Olive oil is such an important component of the Perricone Program that it deserves its own discussion. In particular, unrefined or "extra virgin" olive oil is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory foods, and contains healthful constituents that deliver a wide range of health benefits.

Olive trees can live to be hundreds of years old, and they often rejuvenate themselves after being burned or even cut to the ground. Though I cannot promise you an extended life-span, I can assure you that you will look younger, think more clearly, and feel more energetic if you enjoy some delicious extra virgin olive oil every day.

Why is extra virgin olive oil so special?
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) offers a wealth of constituents that work together to enhance inner health and outward beauty, yielding exceptional results that are immediately visible. 

Catherine’s Story
I first met Catherine during Fashion Week—a semi-annual rite of passage in which our leading designers showcase their new clothing lines—first in New York and then in the fashion capitals of Europe.

Catherine was a high-powered marketing director for a leading fashion house. She approached me because she had discovered one of my "Fashion Week Survival Kits," (water, nuts, and berries) and wanted to thank me as it enabled her to maintain a grueling schedule with energy to spare. She also wanted my advice.

"Dr. Perricone, in my position I have access to every conceivable skin care product," she confided. "That’s the good news. The bad news is that almost everything irritates my skin." Catherine did have very fair skin, and was beginning to develop fine lines around her eyes and on the throat. I had just started formulating novel olive oil treatments, and had several prototypes at my office. I invited Catherine to the office, where I could also take a complete health history.

Overall, Catherine enjoyed robust health. Other than an avoidance of fats (both the good fats and the bad) and a tendency to drink coffee all day, her diet was pretty well-rounded. I explained to Catherine the negative effects of her coffee habit. As my readers know, coffee produces high levels of a hormone called cortisol, which can thin the skin, accelerating aging and wrinkles.

I started Catherine on my new olive oil topical formulas, after securing a promise that she would add two tablespoons per day of extra virgin olive oil to her diet: one tablespoon on her lunch salad, and one on her dinner salad. I wanted Catherine to experience the power of hydroxytyrosol ability to fight signs of aging from the inside out.

Three weeks later, Catherine arrived for a follow-up appointment. "I feel wonderful, Dr. Perricone," Catherine exclaimed. "At the risk of sounding vain, my skin has never looked so luminous—and without a hint of irritation. What’s more, my nails are much less brittle, and my hair is shinier."

It was all true—Catherine looked totally revitalized. I knew that her transformation was the happy result of combining the nourishing, moisturizing properties of topical olive oil treatments with the inimitable health and beauty benefits of palate-pleasing extra virgin olive oil every day.

As always, I welcome your letters, photos and comments.

In The Acne Prescription, Dr. Perricone describes his breakthough findings—and delivers revolutionary solutions that clear skin quickly while improving overall appearance.