CosmoBiz Magazine April 2019 | Page 22

Skincare Health and Beauty Benefits of Avocados Avocados are great for more than just toast and guacamole! The nutrient rich fruit is great for all-over health as well as being delicious. Adding it to your beauty routine as well as your diet will help you make the most of this stunning produce. DIY Skincare How: It’s easy to be skeptical of any- thing prescribed for all skin types, but avocados contain beneficial nutri- ents to address a range of concerns. In addition to ingesting this delicious fruit, you can apply it topically to reap even more beauty benefits. The natu- ral oils in avocados can deeply pene- trate deep into the epidermis layers to nourish, soften and hydrate, giving us a glowing complexion. The hydrating properties may reduce fine lines and wrinkles, help keep skin smooth and boost skin’s immunity against stress and other environmen- tal factors. They can also prevent and repair free radical damage. Specifically, antioxidants such as vi- tamin E and C help protect cells from free radical damage - one of the best anti-aging methods. Avocados also contain lutein, a carotenoid that pro- motes skin elasticity, while oleic acid and chlorophyll help to reduce redness and inflammation. Recipe idea: Mix 1⁄2 avocado with yo- gurt and raw, organic honey for a hy- drating mask. Leave on face for 15-20 minutes, and rinse off with lukewarm water. Optional: Add in oats to help ex- foliate skin. Promotes Healthy Hair and Nails How: Consider an avocado your daily multivitamin. Avocados are filled with biotin for lustrous hair and nails. In addition, vitamins B and E can protect hair strands from dryness and dam- age, control hair loss and repair scalp damage. Recipe idea: Ever buy too many avo- 22 C O S M O B I Z M A G A Z I N E cados that start getting soft before you can eat them? Mash them up and put the mixture directly on your hair as a nourishing mask. You might also con- sider applying avocado oil to strands for extra shine or directly to the scalp to treat dryness and flakes. Promotes Muscle Recovery & Repair How: Avocados are also an appeal- ing post-workout snack. In addition to helping you stay full, avocados contain all nine essential amino acids required for proper protein synthesis to help promote repair and recovery of mus- cles. Recipe idea: Add chopped avocados to a salad, and create a dressing with an avocado oil base. Sun Protection Avocados contain a low level of natural SPF (4-10 SPF), although it is recommended that you always use factor 30+ when being exposed to sunlight for long periods. What is also interesting is that vitamin E and other antioxidants found in avocados work great together at relieving sunburn. They can help to repair damaged cells and hydrate your skin. Hair Care The oil of avocado works great as a natural hair moisturizer, preventing fizziness, breakage and split-ends. Avocados are high in vitamin E and protein, which penetrate hair follicles making them soft, shiny, and healthy. As mentioned above, avocados are great for moisturizing dry skin…don’t forget about the skin on your head. Keep your scalp moisturized to prevent flakes and itchiness. Text: beautypress