Your favourite breakfast staple is now trending in skin care

Anyone in the know will be all too aware that avocados now play a *super* important role in the breakfast world. Not only are they extremely tasty on sourdough, but they’re also incredibly good for you, and are totally deserving of their shameless Instagram presence (let’s be real though…there’s no reason avocado on toast should ever cost $12).

But what you may not know is that this super fruit (yep, it’s a fruit, guys!) isn’t just great on toast – it’s also fast becoming a must-have ingredient in the skin care world, too. While you may be familiar with the benefits of eating avocados, you may not have heard of the many different benefits avocado oil has on your skin when applied topically. Pressed from the fleshy pulp (the green stuff!) that surrounds the pit, avocado oil is becoming increasingly used in many types of creams, serums, facial oils and moisturisers - and for good reason. 

What are the benefits of using avocado oil on your skin?

According to G&M Cosmetics’ R&D Chemist Dr Visay Viengkhou, avocado oil is a mighty good ingredient for your skin and your overall health. It’s loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and super antioxidants that make it a powerhouse ingredient for hydrated, healthy, dewy skin.

“Avocado oil helps transport active ingredients into the skin, [which] helps to maintain [the skin’s] firmness and structure. [Avocado oil] contains over 25 vital nutrients including vitamins, minerals and essential proteins,” says Dr Viengkhou. 

And did we mention you don’t have to worry about that heavy, greasy feeling on your skin? Avocado oil is lightweight, so it’s easily absorbed and is pretty much the perfect option for those who suffer from dry skin (hello, winter).

Need more convincing? Here’s why you should be adding avocado oil to your skin care routine, STAT.

1 / Avocado oil reduces signs of ageing
Any ingredient that keeps our skin looking refreshed, smooth and youthful is a goodie in our books. Avocado oil is rich in potent antioxidants, which have the ability to fight off free radicals while helping repair any damage to the skin. When applied topically, avocado oil helps to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As well as this, Dr Viengkhou says avocado oil has been proven to improve your skin’s density, thickness, tone and general appearance. We’re already sold!

2/ It’ll give you glowing skin
If you want to up that glow factor (as if you don’t!), avocado oil is packed with skin-loving vitamins C and E that work to hydrate and nourish the skin, and keep it looking super luminous and healthy. “If you think that vitamin C is solely sourced from citrus fruits, you are wrong! Many people are surprised to find out that avocado contains good amounts of vitamin C for healthy skin,” says Dr Viengkhou.

“Another skin vitamin that will give you a glow for the gods is vitamin E. To stop ageing skin, vitamin E assists in preventing extreme damage from corroding fats. You can also stay protected from radiation from the sun with vitamin E. It helps in maintaining moisture in the skin, keeping the skin radiant and glowing.”

3/ It’s great for reducing redness
Whether you suffer from redness, rosacea or blemishes, you’ll know the struggle of feeling like you have to opt for makeup coverage on the daily. It sucks. Especially when the whole ‘no makeup’ makeup thing is all the rage. The good news? Avocado oil can ease inflammation. Dr Viengkhou says one of the main skin benefits of avocado oil is its high fatty acid content, which helps make your skin super soft and hydrated. “An omega-9 fat, oleic acid [which is found in avocado oil], also regenerates damaged skin cells, reducing facial redness and irritation, making [oleic acid] a building block of healthy skin.”

Avocado oil skin care you should try

Keen to get on board the trend? There are now a heap of skin care brands getting in on avocado oil’s skin-loving goodness. Here are some of our top picks for avocado oil-enriched products: 

G&M Australian Avocado Oil Deep Moisturising Cream
If you have dry or sensitive skin, or are in need a hit of hydration during winter, G&M’s Deep Moisturising Cream is about to become your BFF. It features natural Australian active ingredients and is ultra-nourishing without feeling heavy on the skin. G&M Cosmetics has reportedly sold over 120,000 kilos of avocado cream over the past few years, so you know this stuff is good.

Antipodes Avocado Oil & Rosehip Divine Face Oil
Another sensitive skin goodie, Antipodes Avocado Oil & Rosehip Divine Face Oil is a serious all-rounder. It’s good for treating itchy or ageing skin, and soothing bites and stings, sunburn, eczema, psoriasis, cracked heels and dandruff. We told you it does it all!

Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
This Kiehl’s eye cream is not only formulated with the star ingredient avocado oil, but it also contains shea butter to help improve hydration and the appearance of dry skin, as well as beta carotene to protect the delicate eye area. Psst…this is actually Kiehl’s number one bestselling eye treatment!

Curious about what other pantry staples are good for your skin? Find out the many beauty benefits of coconut oil, how to use olive oil in your hair routine, and why macadamia oil is the skin care hero you’ve been looking for.

Have you used avocado oil in your skin care routine before? How do you like to use it? Let us know in the comment section below.

Main image: @josephineskriver