Avocado oil may not be in your skincare list today, but it needs to be… and soon. Avocado oil benefits are far reaching and have been known for a long time.
Plus, could this be the best carrier oil for mature skin?
Skincare trends come and go, but the best ingredients have staying power for a reason. Avocado oil is one of those “here to stay” ingredients. Native to Mexico, Central and South America, avocado oil is not only a super food, it’s super skincare.
Often, foods that are beneficial in our diet can be superstars for skincare. Avocado oil takes center stage when it comes to many dry skin conditions.
Get comfy as we explore what sets avocado oil apart from other carrier oils. Not only is avocado oil a super food, it’s super skincare.
More About Avocado Oil
Unlike most carrier oils which come from nuts and seeds, avocado oil is cold pressed, or solvent extracted from the flesh of the avocado.
The magnificent Pursea Gratissima tree can be quite sensitive to its environment. Climate changes, including rainfall, and even heavy winds, can dramatically affect the avocado harvest.
Avocado trees perform a beautiful dance of pollination, as they are able to self pollinate. They have both male and female parts. The flower opens and closes twice over two days, with each opening corresponding to either a fully male phase or fully female phase, meaning that all of the flowers on the tree are male at that time, or all of the flowers are female at that time.
Avocado oil is rich in chlorophyll, which is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. Due to the chlorophyll content, avocado oil can appear green. It is a slightly heavier oil, which is thick, able to easily penetrate the skin and deeply nourishing.
It also contains palmitic acid. For those of you who are soapers, it is thought that Shea butter plus avocado oil in cold process soap making can mimic the effect of palm oil, allowing you to easily create a palm-free soap.
Skincare Benefits of Avocado Oil
Our skin is approximately 30% oleic acid, which is an omega 9, and 20% linoleic acid, which is an omega 6. Avocado oil is high in both oleic acid and linoleic acid. Oleic acid helps to retain moisture in the skin’s cells, protecting the skin barrier function, while linoleic acid is an emollient, and skin plumper that helps to guard the skin against moisture loss.
Avocado oil contains vitamins A, D and E, all beneficial for healthy skin. The oil has sun filtering properties, and while not a substitute for a good SPF, avocado oil is definitely one to consider for a summer face oil or serum.
As you can see, avocado oil is an excellent choice for skin care, especially during summer months.
Face Cleanser
Its antibacterial properties make it a good choice for a facial cleanser. In fact, you can use avocado oil as a make up remover. Just add a couple of drops to a cotton pad to remove makeup at the end of the day.
Dry Skin
Avocado oil really shines as an option for dry skin conditions, damaged skin and to relieve chapped skin. For those seeking help for cracked heels and dry cuticles, give avocado oil a try.
Mature Skin
Avocado oil is restorative for mature skin, providing much needed moisturize as we age. It improves the skin’s elasticity, while softening fine lines and wrinkles. Avocado oil will help to build the skin’s layers, which is beneficial for thinning skin. It supports collagen production, regenerates the tissues and protects the skin barrier.
Avocado oil can help with inflammation, hyperpigmentation and age spots.
Although it is great for mature skin, dry skin and postmenopausal skin, avocado oil is generally good for all skin types; even sensitive skin.
You can even use it for stretch marks!
You will notice that avocado oil has a green hue, which may add a pop of interest to your face serum.
Eczema Relief
It is recommended to help with relief for eczema and psoriasis.
Massage Oil
Avocado oil can easily be added to a massage oil blend because it doesn’t absorb into the skin extremely quickly, yet it doesn’t sit on top of the skin either. Some of its benefits in massage oil include relief from tension, inflammation and muscle stiffness. Avocado oil can help with joint pain and can boost circulation. It can also help to promote a good night’s sleep.
Help for arthritis
Avocado oil’s anti-inflammatory qualities have been tested in fighting muscle and joint pain, in particular for osteoarthritis. In France, avocado oil has been approved for drug status for its therapeutic pain relieving ability from arthritis.
Haircare
The benefits of avocado oil do not stop at skincare and joint care. It also has benefits for promoting healthy hair and scalp.
Use it in products for dry hair for its conditioning properties. It may also help to protect your hair from damage.
By stimulating circulation in the scalp, it can encourage hair growth. It can alleviate dry scalp making it a good choice for those looking for relief from dandruff.
13 Reasons to Love Avocado Oil
Whew! That was a lot! To recap, avocado oil has so many benefits and uses for skincare, here is a quick reference list. Use Avocado oil for:
- Age Spots
- Arthritis
- Boosts circulation
- Cracked heals
- Dry cuticles
- Dry hair
- Dry scalp
- Eczema and Psoriasis
- Facial cleanser
- Hyperpigmentation
- Makeup remover
- Mature skin
- Stretch marks
Folklore
Avocado oil has been said to bring on happiness, wealth, longevity, and potentially love. Who couldn’t use more of that?
Cautions
Every ingredient comes with it’s own cautions and avocado oil is no exception. You may want to avoid this oil if you have a latex allergy.
Storing Avocado Oil
Store your avocado oil in a dark, cool place. Double check the best before date on your bottle, however, normally this oil would have a shelf life of one to two years.
There are so many reasons to love avocado oil, and to add it to your skincare routine. Here are two amazing recipes to get you started with avocado oil.
Recipes
Silky Smooth Avocado Body Oil
Ingredients:
- 10 grams Avocado Oil
- 10 grams Jojoba Oil
- 10 grams Sweet Almond Oil
- 1.5 grams Rosehip Oil
- 0.5 grams Vitamin E Oil
- 7 drops Lavender Essential Oil
- 3 drops Patchouli Essential Oil
Instructions:
- In a clean, dry, glass container, combine the Avocado Oil, Jojoba Oil, and Sweet Almond Oil.
- Add the Rosehip Oil and Vitamin E oil to the mixture.
- Lastly, add the Lavender Essential Oil, followed by adding the Patchouli Essential Oil.
- Mix the ingredients together using a glass stirring rod, or slender silicone spatula.
- Transfer the mixture to a PET plastic bottle with flip top cap. Seal the container tightly and gently shake to ensure all the oils are well combined.
- Your Silky Smooth Avocado Body Oil is now ready to use! Apply a small amount to the palm of your hand and massage gently into the skin for luxurious hydration and a silky-smooth feel. Enjoy!
Cooling Avocado Face Mask
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons French green clay
- 1 tablespoon Avocado Oil
- 1 tablespoon Finely Mashed Fresh Avocado (optional, for extra luxury)
- 1 drop Tea Tree Essential Oil
- 1 drop Geranium Essential Oil
Instructions:
- In a clean mixing bowl, combine the French green clay and Avocado Oil.
- If desired, add the mashed fresh avocado to the mixture for an extra luxurious boost.
- Carefully measure and add one drop of Tea Tree Essential Oil to the mixture.
- Follow by adding one drop of Geranium Essential Oil.
- Using a spatula or spoon, mix all the ingredients together until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- If the mixture is too thick, you can add a small amount of water or floral hydrosol to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Once mixed, apply the mask evenly to your clean, dry face, avoiding the delicate eye area.
- Allow the mask to sit for 10-15 minutes, allowing the ingredients to work their magic.
- After the allotted time, rinse off the mask with lukewarm water and pat your face dry with a soft towel.
- Follow up with your favorite moisturizer to lock in hydration.
- Enjoy the cooling sensation and rejuvenated feel of your skin after using this DIY Cooling Face Mask!
Further reading
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023362/
