Olive oil has been used for therapeutic purposes since the time of the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. Called “liquid gold” by Homer, this time-tested oil has many benefits when used in cooking and for skincare. In Cleopatra’s time many of the cosmetics were mixed in a base of pure olive oil, pressed from young unripened olives so that it was free of color and smell.

One of my favorite things to do is relax in a bath with olive oil.  Just a capful of regular olive oil from the kitchen cupboard added to a warm bath is enough to leave you with a light film of protective moisturization. This is especially nice in the winter when dry skin is problematic. Sensitive skin which tends to react to perfumes or other ingredients in lotions, creams and bath gels would also benefit from moisturizing with olive oil. We often have patients soothe their skin with olive oil after certain laser procedures, which acts as a protective barrier (but beware of staining your sheets and pillowcases!)

Try it for yourself, indulge in an olive oil bath ritual (add candles and music for spa-like ambience)… and be careful not to slip in the tub!

P.S. CyberDERM’s new moisturizer H20 Reserve took a cue from my nightly ritual. This lovely olive based moisturizer also features Resveratrol- a rich polyphenol originally found in the skin of the red grape.  Now available at the CyberDERM Boutique or check out the eStore at www.cyberderm.ca