Ode to Avocados
Avocado is a truly remarkable fruit, well deserving of the Superfood title. Rich in vitamins A,B,D, lecithin and fatty acids, this ancient superfood was loved by the Aztecs of Mexico and it’s thick, emerald green oil is an amazing natural skin care. Both the quick acting oil of the avocado and the fresh flesh deliver hydrating, regenerating and protective results for a happy, healthy complexion. Let’s take a look at some of the wonderful ways this Superfood nourishes your skin.
AVOCADO OIL IS DEEPLY MOISTURISING AND REGENERATING
Avocados are packed full of skin moisturising monounsaturated fatty acids making this oil amazingly hydrating, keeping your skin soft and supple by delivering a hit of moisture deep intoepidermal layer of skin. Avocados are full of oleic acid, an omega -9 fat which is one of the vital cornerstones of a healthy complexion. Monounsaturated fatty acids assist with the regeneration of damaged skin cells and ease skin irritation and dryness. Vitamin E is found in avocado oil, helping your skin retain higher levels of moisture and absorbing easily into the skin, thanks to the oils palmitic acid content.
AVOCADO OIL IS AN ANTI AGING WARRIOR
Avocado oil is packed full of antioxidant carotenoids making it an anti aging warrior. Carotenoids are amazingly supportive for skin health, responsible for mopping up free radicals, providing protection for your skin from pollutants and other environmental hazards that lead to wrinkles and other signs of aging. Carotenoids help improve skin's thickness and general appearance.
AVOCADO OIL HELPS PROTECT AGAINST UVA AND UVB RAYS
Thanks to the high amount of monounsaturated fats in avocado, these fats form a layer to enhances the skin's natural ability to protect itself from harmful UVA and UVB rays. While avocado oil can help protect your skin from sun exposure, it’s SPF factor is on the lower end of the scale. Using a proper sunscreen with a high SPF rating, in combination with the oil, is still a must and should not to substituted.
If you’ve skipped the sunscreen and ended up with a painful burn, the fresh flesh avocado also works to heal and restore sun damaged skin. Simply mash the avocado, mix with a little olive oil and apply directly to skin to rehydrate.
We’ve told you some of the great ways avocado oil can benefit your complexion in skin care, but the fresh yellow / green flesh, sometimes called nature's butter, is also amazingly nourishing for natural face care.
Here are two simple yet effective ways to get your DIY on with avocado:
SIMPLE AVOCADO FACE MASK
Avocado flesh applied directly literally plumps out and smooths the skin. Simply mash up one ripe avocado and massage it into your face and neck after cleansing. Leave this nourishing mask on for 5- 10 minutes and wash off with warm water.
AVOCADO HAIR MASK
The wonders of avocado aren’t just limited to skincare and health, your hair can benefit from this creamy fruit too! Try this simple avocado and olive oil mask to revive dry, damaged locks.
Mash 1 ripe avocado with ¼ cup of rolled oats. Depending on how dry your hair is, add ⅛ to ¼ cup of olive oil. Add 1 cup of milk, stir until the mixture is a smooth paste and apply to dry hair. Leave on for 30 minutes, rinse out then wash with your usual shampoo / conditioner combo.
By now you can probably see why avocado is one of our favourite oils! Avocado plays an important role in Elixir, our potent skin boosting serum. Elixir is packed full of enriching anti-oxidants, skin-repairing vitamins and essential fatty acids, with a touch of gold that manifests in naturally radiant, glowing skin.