Benefits of Avocado Oil for Your Skin

What are the advantages of using avocado oil on the skin?

Avocado oil is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that contribute to maintaining smooth, resilient, and flexible skin. Available in health or grocery stores, avocado oil serves various skin care purposes, including:

• Alleviating itchy skin
• Healing chapped skin
• Replenishing dry skin
• Hydrating and moisturizing the skin
• Providing protection against ultraviolet radiation
• Safeguarding the skin from damage

Although some may mistakenly categorize avocado oil as an essential oil, it is actually classified as a carrier oil. Unlike essential oils, which are concentrated extracts from specific plant parts like roots or leaves, carrier oils like avocado oil are extracted from the seeds, nuts, or fatty parts of fruits. They are used to dilute essential oils. Unlike essential oils, carrier oils do not evaporate quickly and do not possess strong scents.

Avocado oil’s primary benefits lie in its ability to soothe and moisturize the skin, making it less suitable for oily skin types. Moreover, it is absorbed well by the skin and does not leave behind a greasy residue.

Insights from Research

Scientific studies have shed light on the benefits of natural oils like avocado oil for skin health. Whether used alone or in combination with other agents like skin creams, avocado oil has shown promising results.

Avocado oil is rich in beta carotene, protein, lecithin, fatty acids, and vitamins A, D, and E, which work together to moisturize and shield the skin from harmful UV rays while promoting collagen metabolism. A study in 2015 revealed that a topical cream containing avocado oil, along with tea tree, emu, and jojoba oils, exhibited antimicrobial properties.

Moreover, avocado oil has demonstrated potential in wound healing. Research from 2013 found that the presence of linoleic acid, oleic acid, and other monounsaturated fatty acids in avocado oil could accelerate wound recovery.

However, it’s important to note that these findings are primarily based on animal studies, and further research is required to validate the effects of avocado oil on human skin.

Additionally, preliminary evidence suggests that avocado oil may be effective in managing certain skin conditions such as plaque psoriasis. A study conducted in 2001 indicated that a vitamin B-12 cream containing avocado oil could offer prolonged relief from psoriasis symptoms compared to traditional vitamin D-3 therapy. This suggests the potential of incorporating avocado oil into long-term tropical treatments for psoriasis.

How to use avocado oil on your skin

Incorporating avocado oil into your skincare regimen offers a range of options. Whether applied directly to the skin, mixed with other oils, or used in homemade concoctions, avocado oil can be a versatile addition to your routine. Here are some ways to incorporate avocado oil into your skincare routine:

• As a moisturizer for dry skin: After bathing, massage avocado oil into your skin to alleviate dryness. You can use it alone or mix it with your regular body lotion.
• As a facial oil blend: Create a nourishing facial oil by filling a small bottle with 2/3 avocado oil and the remaining third with another beneficial oil like tamanu or emu. Add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance, shake well, and apply to your face as a moisturizer.
• As a homemade face mask: Mash a ripe avocado with a small amount of avocado oil to create a creamy paste. Apply this mask to your face and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water or a gentle cleanser.
• As a natural anti-aging cream: Combine 1/4 cup avocado oil with coconut oil, beeswax, vitamin E oil, and Shea butter to create a luxurious skin cream. Melt the ingredients together in a double boiler, pour into a jar, and allow it to solidify before use.

Whether used alone or in combination with other ingredients, avocado oil can provide nourishment and hydration to your skin, helping to keep it healthy and radiant.

Risks and warnings

Information regarding the potential risks and warnings associated with avocado oil is limited due to a lack of extensive studies. As a precautionary measure, it’s advisable to conduct a patch test on a small area of your skin before widespread use to identify any potential allergic reactions.

To perform a patch test, apply a small amount of avocado oil, roughly the size of a dime, to the inside of your forearm. Monitor the area for any signs of irritation or inflammation over the next 24 hours. If no adverse reactions occur, it is likely safe for you to use avocado oil.

Individuals with known avocado allergies should consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating avocado oil into their skincare routine to avoid potential allergic reactions.

What you can do now

If you’re eager to include avocado oil in your skincare regimen, you can easily find it online for as little as $5 for a small bottle. Additionally, avocado oil is readily available at local organic food stores or health store chains such as GNC.

After incorporating avocado oil into your routine, you may notice its immediate benefits on your skin. However, for long-term results, consistent and regular use of avocado oil is necessary. So, make it a habit to use avocado oil consistently over time to maximize its potential benefits for your skin.