It took a while to convince the world that putting oil on your skin doesn’t mean you’re doomed to clogged pores and breakouts. People are starting to realize that oil is actually one of the best anti-aging secrets out there.
Now that facial oils are becoming “mainstream,” we’re getting flooded with information on which kind of oil is the best for your skin. So which is it?
Why we love avocado oil
We’re not one to play favorites, but today we’re talking about a type of oil that your skin really likes: avocado oil.
Anti-aging and moisturizing, avocados are so much more than future guacamole. There’s a lot of internet buzz about which oils do what, so we dug deep into the research out there on why avocado is such a uniquely skin-loving ingredient.
3 reasons to switch to avocado oil
Here are some reasons we’re totally inviting avocado oil to the skin care party.
1. Avocado Oil Offers Enhanced Skin Penetration
I kept seeing people saying that avocado penetrates well into the skin, but sometimes the internet offers up well-meaning but unverified information. I wanted to know if avocado oil really offers better skin penetration than, say, grapeseed or coconut oil.
the science behind it
It turns out that it’s true. Oleic acid is a fatty acid that enhances skin permeability, and avocado oil has a lot of it. Its fatty acid composition is comprised of 63% oleic acid, compared to coconut oil with 5-10% and grapeseed oil with 16.2%.
This makes avocado oil a great morning moisturizer, when you don’t want your oil to sit on your skin and give it a greasy or shiny look. You can save the heavier oils for your nighttime regimen.
2. Avocado Oil Contains Chlorophyll
Avocado oil is uniquely rich in chlorophyll, so you can enjoy the appearance of brighter looking when you use it on your skin. Avocado oil is also good for sensitive skin.
the perfect balance
If you’re looking for a facial oil that is moisturizing, and not too heavy, you should definitely consider avocado. You can even mash up the fruit itself and use it as a facial mask.
3. Avocados are (Potentially) Local
For those of us in the United States, avocado oil is somewhat close to home. The US is the fourth highest producer of these green treasures, the first being Mexico.
Reduce your carbon footprint
Especially for those of us on the west coast, using avocado or avocado oil on our skin instead of tropically-grown coconut can greatly reduce the distance your skin care travels before getting to your face. (Indonesia, the Philippines, and India are the world’s top producers of coconuts.) This translates into fewer fossil fuels consumed and less pollution created.
Have you used avocado oil? Tell us about your results in the comments below!
I adore avocado oil. I warm it and use it as a hot oil treatment. It leaves my hair so soft and amazing. I can’t rave enough about this oil.
I’ve been using avocado oil on my forehead and around my eyes for over a year now and happy with the results. Also like the fact that I’m putting something natural on my face. I sometimes use it to take my eye makeup off too!
I’ve been using your Anti-Aging Facial oil for a couple of years and love it more than anything I’ve ever used on my face. I also got a sample of your Sun Love and really like it. Can I use the two together, or should I skip the facial oil when I use the Sun Love?
Hi Kerry,
You can most definitely use the Anti-Aging Facial Oil with the Sun Love if you would like! Some people use the Sun Love atop of their regular Facial Oil and others feel that the Sun Love is moisturizing enough on its own. It’s all about playing around with what works for your skin 🙂
I love Sun Love! This is something I use every day. Besides being a sun protector, it makes my skin even and supple. I don’t need any makeup with Sun Love.
Thank you for this product. As with all your products, it works!
Gabrielle
Hi – What is good for tissue irritation. I don’t have acne…
Will avocado oil help with scars- even old ones?
I’m 40 with large pores normal/ combination skin. Would the avocado plus clog my pores?
Can one just slather avocado on your face, leave it for a while, and then wash/eat it off? Must one use the oil?
Thanks
Hi Judy,
You can indeed put avocado straight on your face!! It makes a great mask. For more homemade mask recipes, check out this post: https://www.annmariegianni.com/5-diy-anti-aging-skin-care-recipes/
oops! I forgot to mention that I spray my face with tea before spreading 2-3 drops of the avocado-macadamia mix on my face.
I have been using avocado oil, unrefined, virgin, first press, mixed with macadamia oil for my face and it moisturizers better than any other moisturizer I have used. I have very sensitive skin which is prone to redness. I buy it in a large bottle which I keep in the refrigerator. I love the way it gives me radiance and moisture!
Lidia – what is the ratio of avocado and macadamia oils in your moisturizer mix? or do you put one on and then follow the other.
I think under the ‘Local’ point, you meant to say that India, the Phillipines, and Indonesia are the world’s top producers of coconuts, not avocadoes?
Super helpful post.. i used it often last summer and found it incredibly moisturizing. So interesting that it has natural SPF qualities and healing qualities but it makes sense since it grows in the sunniest spots in the world.
what about using olive oil on dry face skin?
Hi Shar! Olive oil is great for moisturizing dry skin. 🙂