Avocado oil not only tastes rich and creamy, it’s great for both your skin and hair. Here’s why it’s time to add avocado oil to both your pantry and your beauty cabinet.
We’ve long known that avocados are way more than just an ingredient in guacamole, but now health and beauty gurus have uncovered the benefits of avocado oil, a monounsaturated fat pressed from avocados. And just like avocados in all their green-skinned glory, this oil is a decadent source of good fat used in everything from moisturizing facial masks to pesto.
Avocado Oil for Hair
Avocado oil is a deeply moisturizing, lubricating oil perfect for coating the strands of your illustrious mane. Not sure why or how to use avocado oil for hair? The benefits of the “alligator pear” are numerous and it’s especially delightful when the hot summer sun has scorched your strands. It also detangles knotted locks without weighing down your hair. Plus it removes dandruff, which is often the scalp’s way of saying it’s thirsty.
How to Apply Avocado Oil to Your Hair
1. Put on old clothing and wrap an old towel around your shoulders.
2. Use your fingers to massage a good amount (about 2 tablespoons) of avocado oil into your scalp. You may want to use a wide-toothed comb to reach the end of your hair strands.
3. Clip your hair into a bun or pull it back and cover with a shower cap. Leave in for 1 to 2 hours.
4. Wash your hair twice to remove any residue.
Avocado Oil for Skin
Just as avocado oil is moisturizing for your hair, it also creates silky smooth skin. The cleanest moisturizers on the market have a host of ingredients that are unrecognizable to even the most health savvy consumers. But when you’re lathering up with 100 percent pure avocado oil, you know exactly what you’re getting. Plus, it keeps your skin as smooth as a baby’s tush.
You likely already know that dry skin is much more likely to show fine lines and wrinkles. That’s why a kick of a natural moisturizing agent like avocado oil may be just what the aesthetician ordered. Not to mention that it’s loaded with nutrients like vitamins A, B1, B2, B5, lecithin, as well as skin-loving fatty acids that keep your face looking ageless (well, almost!).
And if you’re plagued with facial redness, acne, or otherwise irritated skin, you’ll love how avocados soothe your body’s largest organ. In fact, according to a study published in Current Pharmaceutical Design, avocados have anti-inflammatory qualities.
Tips for Using Avocado Oil on Your Skin
1. Sub in for your makeup remover.
Using a cotton ball dipped in avocado oil, begin to remove eye makeup and other debris from the skin. You’ll find that avocado oil isn’t greasy, but rather cleansing and smoothing to the skin.
2. Enjoy a facial massage.
Massage a small amount of avocado oil (about a teaspoon) into the skin, starting underneath the eyes and working along the cheekbones up to the temples. Move in a circular motion along the forehead and chin as well.
3. Soothe your cuticles and feet.
Rub a small amount of avocado oil (about a dime size) on dry cuticles and feet. You’ll likely notice that it’s moisturizing without leaving any residue on the skin.
5 Health Benefits of Avocado Oil
It’s clear that avocado oil is the next big thing when it comes to skin and hair, but it’s also a tasty treat. Here’s why avocado oil is the new “it” oil (make some room, coconut oil!).
1. It detoxifies the body.
Avocados contain chlorophyll, a good source of magnesium, which is a natural means of removing heavy metals like lead and mercury from the body.
2. It prevents cancer.
Avocado oil may prevent cancer. Researchers at the University of Waterloo found that a fat compound found in the fruit may help slow the growth of cancer cells, specifically those that cause leukemia.
3. It’s good for heart health.
One study in the journal of the American Heart Association found that low density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol was lower in those who ate an avocado a day versus those who ate a low fat diet.
4. It boosts weight loss.
A study at Penn State University found that those who ate a diet rich in monounsaturated fats like avocado oil had reduced fat distribution around the belly area.
5. It helps the body absorb nutrients.
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that a drizzle of avocado oil may help you better absorb your veggies. Specifically, adding avocado helped study participants absorb 3 to 5 times more carotenoids, an antioxidant found in yellow, orange, and red fruits and vegetables.
Now that you know why you should be eating it, here’s an easy recipe to help you put it to good use. Slather on your morning toast or dip crisp veggies into this yummy pesto for an afternoon snack.
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