4 Avocado Face Masks + Benefits of Avocado for the Skin
Get smooth, hydrated, and acne-free skin with these DIY avocado face masks.
December 23, 2021 5 minutes readIn This Post
This nutritious superfood doesn't only make for delicious guacamole or toast spread but also has a variety of skin-loving benefits. So whether you have dry, sensitive, or oily skin prone to acne, avocado face masks will bring you relief and that sought-after glow.
So, let's explore the amazing benefits this green beauty has to offer and share some quick and easy face mask recipes.
Benefits of Avocado for the Skin
Avocado fruit is also known as butter fruit and alligator pear due to its buttery smooth taste and its shape and peel resembling the skin of the Everglades swamps beast. It's a tropical native American fruit with a high nutrition content and therapeutic properties and is used in cooking, for treating various diseases, but also in cosmetics [source].
Packed with minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats, avocado is truly a super fruit, offering incredible health and skin-boosting benefits. A carotenoid called lutein is one of the most important compounds found in avocados that has impressive effects on the skin [source].
Here are the top 3 skin benefits of avocados:
#1: It's Moisturizing.
Avocado is rich in fatty acids and vitamins A and E, making it an excellent emollient and skin moisturizer. It nourishes the skin and acts as an occlusive at the same time, preventing the evaporation of the water from the skin, the so-called transepidermal water loss. As a result, it's an excellent choice for all skin types, including acne-prone and extremely dry and sensitive skin.
#2: It's Anti-Inflammatory.
Due to its high content of antioxidants and monounsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid, avocado is particularly beneficial in preventing and healing inflammation-related skin conditions, such as acne and eczema. Plus, avocados are a rich source of biotin, helping heal minor wounds as well as dry and damaged skin.
#3: It's Anti-Aging.
Containing an abundance of antioxidants, like vitamin C, avocados also have an anti-aging effect. These antioxidants protect the skin from various environmental factors, like pollution and UV radiation, by scavenging and neutralizing free radicals. In addition, avocado's carotenoid-rich content improves skin elasticity by promoting collagen synthesis. Therefore, avocados may prevent the formation of fine lines and wrinkles in the long run.
How to Use Avocado on the Skin
Adding avocado to your skincare routine is pretty simple. You can use avocado oil or fresh avocado flesh – peel it, take the pits out, puree it, and apply generously to your skin.
Likewise, you can mix avocado flesh with other ingredients in your kitchen and make super-nutritious face masks. Here are some ideas:
Avocado and Honey Face Mask
This mask is a godsend for oily and acne-prone skin. The heavenly combination of avocado and honey will hydrate your skin while soothing any inflammations and fighting blemishes at the same time. You can add a bit of apple cider vinegar for toning and exfoliating effect.
You'll need:
- ½ ripe avocado
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons aloe vera gel
- ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Preparation & application:
- Puree the avocado using a fork or a food processor.
- Combine honey with one tablespoon of warm water to dilute it a bit and make it easier to spread.
- Then blend all the ingredients together – the pureed avocado, melted honey, and apple cider vinegar. You can use a food processor or a blender to get a smooth texture and even consistency.
- Apply a thin layer to cleansed and damp skin, avoiding the area around your eyes and mouth. You can apply it using your fingers or a brush.
- Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it dries. Then rinse with lukewarm water and apply your moisturizer.
It's best to use up this mask immediately. However, if you have some leftovers, you can store them in an airtight jar or plastic container and keep them in the fridge. It should be good for 2 to 3 days.
Avocado and Oatmeal Face Mask
If you have dry and sensitive skin prone to flakiness, you'll love this mask. It will give you nourishment and a hydration boost, perfect for colder winter months. Plus, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of oatmeal will reduce any redness and irritation.
You'll need:
- ½ ripe avocado
- 1 tablespoon rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Preparation & application:
- Mash the avocado using a fork or a blender to get it as smooth as possible.
- Put the rolled oats in a blender or a food processor and blend until you get finely ground oats (if you don't have the patience, coarsely ground oats will do).
