Ingredient Spotlight: Avocado Oil

photo: Sarah Illenberger

We get it, you’re obsessed with avocados. Always paying extra for guacamole, blending them up in your cocao smoothies, and of course I have to mention those $10 avocado toasts that aren’t going away anytime soon. Luckily it’s a healthy obsession. Avocados are rich in Omega Fatty Acids(the heart healthy fat), as well as Antioxidants, minerals, countless vitamins. However, would you guess avocado is also good for your skin?

Take avocado oil. As I mentioned before, it’s rich in Fatty acids, and skin loving vitamins such as C, E, A, and beta carotene. Avocado oil is also an anti-inflammatory, so it’s great for people who get psoriasis and eczema flare-ups. Some of the other benefits include:

• Calms itchy skin
• Maintains strength and elasticity
• Intense hydration
• Protects against skin damage
• Antimicrobial
• Increased collagen and metabolism

For those prone to breakouts, I do not recommend using avocado oil on the face, due to its high oleic acid content. It does make for a fantastic body moisturizer. We here at Alchemy Holistics use it in our best selling Celestial Hand Salve, which is why it’s a favorite for those with eczema or severely dry skin. As always, if you choose to use the oil on its own, be sure to use one meant for the skin and not for cooking, as they are processed in different ways.