Why Avocado Oil Is The Skincare Ingredient To Know
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Mintel has listed avocado oil as a skincare ingredient to watch in 2022, saying it can feed the skin with moisture, stimulate collagen production and protect from UV rays. While we’re well versed in the health benefits of avocado when eaten as part of a healthy diet, its place on your bathroom shelf may be less obvious, but that shouldn’t be the case, says cosmetic doctor Nyla Raja. “Pure avocado oil has been used as a home remedy for years, but its addition to conventional skincare is soaring as the demand for natural ingredients soars. Avocado oil in skincare is a no-brainer – it has incredible, skin-reviving properties.”
What Makes It So Effective?
Rich in vitamins, antioxidants and fatty acids, avocado oil is a nutritional powerhouse. “Fatty acids, for example, play a key role in regenerating skin to give it a bouncy boost, while plant compounds keep skin hydrated,” says facialist Abigail James. It’s also great for soothing skin, adds Nyla. “This is thanks to the abundance of antioxidants as well as its moisturising properties. It can help calm skin that’s prone to eczema and psoriasis. There’s even research to show that when avocado oil is combined with vitamin B3, it’s particularly calming and soothing.” If that wasn’t enough, studies show regularly using avocado oil can promote collagen production, and it can help neutralise free radicals in the skin, which cause accelerate ageing in your skin’s cells.
How Should You Use It?
For the best results, look for a serum or face oil that contains this hero ingredient. “There’s no harm in using it in a cleanser, but bear in mind most of it will be washed away,” advises Nyla. “For maximum benefits, a serum or oil formulated with avocado gets my vote, as these tend to be formulated with smaller molecules so the benefits can reach into the deeper layers of the skin. If you struggle with dry skin on your body, look for avocado oil listed as an ingredient here, too – it can help nourish these often neglected areas and feed cells with the omegas they need to thrive.”
What Should You Be Looking For?
The best-quality products will contain cold-pressed avocado oil, according to Nyla. “This is the purest form of oil you can find, and means it’ll give you the maximum benefits. Another tip is to look for products that have avocado oil listen towards the top of the ingredients list – these will be more potent.”
Who’s It For?
If you have dry or damaged skin, incorporating avocado oil into your regime is a must, says Nyla. “Like most oils, avocado is known for its nourishing properties. It sits on top of the skin, acting as an occlusive to seal in hydration and prevent water loss, making it great for those with very dry skin.” For Abigail, it’s an anti-ageing powerhouse.
Can Everyone Use It?
If you have acne or rosacea, Abigail says you should tread carefully. “Since avocado oil is an oil, you’ll want to proceed with caution when applying it to oily, acne-prone skin or skin that’s prone to redness. However, it can be beneficial in small amounts for those with mild acne. If you are using it on breakout-prone skin as a massage oil, considering washing it off afterwards to avoid congesting the skin.”
For more, visit AbigailJames.com & follow @AbigailJames1 & @DoctorNyla.
The Glow Plan: Face Massage for Happy, Healthy Skin in 4 Weeks by Abigail James is available to pre-order now.
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