Avocado Oil for Skin Benefits: Uses of Avocado for Skin

Called “butter pear” by some, Avocado oil is also known as “vegetable butter”. Avocado oil is incredibly nourishing and possesses powerful cleansing properties as well. It is widely used in cosmetic and medicinal formulations. Did you know that the French government recognizes Avocado Oil as a prescription drug? Read on to know more!

In A Nutshell

Avocado has been used in herbal formulations for a long time now. The Aztecs are said to have called it “butter pear” and “vegetable butter” considering the high oil content of Avocado.

The carrier oil is perfect for use in soap-making owing to its tendency to form lather and because of its excellent cleansing action.

Avocado oil finds its use in the cosmetic industry as it penetrates and is absorbed easily into the skin. It possesses a large amount of vitamins, has a light aroma that does not interfere with the fragrance of the blend. It also has preservation qualities.

It is also widely used in the manufacture of moisturizers as it is less greasy in comparison to other oils. Thanks to its emulsifying properties, it can produce very fine blends.

Historical Perspective of Avocado Oil

Its botanical name is Persea americana and it was once known as Persea gratissima. It is commonly known as Avocado tree. It is said that it was cultivated in South America, Mexico, and Central America nearly 7000 years ago. In the Mexico region where the Aztec culture flourished, the Aztec people called Avocados “ahuacatl,” which means “testicle.”

The name was given because of the phallic shape of the avocado. It was also believed that the shape of the avocado was a symbol of its properties as well as its benefits for the reproductive system. It was also considered as a “fertility fruit” and was believed to act in the manner of a sexual stimulant.

Ancient civilizations such as Mayans, Aztecs, and Incas applied the fruit pulp on to the skin as a face mask and it was a part of many cosmetic formulations. Guatemala’s Mayans utilized Avocados to treat diarrhea and also to fight intestinal worms and other parasites. It was also used to make the hair healthy and strong.

Owing to its numerous benefits, Avocados were also treated as precious fruits. Mexican iconography in some places shows the fruit in a manner that resonates with the Mexican mythological narratives. In these, the fruit is shown to increase vigor. In some other parts of Mexico, parts of the fruit were used to make artifacts that are nearly 12 millennia old.

It is clear that the Pre-Hispanic cultures afforded great importance to the Avocado. Later, it is believed that European invaders brought the fruit to other parts of the world where it was greatly valued owing to its numerous health benefits. The trees in the period between 1830 and 1880 were also brought to Florida, Hawaii, and California.

The US, in the 20th century, started producing different varieties of Avocados which were also viable for commercial farming. It was at this very time that California emerged as the major fruit supplier. Interestingly enough, Avocado Oil in France is recognized as a prescription drug considering that it can help reduce the impact of arthritis.

Owing to its large oil content, avocado is also called “vegetable butter” and at some places, “butter pear” ever since the ancient times. The modern name “Avocado”, as we know it today, was given by the American Pomological Society and the Agricultural Department of the US. They thought that this name was more commercially suited over the name “Alligator Pear”.

The avocados that are cultivated in California are called ‘Calavo’ to distinguish them from the others, as decided by the California Avocado Association. The growers in the US found a way to extract oil from the avocados as they got damaged due to scars and blemishes.

Health Advantages of Avocado Carrier Oil: Composition

We will now examine the chemical composition of Avocado Carrier Oil which contains numerous good acids. Let’s see them one by one.

 Gadoleic Acid (Eicosenoic Acid):

• Maintains the balance of oil in the skin
• Powerful emollient
• Easily absorbed into the skin
• Does not clog the pores of the skin

Palmitic Acid:

• Makes the hair soft without leaving a sticky residue
• Powerful emollient
• Common saturated fatty acid

Stearic Acid:

• Has cleansing properties removing sweat, dirt, and excessive sebum from hair
• Binds water and oil being a great emulsifier
• Extends shelf life of products as it has preservative properties
• Conditions hair and protects them without removing luster

Oleic Acids (Omega 9):

• Makes the hair and skin soft, supple, and radiant
• Reduces inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints
• Makes hair long, thick, and strong
• Prevents the appearance of fine lines and premature wrinkles
• Increases immunity
• Removes dandruff and promotes hair growth
• Possesses antioxidant properties

Palmitoleic Acid:

• Tightens and moisturizes the skin
• Increases hair growth while also making the hair shiny
• Delays premature aging
• Makes the nails healthier
• Improves complexion
• Increases the elasticity of the skin which helps in the prevention of wrinkles

Linoleic Acids (Omega 6):

• Retains moisture in the hair and the skin
• Promotes the growth of hair and moisturizes them
• Powerful emulsifier used in making quick-drying oils and soaps
• Helps wounds heal faster
• Possesses anti-inflammatory properties
• Thins the consistency of oils when used in a blend
• Helps prevent acne and their future outbreaks 

Arachidic Acid:

• Helps reduce the pain that is related to arthritis
• Increases muscle mass by increasing the inflammatory responses in the body
• Improves immunity
• Helps cut down weight
• Relieves the symptoms of depression

Alpha-Linolenic Acid (Omega-3):

• Reduces pain in the joints and stiffness
• Helps keep blood clotting under check
• Reduces inflammation

Avocado Carrier Oil, being rich in vitamins works as a powerful treatment that regenerates and rehydrates the skin. It will also make the skin smooth and improve its texture. Avocado oil will also reduce the appearance of wrinkles while tightening the skin and reducing age spots, scars, and blemishes.

Avocado oil can also be used on sensitive, dry, irritated, and rough skin or the skin that is affected by psoriasis. It can be used as a massage oil where it is effective in treating inflammation and insomnia. It will also help to reduce stiffness in the muscles, relieve joint pain and tension, and also increase blood circulation for great health.

When Avocado Carrier Oil is used on hair, it helps in nourishing them and will soften, strengthen, and straighten the strands. It will also hydrate the hair and increase blood circulation in the scalp which will help to increase hair growth and reduce the loss of hair. Avocado Carrier Oil also provides respite from environmental damage and clogging of the hair follicles.

It is used in medicinal formulations as it has anti-bacterial properties. The oil balances metabolism in the body and will cure inflammation that is related to arthritis. It has great healing properties that can help rid the skin of rashes, dryness, eczema, and aging signs. It helps to maintain the elasticity of the skin as it has moisturizing properties. The oil has a lot of Vitamin E that will cut down the impact of dangerous UV radiation from the sun and the subsequent damage it could cause.

In the Ayurvedic system of medicine, the fruit is used to treat bad cholesterol, alopecia, provide relief from constipation, increase libido, maintain healthy levels of insulin, and promote stamina and strength. It is also used in the treatment of joint pain, toning the skin, insomnia, and to remove the damages inflicted by free radicals. To date, Avocado Oil is used to heal the hair and skin and promote overall health.

Let us now summarize the therapeutic properties of this oil.

Cosmetic: Antioxidant, Anti-Aging, Emollient, Regenerative, Detoxifying, Astringent.

Medicinal:  Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Arthritic, Diuretic, Detoxifying, Astringent, Carminative, Regenerative, Laxative, Anti-parasitic.