6 Benefits Of Avocado Oil For Skin, How To Use, And Warnings

Avocados are nutritional and extremely beneficial to your health. Avocado oil is also a popular cooking oil that is healthy for your heart. But, are there any benefits of avocado oil for the skin? Yes, it has made its way into skin care, and it is said to calm and repair your skin when used topically.

The benefits of adding unprocessed avocado oil to your skin care routine are discussed in this article. Keep reading!

What Is Avocado Oil?

Avocado oil is extracted from the pulp of the avocado fruit. The fruit pulp contains 60% oil rich in lipids, mainly monounsaturated fatty acids, oleicⁱ  A colorless and odorless fatty acid found naturally in vegetable oils and fats. , linoleic, palmitic acidsⁱ  A type of saturated fatty acid found in plants, animals, and microorganisms. , vitamins, antioxidants, and other essential compounds (1). Organic and unrefined avocado oil retains the nutrients of the fruit.

Here are the reasons to include avocado oil in your skin care routine.

Top 6 Benefits Of Using Avocado Oil For Skin

1. May Promote Collagen Development And Wound Healing

Avocado oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamins A, D, and E. Animal studies found that these nutrients could promote collagen development to heal wounds and improve the skin’s tensile strength (2).

Avocado oil can be used to moisturize the skin after treatments like dermabrasionⁱ  A surgical procedure that removes the top layer of the skin using a speedily rotating device to eliminate scars, acne, etc. . This may help promote collagen development and keep your skin youthful. However, more studies are required to support its efficacy on human skin.

2. May Moisturize 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 chapped skin. The lipids present in the oil restore the skin barrier and help enhance its permeability (3). This means avocado oil may help in better absorption of skincare products.

3. May Minimize Inflammation

Avocado oil has anti-inflammatory properties. A randomized clinical trial showed that vitamin B12 cream with avocado oil could help manage psoriasis inflammation (4). However, further studies are required to support this evidence.

4. May Soothe UV Damaged Skin

Avocado oil can help soothe UV damage and inflammation. The polyhydroxylated fatty alcoholsⁱ  Unique crystalline lipid molecules derived from avocados that protect the skin from UV-induced damage. (PFA) in avocado oil can suppress UV-induced cell damage and inflammation (5). You can use avocado oil to soothe sunburns and prevent photoaging (like dark spots and pigmentation).

5. May Have Anti-Aging Benefits

The anti-inflammatory and UV protective properties of avocado oil can keep away signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and skin pigmentation. A study evaluated the anti-aging benefits of saffron and avocado oil cream. It showed that the cream improved the dermisⁱ  The skin layer between the epidermis and subcutaneous tissues that is made up of mast cells, macrophages, and fibroblasts. density (second layer below the epidermis) (6).

The dermis maintains the skin’s strength and flexibility, and using avocado oil can keep it rejuvenated.

6. May Help In Skin Tightening

A study conducted on rats found that avocado oil could help improve collagen synthesis and wound healing (3). The production of collagen may help boost skin elasticity, leading to improved skin firmness (7). This can result in skin tightening and make it look young and plump. Another randomized controlled trial found that consuming avocado may help improve the elasticity and firmness of the skin. It is mainly due to the presence of monounsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds in the fruit, which nourishes the skin from within (8). As a result, avocado oil may also be a useful remedy for tightening saggy skin.

Note: Always use extra-virgin avocado oil for your skin. It is extracted from the best quality fruits, and the oil is collected after the first press. As a result, it retains all the goodness of the fruit. However, do a patch test to avoid allergic reactions.

Undoubtedly avocado oil is a beneficial addition to your skin care routine. In the next section, learn how to use it.

How To Use Avocado Oil

1. As A Hydrating Lotion

Massage a few drops of the oil onto damp skin for hydration and nourishment. You may also mix it with your favorite cream, lotion, or facial oil and use it.

2. DIY Facial Oil Moisturizer

You can mix avocado oil with other beneficial natural oils and use the oil blend on your face. Rosehip seed and sweet almond oils and vitamin E protect the skin barrier and keep your skin hydrated (3).

You Will Need

• 18 ml of avocado oil
• 20 ml of sweet almond oil
• 10 ml of rosehip seed oil
• 2 ml of vitamin E oil
• A dropper bottle

Method

1. Mix all the oils and store them in the dropper bottle.
2. Massage your face with 2-3 drops of the blend in a circular motion.
3. Use the facial oil blend twice a day for best results.

3. Moisturizing Face Mask

Avocado pulp can moisturize the skin and keep it soft. Honey is an emollient and humectant that soothes the skin and has antimicrobial properties (9). This homemade avocado face mask is perfect to keep your skin smooth and soft.

You Will Need

• 1 ripe avocado (mashed)
• 4-5 drops of avocado oil
• ½ tablespoon of organic honey

Method

1. Mix all the ingredients to form a smooth paste.
2. Gently spread the mask all over your face.
3. Leave it on for 15 minutes.
4. Rinse off with cool water.

4. Natural Anti-Aging Skin Cream

Coconut oil and shea butter repair the skin barrier and contain antioxidants that may help rejuvenate the skin and keep it youthful. Vitamin E is also a potent antioxidant that nourishes the skin and minimizes free radical damage (3).

Note: Avoid beeswax if you are allergic to it.

You Will Need

• ¼ cup of avocado oil
• 2 tablespoons of unrefined coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons of beeswax (optional)
• ½ teaspoon of vitamin E oil
• 1 tablespoon of shea butter
• 2 glass jars (1 large and 1 small)
• 1 medium-sized pot
• Water

Method

1. Put all the ingredients in a glass jar.
2. Place the jar over a double boiler and melt the ingredients. Keep stirring.
3. Transfer the cream to the small jar and let it cool down.
4. Massage your face with a pea-sized amount of the cream.
5. Use it every day as a night cream.

5. As Bath Oil

Add a few tablespoons of avocado oil to a warm water bath. You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oils (like lavender or rosemary) for a calm and soothing effect and a tablespoon of Epsom salt to relax your muscles. Soak in a warm bath and relax.

Carly, a beauty blogger, shared how she likes to create DIY face cleansers and packs using avocado oil. She, discussing the benefits of the oil, writes, “Like many, I have acne-prone skin (which fluctuates with hormones) and winter-eczema on my face. However, since using a combo of my homemade facial cleanser with avocado oil & honey, and lavender face moisturizer, my hormonal pimples, and eczema have drastically diminished (i).”

Avocado oil is likely to be 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

If you are allergic to avocado oil, you may experience:

• Hives
• Swelling
• Itchy eyes
• Sneezing
• Rashes
• Redness
• Burning sensation

Avoid using avocado oil if you have a latex allergy. Consult a dermatologist in case of adverse reactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is olive oil or avocado oil better for the skin?

Avocado oil is better than olive oil as it is non-comedogenic, as compared to olive oil, which is moderately comedogenic.

Which is better for the skin avocado oil or coconut oil?

Avocado oil may be deemed better than coconut oil for its high absorbability and rich content of monounsaturated fats.

Does avocado clear skin?

Avocado oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties which may help clear skin of acne (1), (10). However, opinions are contradictory in this regard as avocado oil may also act as a comedogenic agent.

Illustration: Benefits Of Avocado Oil For Skin How To Use And Warnings

Avocado oil is a wonderful ingredient! Learn about its amazing benefits for your hair, skin, and health in this video. Discover how it can help you look and feel your best!