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It's no secret that avocados are one of the most useful ingredients out there. Whether they're being used in your morning smoothie, applied as a hair mask, or added to your diet as one of the healthiest whole foods, there seems to be no end to the many benefits of this miracle fruit—and its perks apply to skincare, too. We went to Karen Hammerman, MD, of Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York to get her take on the topical benefits of avocado, and it turns out they're numerous.
Meet the Experts
- Karen Hammerman, MD is a board-certified dermatologist. She practices laser and surgical dermatology on adult and pediatric patients, with a focus on cosmetics.
- Jazmin Alvarez is the founder of Pretty Well Beauty, a skincare and wellness store.
Hammerman introduced us to avocado's ability to slow the aging process, saying, "Avocado oil has high anti-aging properties that are capable of providing protection against free radicals. Studies have also shown that avocado oil reverses degenerative skin changes seen with aging by stimulating the production of elastin fibers and collagen, thus restoring normal regenerative and degenerative balance."
"The oil will trigger the skin to produce collagen and protect from wrinkles," Hammerman explains. She also notes the ingredient's ability to guard against UV rays, stating, "Exceedingly bioavailable lutein and zeaxanthin might help to protect the skin from UV and visible radiation damage."
With that in mind, we decided to round up the very best DIY face masks that make use of this versatile ingredient.
Watch Now: The Best Avocado and Honey Face Mask
Hemp Oil + Lemon + Avocado
If fighting dry skin is a concern, Karissa's Vegan Kitchen's avocado hemp oil face mask will be your new go-to. Karissa mixes avocado with hemp oil to maximize this mask's moisturizing benefits. With only three ingredients, this simple recipe is a cost-effective way to battle dry-skin woes.
Hammerman supports using avocado to moisturize, saying, "Avocado oil is capable of penetrating deep into the skin, making skin soft and hydrated. One of the extraordinary properties of avocado oil is it acts as a powerful humectant, which is a substance that absorbs or helps retain moisture, like glycerin."
Oats + Avocado + Honey
For a natural way to exfoliate, try adding oats to your avocado mask, like this recipe from The Healthy Maven. A hydrating mask that's sure to become a staple during dry winter months, this simple recipe combines avocado, honey, and rolled oats.
The anti-bacterial properties of honey blend with moisturizing avocado while soothing oats reduce redness. After letting the mask sit, remove by rubbing in small circles on the face to allow the oats to gently remove dry skin.
Lemon + Avocado + Turmeric + Yogurt
This avocado face mask by Naive Cook Cooks looks good enough to eat, but it's the benefits of its four simple ingredients that really have our attention. Blogger Amishi adds yogurt and lemon juice to diminish dark spots, and turmeric lends the mask antiseptic qualities. Amishi keeps hers refrigerated in a tightly sealed jar that lasts a full week, or about five to six treatments.
Avocado + Cucumber + Apple Cider Vinegar
If you're in need of a soothing face mask with skin-balancing properties, then give this avocado mask from The Blender Girl a try. It's infused with apple cider vinegar and cucumber, which works to calm and hydrate irritated pores.
Greek Yogurt + Avacado + Rose Clay + Lemon Juice
For a gentle brightening mask, use 1/4 of an avocado, 1/2 teaspoon of Greek yogurt, rose clay powder by Anima Mundi, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Blend the combination until smooth and creamy then apply onto freshly washed skin for 15-20 minutes.
Manuka Honey + Avacado + Rose Water + Flax Seed Oil
Get hydrated with manuka honey, known for its antimicrobial skin healing properties, combined with a few drops of flaxseed oil and enough rosewater to create your desired consistency . According to Alvarez, combining the above with avocado creates a rich mask that can help with dry skin.
Chickpea Powder + Tumeric + Avacado + Rose Water
For those with redness and rosacea, turmeric has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties that are particularly soothing. "For something mega easy when you don't want to whip up a mask, scoop out the insides of the avocado and rub the inner part of the skin onto your skin," says Alvarez.