Avocado Oil: The Anti-Inflammatory Your Skin Craves

Often called the green goddess of our mind and body, avocados boast a plethora of benefits for both mental functioning and skin health. Avocado Oil remains just as beneficial as the fruit it’s extracted from, making it a hero ingredient across skincare, haircare, and overall wellness. For skin, it provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that soothe, protect, and help your complexion maintain elasticity. Keep reading to learn more about the extensive benefits of Avocado Oil and how you can incorporate it into your skincare ritual.

Origins of Avocado Oil

Avocados have a rich ancient history dating back to around 500 BC when the Aztecs discovered them growing in the wild in Mesoamerica (Mexico and Central America). This nutrient-rich fruit not only became a regular part of their diet but also aided their skin health. Legends claim the Aztecs used avocados to shield their skin from the hot, dry climate by using the fruit pulp on their skin like a face mask.

The use of Avocado Oil is more modern, especially as a culinary oil. It stemmed from farmers attempting to find viable ways to use blemished and scarred avocados. They ultimately explored the possibility of extracting oil from the fruit. Avocado Oil quickly became recognized as an excellent carrier oil but is often confused as an essential oil. Carrier oils are often pressed from seeds, nuts, or other fatty parts of fruit, and are often used to dilute essential oils. Due to their highly potent nature, diluting essential oils is required for topical usage. When diluted, carrier oils help minimize the potential for skin irritation that essential oils can cause, while also providing additional skin-restoring benefits.

Centuries after the Aztecs, it’s no wonder why Avocado Oil is still recognized as a star ingredient. It traps moisture in the skin, making it a terrific emollient containing fatty acids which help boost skin elasticity and promote a plumper appearance. Rich in Vitamins A & E, Avocado Oil also adds shine to hair follicles without contributing to heavy buildup. With many destinations of the world growing Avocados, it’s a valuable yet readily available oil that’s incredibly versatile.

Presence of Avocado Oil in Ayurveda

While avocado is not included in the original Ayurvedic texts, there is still research in Ayurveda attesting to the effects it has on the doshas (the three energies that flow through and govern the body). The fruit and the oil extracted are beneficial in cooling the pitta and grounding the vata doshas. Cold-pressed Avocado Oil is especially suitable for vata skin that tends to dry or dull. The avocado fruit and oil are also beneficial in treating conditions such as psoriasis, dry hair, joint pain, GI tract irritation, insomnia, and improper blood circulation.

Benefits of Avocado Oil for your skin

Anti-inflammatory Properties

The anti-inflammatory properties remain one of the key characteristics of Avocado Oil that allow it to combat multiple skincare concerns. The viscosity of Avocado Oil concerns some who believe that the oil might be too heavy and clog their pores. However, the anti-inflammatory ability of Avocado Oil actually improves clogged skin. It is a strong alleviator for conditions such as eczema, acne, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis.

Rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin E

Avocado Oil is rich in fatty acids like Vitamin A and E which are linked to skin membrane health. These vitamins are packed with antioxidant properties which help to protect against free radical damage that contributes to premature aging, promote collagen production to support skin elasticity, and prevent blemishes such as hyperpigmentation. Vitamin E is also a powerful humectant that locks in moisture into the skin. Vitamin A more specifically speeds up the healing process and supports the skin’s immune system.

Hydration

In addition to Vitamin A and E, Avocado Oil contains potassium and lecithin, which are also nutrients that support the skin’s. Avocado Oil is an emollient and has occlusive properties meaning that it softens the skin and traps humectants (like Hyaluronic Acid), ultimately leading to deep moisturization through the dermis and epidermis.

How to Use Avocado Oil in Your Skincare Ritual

While Avocado Oil can be used in its purest form, it’s also formulated into many skincare products. More commonly, it’s found in face masks and moisturizers due to its incredibly nourishing power. Avocado Oil also pairs well with retinol since it increases product absorption while decreasing symptoms of irritation that are commonly caused by traditional retinols. If you are wanting to use it in its purest form, it's recommended to use it in a bath or dilute it with a moisturizer. You may also find yourself interested in giving yourself an oil massage, like that of the Ayurvedic massage known as Abhyanga.

Meet Our Eye Rejuvenating Elixir

If you’re looking for a ready-made skincare solution with Avocado Oil, our Eye Rejuvenating Elixir harnesses the power of Avocado Oil to help even the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the delicate eye area. We’ve paired Avocado Oil with Sweet Almond Oil, Rose Water, and Vitamin E to create a powerhouse of hydration and heightened skin elasticity. Incorporate Avocado Oil into your skincare ritual with your very own Eye Rejuvenating Elixir today!