The Incredible Benefits of Avocado for Your Skin
Unlike indulgent treats like chocolate cake or a hearty bowl of cheesy pasta, avocado is one of the few truly beneficial snacks for both your body and skin. This tropical fruit (yes, it’s a fruit!) is packed with antioxidants, minerals, and healthy fats that help keep you strong and healthy. We’re sure you already know how delicious avocados are—whether spread on toast or mashed into creamy guacamole.
However, what you may not know is that avocados can also do wonders for your skin, whether consumed directly or applied topically. These vibrant green fruits are rich in antioxidants and hydrating vitamin E, making them particularly beneficial for dry and sensitive skin. In this article, we’ll dive into the top reasons why avocados are a must-have in your skincare routine. Plus, we’ll share some of the best avocado-infused skincare products from Kiehl’s for your face and body. Keep reading to discover why avocado deserves a place in your daily skincare regimen.
Why Avocado Oil and Avocado Extract Are Used in Skincare Products
Before we explore the skincare benefits of avocado, it’s important to distinguish between avocado oil and avocado extract. Both are derived from the avocado fruit, which is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Avocado oil is cold-pressed from the flesh of the ripe avocado fruit, which consists of the outer skin, the edible flesh, and the large pit. On the other hand, avocado extract is typically derived from both the fruit and the leaves of the avocado plant. This concentrated liquid is still undergoing research to explore its potential therapeutic benefits in medical settings.
Among these two, avocado oil is the most commonly used ingredient in skincare products. It’s rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, including oleic acid, as well as vitamins C, A, and E. The high-fat content makes avocado oil a valuable ingredient in skincare formulas for dry or cracked skin. Additionally, avocado oil is edible, and when incorporated into a balanced diet, it offers significant health benefits.
Top 3 Skin Benefits of Avocado You Should Know
Packed with fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, avocado is an essential ingredient in many skincare formulations. Let’s take a closer look at the top benefits of adding avocado oil-based products to your daily skincare routine.
1. Avocado is a Powerful Moisturizer
On average, avocado oil contains about 62% lipids, including both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Research has shown that avocado oil penetrates the skin’s natural moisture barrier more effectively than other popular plant oils like olive oil or almond oil. This makes avocado oil an excellent moisturizer, particularly for those with dry, cracked, or flaky skin.
By using avocado oil in your skincare routine, you can help replenish and hydrate the skin’s moisture, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. It’s especially beneficial during the colder months when the skin tends to lose moisture faster.
2. Avocado is Rich in Antioxidants
Studies have shown that avocado is packed with antioxidants, especially carotenoids and polyphenols. These antioxidants help prevent damage caused by free radicals (also known as reactive oxygen species). Free radicals are formed when the skin is exposed to environmental stressors like pollution, UV rays, and lack of sleep. When free radicals accumulate in the skin, they damage DNA and accelerate the natural aging process.
As a result, this leads to fine lines, age spots, and other premature signs of aging. By neutralizing these harmful compounds, the antioxidants in avocado oil help keep your skin healthy and protect it from external aggressors.
In fact, avocado is a key ingredient in our best-selling Super Multi-Corrective Cleanser, which also contains squalane derived from olives and crushed almonds. This pH-balanced daily cleanser removes dirt, oil, and other impurities without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Suitable for all skin types, it helps maintain your skin’s natural balance. After cleansing, follow with Ultra Facial Toner to soothe and balance your skin, leaving it hydrated and refreshed.
3. It Has Soothing Properties
For individuals with sensitive skin, inflammation can be a daily concern—whether you notice it or not. Inflammation is a primary response of the skin to irritants such as pollution, extreme temperatures, or harsh ingredients.
Avocado oil has soothing properties that can help calm irritated skin. Its powerful moisturizing and healing capabilities make it ideal for treating dry or cracked areas, as well as helping to soften rough skin. For particularly dry patches, look for products that contain avocado oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter for an ultra-nourishing and soothing experience.
Our Avocado Nourishing Hydration Mask, for example, contains avocado oil and helps restore moisture while calming the skin. It’s perfect for anyone looking to provide intense hydration and relief from inflammation.
Conclusion
Whether consumed or applied topically, avocado is an incredible skincare ingredient that offers a multitude of benefits. Its high content of healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants make it a perfect addition to your skincare routine, particularly for dry and sensitive skin. By incorporating avocado oil into your regimen, you can enjoy deeply nourished, hydrated, and protected skin.
From its moisturizing capabilities to its ability to soothe irritation and fight signs of aging, avocado truly deserves a place in your skincare arsenal. So go ahead—add some avocado-infused skincare products to your routine and let your skin reap the rewards!