Avocado is rich in nutrients and is incredibly healthy for your body. Avocado oil is widely used for cooking and is very beneficial for the heart. Additionally, it is excellent for soothing and healing the skin when used topically.
This article explores the reasons and ways to include unrefined avocado oil in your skincare routine.
What is avocado oil?
Avocado oil is extracted from the pulp of the avocado fruit. The pulp contains 60% oil rich in lipids, primarily monounsaturated fatty acids, oleic, linoleic, palmitic acids, vitamins, antioxidants, and other essential compounds. Organic and unrefined avocado oil retains the nutrients of the fruit.
Here are the reasons why you can include avocado oil in your skincare routine.
Top 5 benefits of using avocado oil for skin
1. Promotes collagen development and wound healing
Avocado oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamins A, D, and E. Animal studies have found that these nutrients promote collagen development to heal wounds and improve skin elasticity.
Avocado oil can be used to hydrate the skin after treatments such as dermabrasion. This can help produce collagen and maintain youthful skin. However, more studies are needed to support its effectiveness on human skin.
2. Hydrates the skin
The lipids, vitamins A, C, D, and E, and minerals in avocado oil nourish the skin. When used topically, it hydrates dry, damaged, and cracked skin. The lipids present in the oil restore the skin barrier and help improve its permeability. This means that avocado oil can aid in better absorption of skincare products.
3. May reduce inflammation
Avocado oil has anti-inflammatory properties. A randomized clinical study showed that a cream with vitamin B12 and avocado oil helps manage psoriasis inflammation. However, further studies are needed to support this evidence.
4. Soothes UV-damaged skin
Avocado oil can help soothe UV damage and inflammation. The polyhydroxyl fatty alcohols in avocado oil can suppress UV-induced cell damage and inflammation. You can use avocado oil to soothe sunburns and prevent signs of premature aging (such as dark spots and pigmentation).
5. Provides anti-aging benefits
The anti-inflammatory and UV protection properties of avocado oil can keep signs of aging at bay, such as fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and pigmentation. A study evaluated the anti-aging benefits of a cream with avocado oil. It showed that the cream improved dermal density (the second layer beneath the epidermis).
The dermis maintains skin resilience and elasticity, and using avocado oil can help keep it youthful.
Note: Always use extra virgin avocado oil for the skin. It is extracted from the highest quality fruits, and the oil is collected after the first pressing. As a result, it retains all the goodness of the fruit. However, perform a patch test (on a small area of skin) to check for any allergic reactions.
Undoubtedly, avocado oil is a beneficial addition to your skincare routine. In the following section, find out how to use it:
How to use avocado oil
1. As a moisturizing lotion
Massage a few drops of oil onto damp skin. You can mix it with your favorite cream, lotion, or oil.
2. Facial moisturizer
You can mix avocado oil with other beneficial oils and use the blend on your face. Sweet almond oil and vitamin E protect the skin barrier and keep the skin hydrated.
You will need:
18 ml avocado oil
20 ml sweet almond oil
10 ml sesame seed oil
2 ml vitamin E oil
A dropper bottle
Preparation method:
Mix all the oils and store them in the dropper bottle.
Massage your face with 2-3 drops of the mixture in circular motions.
Use the facial oil blend twice a day for best results.
3. Hydrating face mask
Avocado pulp can hydrate the skin and keep it soft. Honey is an emollient and humectant that soothes the skin and has antimicrobial properties. This mask is perfect for keeping your skin smooth and soft.
You will need:
1 ripe avocado (well mashed)
4-5 drops of avocado oil
1 tablespoon of organic honey
Preparation method:
Mix all the ingredients to form a smooth paste.
Apply the mask all over your face.
Leave it on for 15 minutes.
Rinse with cold water.
4. Natural anti-aging cream
Coconut oil and shea butter repair the skin barrier and contain antioxidants that can help rejuvenate the skin and maintain youthfulness. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that nourishes the skin and minimizes free radical damage.
Note: Avoid beeswax if you are allergic to it.
You will need:
1 cup of avocado oil
2 tablespoons of unrefined coconut oil
2 tablespoons of beeswax (optional)
1 tablespoon of vitamin E oil
1 tablespoon of shea butter
2 glass jars (1 large and 1 small)
1 medium-sized pot
Water
Preparation method:
Place all the ingredients in a glass jar.
Set the jar over a pot of hot water and melt the ingredients while stirring.
Transfer the cream to the small jar and let it cool.
Massage your face with a pea-sized amount of cream.
Use it daily as a night cream.
5. As a bath oil
Add a few tablespoons of avocado oil to a warm bath. You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (such as lavender or rosemary) for a calming and soothing effect and a tablespoon of Epsom salt to relax your muscles.
Avocado oil is safe for all skin types. However, it may cause allergic reactions. Let’s take a look at them.
Side effects and risks of using avocado oil for skin
Individuals allergic to avocado oil may develop:
Hives
Inflammation
Eye irritation
Skin rashes
Redness
Burning sensation
Avoid using avocado oil if you have a latex allergy. Consult a dermatologist in case of adverse reactions.
