or in combination with sweet-smelling drops of lavender or geranium oil, will leave your skin smooth as well as fragrant.

Olive Oil Salt Glow

• Mix ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil with 1 tablespoon of coarse-grained sea salt
  
• Add drops of lavender and/or the essential oil of geranium (optional)
  
• Massage the body
  
• Shower afterward
  

Make this formula right before using it; store any extra in a plastic or glass container for later applications. I find it easier to make it just before massaging on my body or on someone else’s body … oops, those details are in a different chapter!

50)
MASSAGE FEET

Good news for those of us on our feet for long periods of time: Olive oil can relieve and revive tired feet. Olive oil has excellent emollient and moisturizing properties, and massaging the feet with olive oil will help with cracked heels. You can give yourself a foot massage, or, better yet, get someone else to give you a foot massage (and then return the favor). For a relaxing foot massage, use olive oil foot massage remedy #1.