A + for Avos!

And the same goes for what I’m putting on my skin. I recently received some amazing information about the benefits of avocados when applied topically to the skin, from the New Zealand Avocado Growers’ Association (NZAGA). We all know the when ingested, avos have a myriad of health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, strokes and some forms of cancer (such as breast cancer), lowering cholesterol, regulating blood pressure and packing a powerhouse of 11 vitamins and 14 minerals that help benefit the skin such as vitamin E and C, lutein, antioxidants and oleic acid.

When applied topically to the skin, the avocado oil works to repair and protect dry skin and help to prevent sun damage and premature aging thanks to those delicious fatty acids. When combined with a few more key ingredients and applied to your face and body, the benefits are obvious and the effort is minimal.

Here are a few of ideas direct from the NZAGA for you to try at home (definitely best suited for a night you know you’re not expecting any guests to come a-knocking…)

1. Mix one beaten egg yolk with the mashed flesh of half an avocado for a soothing and hydrating mask for dry skin. Apply to clean skin and leave for 20 minutes before removing with warm water.
2. Here’s a great one for utilizing the skin of the avocado (you know, once you’re done munching the rest of the avo on toast): Lightly massage your skin with the inside of the avocado peel in gentle upward strokes. Let the oil sink into your skin for 15 minutes then rinse with warm water. You will notice a bit of the oil remains, but ain’t nothing wrong with that, especially if you’re heading straight to bed.
3. If you’re planning on fake tanning, make a full body exfoliant using a quarter of an avocado, one egg white, two dessert spoons of rolled oats and a teaspoon of lemon juice. Blend together and get scrubbing, making sure to target your elbows, knees and feet.

There you have it! If that’s not a superfood, I don’t know what is. A+ for avos!