Avocados are not just a delicious, year-round superfood, they are packed with healthy fats that deliver powerful nutrients and benefits to the skin.
Rich in monounsaturated fats, vitamins E and C and antioxidants, avocados help improve skin hydration, enhance elasticity and keep your complexion looking youthful and vibrant.
Here we explain the three main ways that avocados support your skin elasticity and the two best ways to utilise this wonderful fruit for your skin.
How Avocado Benefits Skin Elasticity
1. Boosts Hydration
The healthy fats in avocados nourish the skin from within, helping to lock in moisture.
The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which are rich in avocados, create a film on the skin's surface which helps to increase water retention, boosting hydration and suppleness. This is in turn is important for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Collagen Production
Avocados are rich in vitamin C, which plays a vital role in collagen synthesis.
Collagen is the protein that maintains your skin’s structure and elasticity, helping it to stay firm and youthful in its appearance.
3. Antioxidant Protection
Avocados contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds known to help reduce risk of heart disease.
In addition, Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant found in avocados which helps protect the skin from oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress is primarily caused by environmental factors like pollution and sun exposure, which can break down collagen and lead to sagging skin. Avocados can play a role in minimising the effects of these factors on your skin.
Two Ways To Utilise Avocados for Healthy Skin
- Add Them To Your Diet
Ripe avocados are a delicious, versatile whole food you can incorporate into your meals and snacks year round.
Slice avocados onto your favourite salad combinations, spoon avocado flesh into your green smoothie blends, mash them as a topping onto wholegrain toast, or enjoy them on their own with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a pinch of sea salt.
You can also prepare your own home made dips or guacamole recipes using ripe avocados as a base for a wonderful, wholesome snack.
A handy tip to keep in mind when it comes to avocados. It's best to buy your avocados firm but just off ripe and then allow them to naturally ripen on your kitchen bench or window sill at home before you refrigerate and enjoy them.
- Topical Treatments
The omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin E in avocados helps the skin to heal, rejuvenate and remove blemishes and impurities.
Avocados promote healthy skin growth and applying it to your skin can give you a more even skin tone.
You can also apply mashed avocado directly to your skin as a hydrating face mask. Once applied, allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly and then pat your skin dry. Combine it with honey or olive oil for added moisture and antioxidant benefits.
The Main Take Away
Avocados are a delicious and wonderful natural way to support and improve your skin's elasticity and hydration.
Whether enjoyed regularly in your diet, applied topically or a combination of both, this powerhouse fruit supports a healthy, glowing complexion, helping to keep your skin firm, plump and youthful.
Source firm, fresh avocados from your local fruit store or farmer's market year-round, as often as you can as part of your overall skin care and self care routine.
Tolman Self Care.
