If the only time you have avocados is when you ask for extra guacamole, then you’re missing out on one of nature’s best beauty boosters!
Avocado has loads of benefits for hair and skin – even if it sounds a little strange. Not only are they a nutritional powerhouse, avos also have a myriad of benefits when applied to the skin, lending even the driest face, a lit-from-within glow.
Here are some tips and tricks on just how beneficial avocado can be. And how you can put it in your food or on your face. We suggest you do both!
Avocado face mask
High in healthy fats, avos are an excellent source of vitamins C and E, both of which play a key role in the health and vitality of your skin. This DIY face mask recipe is for men and women! Whether your skin is dry from sun damage, razor burn or just the winter elements, this treatment replaces lost moisture and nutrients, such as essential fatty acids and vitamins.
What you need: a hand towel, 1 ripe avocado, 1 tbsp of mayonnaise (dry skin) and 1 freshly squeezed lemon (oily skin)
What to do: Cleanse skin as normal. Using a fork, mash the avocado flesh in a bowl. If skin is extremely dry, add 1 tbsp of mayonnaise. If skin is naturally moist or oily, only add the juice of 1 fresh lemon. Apply mask mixture to your face and throat and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Soak the hand towel in warm water, wring out and apply over your face, leaving space for your nose and mouth. Leave the towel on your face for a brief moment, then wipe away the mask using the towel.
The results from this mask should leave your skin noticeably softer and smoother and no matter what season it is, the goodness of avocado is perfect to treat dry skin.
Hair and scalp moisture pack
Avocados not only help moisturise your scalp and hair; they also aid in de-stressing your hair and giving it a luminous shine. Here’s how to create the ultimate avocado hair and scalp mask pack.
What you need: 1 ripe avocado, 1 freshly squeezed lemon, a shower cap, your regular shampoo and conditioner
What to do
Mash the flesh of the avocado in a bowl, squeeze the juice of half a lemon and stir. Wet hair with warm water in a sink or shower. Apply the avocado/lemon mixture by rubbing thoroughly into your hair and scalp. It’s best if your scalp is still warm so the natural avocado oils can penetrate more easily. Put a shower cap over your head and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly, shampoo and follow with your favourite conditioner.
Avocado back rub
This beauty tip is one to bookmark for a date-night surprise. This cleansing back rub relieves stress and tension while cleansing your significant other’s back and supplying their skin with much needed moisture and nutrients. Essentially, this is a DIY couple’s massage using avocados.
What you need: 2 washcloths, a buffing cloth, 2 ripe avocados, 2 sheets of plastic wrap, 4 moist towels, moisturizing body oil
What to do
Cleanse your partners back with a washcloth and then exfoliate using a buffing cloth. Apply the flesh of one ripe avocado over the entire back. Cover the avocado-smeared back with a sheet of plastic wrap then add a warm moist towel on top of the plastic. Rest for 15 to 20 minutes then remove the towel and plastic. Use another moist towel to wipe away the avocado. Apply moisturizing oil. Now it’s your turn! Hand these directions to your partner and repeat.
Credit: Granny Mouse Country House & Spa
