Besides tasting delicious as guacamole or spread on a warm piece of toast, avocados boast an impressive list of skin-boosting benefits. This is due to the healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals that are packed inside this nutritious super fruit.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how avocados may benefit your skin, plus how to use this versatile ingredient for a healthier, more radiant complexion.

Not only are avocados high in healthy fats, but they’re also an excellent source of vitamins E and C, both of which play a key role in the health and vitality of your skin.

Here are some of the ways that these ingredients help avocados pack a powerful punch when it comes to skin benefits.

Soothes skin conditions

According to Maya Ivanjesku, chief scientific officer at LaFlore Probiotic Skincare, the fats, compounds, and vitamins found in avocados may help speed skin repair and improve chronic skin conditions like eczema and acne.

Additionally, says Ivanjesku, these same nutrients may help improve chapped skin and even out skin tone.

Prevents skin damage

Research from 2011 shows that avocados contain compounds that may help protect your skin from sun damage and inflammation. Ultraviolet (UV) damage to your skin can cause wrinkles, as well as other signs of aging, and skin cancer.

Additionally, studies have shown that both vitamin C and vitamin E, which are found in avocados, play an important role in helping to protect your skin from oxidative damage caused by the sun and other environmental factors.

Improves skin elasticity

A 2010 study of over 700 women looked at the relationship between the condition of the skin and the intake of fats and antioxidant micronutrients.

The researchers concluded that a high intake of fat — especially healthy monounsaturated fat, like the fat found in avocados — helped increase skin elasticity and reduced the appearance of wrinkles.

Minimizes breakouts

If you have skin that’s prone to breakouts, Ivanjesku says cleansing your face with avocado oil may help you have fewer breakouts. This is due to the antimicrobial properties in avocado oil.

She also points out that using avocado oil as a cleanser may help your skin feel more supple and moisturized.

Improves overall skin health

If you’re looking to boost the overall health of your skin, Ivanjesku suggests trying avocado oil on your skin.

“Cold-pressed avocado oil has an abundance of antioxidants, plant sterols, omega-9, minerals, and vitamins, including vitamins C and E. Together, these nutrients can help boost the production of collagen, soothe inflammation, and lift away old skin cells,” she said.

Prevents dry skin

Avocados are a great source of biotin, which is part of the B complex vitamins. Biotin is known to help prevent dry skin when applied topically. It can also help prevent brittle hair and nails.

What makes avocados such a simple addition to your skin care routine is that you can peel it, pit it, and use the flesh right on your skin. You can also use avocado oil, which is found in many over-the-counter skin care lines.

Maria Velve, a certified makeup artist and green beauty expert, shares this avocado and honey deep moisture face mask.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp. solid coconut oil (place in the fridge to solidify if it’s in liquid state)
  • 1/2 ripe avocado pitted and peeled
  • 1 tsp. honey (manuka if possible)
  • 1 tsp. water

Directions

  1. Place coconut oil, avocado, honey, and water in a bowl.
  2. Blend into a paste using a handheld blender.
  3. Use immediately after making.

To use

  1. Warm your skin with a warm, damp facecloth for 20 seconds to open up your pores.
  2. Apply the mask to your face using your fingers or a brush, avoiding the eye area.
  3. Leave on for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water.
  4. Pat your face dry and follow with moisturizer.

Airi Williams, the lead aesthetician at SKIN CAMP, also recommends an avocado honey mask.

She likes to add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra hydration, as well as a few drops of exfoliating serum, or finely ground oatmeal for exfoliation.

The benefits of avocado extend beyond the flesh of the fruit. You can also use avocado oil, which is the oil that’s been extracted from the pulp.

As a cleanser, Ivanjesku says to add avocado oil to a cotton ball and cleanse the face and neck twice a day.

Another way to incorporate avocado oil, says Williams, is by adding a few drops of 100 percent avocado oil to your favorite moisturizer.

If you’ve never used avocado or avocado oil on your skin before, you’ll want to do a patch test before using it on your face.

To do a patch test, apply a small amount of avocado or avocado oil to the inside of your elbow or wrist. If you have any sensitivity to avocado or the oil, you’ll notice itching, redness, swelling, or burning within a few hours. If you don’t have any reaction, it’s likely safe to use on your face.

Avocados can benefit your skin in many ways due to the healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients found in this versatile fruit.

You may reap skin benefits, as well as other health benefits, by regularly including avocados in your diet. You can also use avocados topically. Some options include using avocado in a face mask or using avocado oil as part of your cleansing or moisturizing routine.

If you’re unsure of the safety or benefits of using avocado on your skin, talk with your doctor or dermatologist before using it.