- Combine everything in a bowl and add coconut oil. Mix well until you get a smooth and even paste.
- Apply generously to the cleansed and damp face and leave on for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse and follow up with your moisturizer or favorite facial oil.
Keep in mind that avocado will turn brown if exposed to air, so keep any leftovers in an airtight container. Or, even better, make a girls' night in, and use up the mask immediately while it's still fresh – it should be enough for three servings.
Note: If you want to use this mask but have skin prone to acne, make it without coconut oil, as it can clog your pores and cause more problems. Instead of coconut oil, you can add jojoba oil.
Avocado and Banana Face Mask
This hydration bomb is perfect for any skin type, dry, oily, and any in-between. The avocado and banana combination will nourish your skin and keep it well hydrated. If your skin is extremely dry, you can add egg yolk, which will act as a water-binding agent, keeping all the hydration and nutrients in.
You'll need:
- ½ ripe avocado
- ½ banana
- 1 egg yolk
Preparation & application:
- Mash the avocado and banana separately, then combine them in one bowl.
- Add one egg yolk, and stir well (or blend) everything together.
- Apply the mask to clean and damp skin, and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
- Then rinse with lukewarm water and continue with the following skincare steps.
The avocado & banana face mask is perfect for cold and dry winter months when your skin needs some extra TLC. It will make your skin soft and supple. Again, it's best to use it up as soon as possible. If you have any leftovers, keep them in an airtight container, otherwise, the avocado will get brown.
Avocado and Yogurt Face Mask
For those of you with dry (or dehydrated) skin prone to acne, the avocado and yogurt face mask is ideal. While avocado hydrates your skin, yogurt acts as a mild exfoliant. Plus, it has anti-inflammatory properties, probiotics, and zinc, healing acne and restoring your skin's natural barrier.
You'll need:
- ½ ripe avocado
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt (with no added sugars)
- 1 teaspoon honey
Preparation & application:
- Mash the avocado using a fork or a blender.
- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, and mix well with a wooden spoon to get a smooth paste.
- Apply to cleansed face with a brush or your fingers.
- Leave it on for about 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water and follow up with a moisturizer.
This super creamy mask will leave your skin smooth, soft, and brightened. It can be a bit messy, so wear an old T-shirt, bathrobe, or towel and apply generously all over your face.
To Wrap Up
Avocado is indeed a versatile fruit. It can benefit your overall health and your skin in many ways, thanks to an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats it contains.
Try these super-smooth and creamy DIY avocado face masks – they will hydrate, heal, and nourish your skin, plus they are pretty fun to make. Extra tip: since you need only half an avocado for each, use the other half to make a toast spread or add it to your salad – this way, you're helping your skin glow from the inside and out!
FAQs
What does avocado mask do for your face?
Avocado contains various vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats that have amazing skin benefits, including moisturizing, healing, and anti-aging. One of the essential phytochemicals found in avocado is lutein, a carotenoid that has impressive anti-aging effects on the skin.
How do you make an avocado face mask?
Mash half a ripe avocado and combine it with one tablespoon of honey. Depending on your skin type and concerns, you can add other ingredients. If you have oily skin, add aloe vera gel and apple cider vinegar. If you have dry skin, add coconut oil.
How long should I leave avocado on my face?
Always apply your DIY face masks with avocado to the cleansed face. You can leave it on for about 10 to 15 minutes or until it completely dries. Then, rinse off with lukewarm water and apply your moisturizer to damp skin.
What do avocado and honey do for your face?
The combination of avocado and honey will hydrate and soothe your skin. A DIY face mask with these ingredients is, therefore, excellent for dry skin as well as skin prone to acne. If you have oily skin, you can add a tiny amount of apple cider vinegar to it for an exfoliating effect.
How do you store a homemade avocado mask?
It would be ideal to make just a small amount of a homemade avocado face mask at a time, so you can use it up in one go. However, if you do have some leftovers, Keep them in a fridge for about two days maximum.