Avocados are nutrient-dense foods: they are packed with nutrients but are relatively low on calories. Avocados are free of cholesterol but contain healthy unsaturated fats. In addition to replacing many common, unhealthy foods as a healthy substitute, they can also make their way into your beauty routine.
Although avocado has a higher fat content than many other fruits, its fats are mono- and polyunsaturated fats that are good for the heart. Avocados also contain vitamins C and E, vitamins from the B group including B6, fiber and potassium.
Thanks to the healthy fats and oils, and the vitamins and minerals, avocados are good for the skin – both when eaten and when used externally in home beauty treatments. Avocado moisturizes and softens the skin, and it is especially good for dry skin. Avocados also nourish and moisturize the hair when used in homemade hair treatments.
Avocado Face Mask:
- for dry skin: half an avocado, mashed
- for oily skin: add a little lemon juice to the avocado mash
Mash the avocado (overripe avocados are great for this purpose) and if you are making a mask for oily or combination skin, add a little lemon juice and stir well. Cleanse the face, spread the avocado mash on your face and leave for 15-20 minutes. Remove the mash carefully and rinse the face. I use a toner (preferably natural toner, such as rosewater or orange blossom water) to remove all the avocado bits.
If you suffer from puffy eyes, cut two thin slices from an avocado and place a slice under each eye. Leave on for the same duration as the rest of the avocado facial mask!
Natural Hair Treatment with Avocado
- one avocado
- a little olive oil (roughly half a teaspoon)
- an egg yolk (if you wish)
Mash the avocado, add the other ingredients and add to your hair. Leave for around 20 minutes before removing the avocado and washing your hair. This one is a little messy and might work better on short hair than long hair, because removing the avocado from your hair can be a challenge.
Avocado oil is great for face oil blends, especially for dry, dehydrated skin. It is nourishing and rich, and is also a good addition to body oils for dry skin, and to homemade hand creams.
Photo: Morguefile
Amazing recipe..i just wonder how long is its shelf life?or de we need to add preservatives on them?