Many of us enjoy avocados in a bowl of guacamole now and then, but they have more going for them than just delicious taste. For centuries, ancient Mayan, Aztec, and Incan beauties knew the avocado is also a wonderful beauty aid, rich in beneficial oils that rejuvenate the skin, reduce eye puffiness, heal frazzled hair, and much, much more.
Avocados contain lots of vitamins B, E, C and K as well as potassium and fibre. These are great for keeping the skin healthy and the hair shiny and smooth.
Try eating an avocado a day for one week and notice the effects.
Avocado can also be mashed and applied to the skin as a nutrition-giving face pack. Or massage one mashed avocado into damp hair and leave for 20 minutes before rinsing off. A great natural conditioner.
The tough, knobby skin of a Hass avocado makes an excellent exfoliator. Rub on the feet to remove rough skin.
Penelope Cruz is among the celebrities who use avocado as part of their beauty routine.
Avocados are perishable, so be sure to use these formulas as soon as you make them.
Aztec Miracle for Puffy Eyes
This works so well it’s almost scary. Just slice a peeled avocado half into quarter-inch crescent-shapes. Lie down with a few slices under each eye and rest for around 20 minutes. You’ll love the results!
Easiest Facial Mask Ever
Just mash half an avocado and spread evenly on your clean face. Allow to remain for 15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. This is best for dry skin types.
Shiny Soft Hair Treatment
In a small bowl, mash and combine: 1 avocado (1/2 for shorter hair) 1 egg yolk 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
Apply to hair and allow to remain 30 minutes or longer, then shampoo and condition as usual. Amazingly silky, shiny, soft hair!
Soft, Smooth Hand Trick
This gently exfoliating scrub will make your hands noticeably softer and smoother.
In a small bowl, mash: 1/4 of a peeled avocado 1 egg white 2 tablespoons oatmeal 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Combine well and apply to your hands. Leave the mixture on for 20 minutes, then rinse in warm water and pat dry.
Appealing Moisturizer
Turns out we’ve been throwing away (or composting) a valuable part of the avocado!! You can use the inside of the peel as a fabulous humectant and oil-rich moisturizer. Just lightly apply the inside of the peel to your clean face, using gentle upward strokes. You can leave the oil on your face all night or rinse after 15 minutes. Makes a great foundation for your foundation or powder!
Oily-Skin Masque
In a small bowl, thoroughly mash and combine: 1/2 avocado 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1 egg white
Apply evenly to a clean face and allow to remain 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water and a cloth. Follow with an astringent, if you like.