Olive Oil and Cosmetics
Olive oil is a natural source of beauty and life. Since antiquity olive oil has been used for the manufacture of perfumes and cosmetics. During the Homeric era it was used exclusively for the care of the body. When he arrived shipwrecked on the island of the Phaeacians, Odysseus dusted himself down and then oiled his body with the olive oil given to him by the musical maids. In the "Athenian Constitution," thought to have been written by Aristotle, it is mentioned that the victors of hippodrome races were awarded prizes of olive oil. The ancient Greeks believed that olive oil made wrinkles disappear and delayed hair loss. The athletes would smear their bodies with large amounts of olive oil before competing, as would warriors before a battle. The olive oil they used was of exceptional quality, and they would often fragrance it with herbs and aromatic plants. The process of cleaning was a ritual. When there was no such thing as soap, olive oil played an important role in people's lives. When a family could not produce or acquire its own olive oil, it became impossible to survive. The ancient Romans learnt to appreciate olive oil from the Greeks, for its uses as a cosmetic and to produce various types of essential oils. Thanks to its protective fats, olive oil protects the skin from the harm caused by air pollution. It has revitalising, moisturising and softening qualities and for this reason is used in many moisturising creams, soaps and perfumes.Moisturising face masks
1. Mix extra virgin olive oil with a little mud mask to create a smooth mixture. Apply to the face and leave for 5-10 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
2. Mix olive oil and water and beat as though preparing a mayonnaise. Apply to the face and leave for 10 minutes for deep moisturising.
For wrinkles
Prepare a mixture from olive oil and lemon juice and massage gently into your wrinkles before going to bed.
To soften the skin
Mix equal amounts of olive oil and salt. Massage over your whole body then rinse off.
For soft hands
1. Heat a little olive oil in a microwave oven and dip your hands in for ten minutes.
2. Mix one spoon of sugar with olive oil and massage over your hands for an amazing result.
For shiny, healthy hair
Mix the juice of one lemon with a little olive oil and an egg yolk. Lightly massage the mixture into your hair.
For dry hair
Mix some olive oil with a little rosemary and massage lightly into your hair for five minutes.
For tired feet
Lightly massage with olive oil and rosemary.
To strengthen the nails
Soak your fingers in warm olive oil for five minutes.
