Posted by Amit Sonawane
Their mild flavor, rich creamy texture, and combination of healthy fats make avocados one of our favorite, must-have fruits. But the benefits of avocado oil extend way beyond the kitchen—this oil is also one of the best holistic skincare options around.
Why Avocado Oil?
Cold-pressed avocado oil provides a distinctly nourishing treat for your skin. Comprised mainly of oleic acid, it also contains vitamins A,C,D,E, and K, along with chlorophyll, beta carotene, palmitic acid, lecithin, linoleic acid, and docosadienoic acid—a powerhouse nutrient profile that’s perfectly suited for skincare. It typically has a soft green color, velvety texture, and a full bodied, nutty scent, which engages multiple senses every time you use it.
Just a few ounces of rich avocado oil can do the job of countless skin and hair care products, simplifying your beauty routine while reducing your exposure to questionable chemical and synthetic ingredients hiding in many of our hygiene products.
Here’s why we love it and how you can use it in your skincare and beauty routine:
1. It’s a decadent moisturizer: No matter what your skin type, avocado oil’s nutritious blend of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals—along with its silky texture and fast absorption—helps lock in hydration for soft, glowing skin without an oily shine. Simply smooth a small amount over your face and body for light, all day moisture.
2. It can deeply cleanse your skin: Oil cleansing is getting lots of buzz in beauty circles these days—and for good reason. Botanical oils like avocado do an excellent job of lifting dirt, grime, and makeup from your face so they can easily be wiped away. And unlike harsh commercial soaps and makeup removers, avocado oil won’t strip your skin of its natural protective oils. To gently cleanse your entire face, massage in a dime sized amount of avocado oil and then wipe away with a damp, warm washcloth.
3. It’s gentle enough to use near your eyes: Avocado oil is gentle enough to moisturize the delicate area around your eyes—and as an added bonus, this oil contains vitamin K, a nutrient that’s been carefully studied for its potential to reduce the appearance of dark under eye circles.1
4. It’s excellent for whole body massage: Almost nothing makes you look and feel more rejuvenated than giving your body a mindful rubdown. Avocado oil has a rich, full texture that allows a seamless glide over the skin when massaging the neck, back, and shoulders. And its delightful nutty scent further adds to your relaxing spa experience as you let go of stress and release tired muscles.
5. It’s a perfect carrier for your essential oils: Many amazing essential oils are too powerful to use directly on the skin. To safely enjoy the topical benefits of essential oils like tea tree, frankincense, or lavender, just mix a few drops into a carrier oil like avocado, and then apply as you wish.
6. It reveals timeless, youthful-looking skin: Put down the harsh anti-aging creams and moisturizers. Avocado oil’s antioxidant and nutrient profile helps keep your skin looking smooth and hydrated no matter what your age—reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.2
7. Your skin will feel as good as it looks: If you struggle with breakouts, redness, drying, or any other skin irritation, avocado oil is a gentle, helpful choice. With life-giving chlorophyll and beneficial fats, this oil has been extensively studied for its potential to help sensitive skin feel comfortable and look its best.3,4
8. It’s wonderful for sun exposure: If you spend your days basking in the glow of the sun, avocado oil’s essential fatty acids, proteins, and vitamins may offer some much-needed hydrating support. Research indicates that this oil may support the way your body handles the sun’s strong rays to make your outdoor playtime a healthier experience.5
9. It conditions your nails: For hands and feet you can feel proud of, rub a small amount of avocado oil into dry nails and cuticles. While you’re conditioning your fingernails, try applying some avocado oil to the backs of your hands to help them look smooth and supple as well.
10. It’s amazing for your hair: The blend of nutrients in each drop of avocado oil conditions and hydrates hair and scalp to help you achieve the lush, shiny locks of your dreams. For everyday maintenance, add a drop or two to your favorite natural shampoo or conditioner. If your hair craves more intense conditioning, indulge in a luxurious hot oil treatment by mixing and warming equal parts avocado and castor oil.
Finding the Right Avocado Oil
To get the most from your avocado oil, you’ll want to be sure you’ve got the right stuff. This may be confusing because you’ll find bottles of avocado oil in almost every supermarket! While those oils are generally well-suited for culinary use, they may be processed with heat or otherwise refined in ways that can make them less than perfect for skincare.
When choosing your avocado oil, look for a cold pressed, single ingredient, small batch product like Valentia’s, that’s also sustainably sourced, organic, cruelty-free, non-GMO, and doesn’t contain any added coloring, preservatives, parabens, sulfates, or synthetic additives. Introducing avocado oil to your skincare routine is a simple, natural, and affordable way to reveal your most gorgeous self.
References:
1. Shatalebi, M., & Ahmadraji, F. (2015). Evaluation of the clinical efficacy and safety of an eye counter pad containing caffeine and vitamin K in emulsified Emu oil base. Advanced Biomedical Research, 4(1), 10. doi:10.4103/2277-9175.148292
2. Werman, M. J., Mokady, S., Ntmni, M. E., & Neeman, I. (1991). The Effect of Various Avocado Oils on Skin Collagen Metabolism. Connective Tissue Research, 26(1-2), 1-10. doi:10.3109/03008209109152159
3. De Oliveira, A. P., Franco, E. D., Rodrigues Barreto, R., Cordeiro, D. P., De Melo, R. G., De Aquino, C. M., … Maia, M. B. (2013). Effect of Semisolid Formulation of Persea Americana Mill (Avocado) Oil on Wound Healing in Rats. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013, 1-8. doi:10.1155/2013/472382
4. Stücker, M., Memmel, U., Hoffmann, M., Hartung, J., & Altmeyer, P. (2001). Vitamin B12 Cream Containing Avocado Oil in the Therapy of Plaque Psoriasis. Dermatology, 203(2), 141-147. doi:10.1159/000051729
5. Korać, R., & Khambholja, K. (2011). Potential of herbs in skin protection from ultraviolet radiation. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 5(10), 164. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.91114
