Natural Beauty Hacks: 9 Ways to use avocado in your beauty routine

Lim Han 17 Mar 2017

1/9
Facial moisturiser
Why it works: Chockful of healthy fats, avocados work as an impeccable hydrating moisturiser. As its oil is very similar to our natural facial oil, it is incredibly nourishing for our skin.

How: Combine a mashed avocado with a tablespoon of honey and a tablespoon of plain yogurt. Let it to sit for 10 minutes before rinsing it off, along with your dead skin cells, leaving your face smooth and moisturised.
2/9
Reduce wrinkles
Why it works: Rich with the powerful duo of antioxidants and amino acids, the avocado absolutely intimidates wrinkles. With its divine nourishment and rejuvenation of the skin, crow’s feet and fine lines ain’t got nothing on you anymore.

How: Combine a mashed avocado with a tablespoon of coconut oil. Apply it to your face and leave it for 30 minutes before rinsing it off.
3/9
Fight acne
Why it works: Avocados store up an unbelievable wealth in the vitamin bank, containing vitamins B6, C, E and K. This vitamin squad work together to defeat acne-causing bacteria and to moisturise the skin. Their fellow companions, the omega-6 fatty acids, chip in too, acting as anti-inflammatory agents to diminish skin irritation.

How: Mash up an avocado with the juice of one lemon and a tablespoon of rolled oats. Apply it onto your face and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing. Repeat this mask three to four times a week for visibly effective results.
4/9
Tame frizzy hair
Why it works: Avocados aren’t all just fats. They also possess a ton of nutrients as well, such as vitamin E, which our hair goes gaga over. Not only are they adept at taming uncontrollably frizzy hair, they also moisturise and nourish our hair, leaving it smooth and silky.

How: Mix a mashed avocado with a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Massage this concoction into your scalp and throughout your hair, and leave it for 20 minutes. Rinse it off and shampoo as per normal, before ending the treatment with a couple drops of avocado oil rubbed into the ends of your hair. Walk out of the bathroom feeling like a shampoo commercial model.
5/9
Defeat dandruff
Why it works: The bane of many scalps – dandruff. These nasty flakes thrive on dry land, making moisturising absolutely crucial when it comes to defeating them. Thankfully, that’s the forte of avocados.

How: Mix a mashed avocado with 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 drops of tea tree oil and 10 drops of argan oil. Mix until well-combined. Use gloves to massage it thoroughly into the scalp. Allow it to sit for 20 minutes, followed by a thorough rinse and shampoo session.
6/9
Sunscreen
Why it works: UV rays are easily the worst enemies of our skin, contributing to premature aging and skin damage. But, there’s no need to worry when we have avocado as our ally. Fat-packed avocado oil serves as a reliable shield for our skin. Not only that, it tops all the other vegetable oils in the SPF department, making it an excellent sunscreen.

How: Rub a thin layer of avocado oil all over your skin, like you would sunblock. Not only can you fearlessly face the sun, your skin will also be ultra-smooth and moisturised.
7/9
Treat sunburns
Why it works: Didn’t take our previous advice? Fret not, the avocado graciously complies to do you another favour. Harnessing the power of its antioxidants and natural oils, it will soothe your skin and reduce the pain, quickening your skin recovery.

How: Mash half of an avocado with a tablespoon of aloe vera gel. Apply it directly to the affected areas, allowing it re-hydrate and soothe the burn.
8/9
Hand scrub
Why it works: Need we really say more about its moisturising properties? Melded with the alpha-hydroxy acids in the sugar, your old dead skin cells will be stripped off, revealing supple silky skin underneath.

How: You will need half of a mashed avocado, some extra virgin olive oil, sugar, and patchouli essential oil. Mix the avocado with a tablespoon of olive oil and stir until it’s well combined. Add 5 drops of patchouli essential oil and an eighth of a cup of sugar. Stir well. Slather the mixture onto your hands and scrub them for 2 to 3 minutes. Rinse it off with warm water and treat your hands to a soothing moisturiser. Repeat this routine once a day over three days and your hands will be feeling as smooth as a baby’s bottom by the end of it.
9/9
Nail strengthener
Why it works: If everyone utilised this power of the avocado, nail salons would be put out of business. Packed with healthy fats, minerals and antioxidants, the avocado is a great nourishing agent which helps to grow strong and radiant nails.

How: Simply apply avocado oil onto your nails and cuticles and massage it in. Do this every night and within a mere few days, you’ll be blown away by the amazing results.

Want to slap your avocado on something other than your plate? We’ve got just the thing (three things, actually).

Got some leftover avocados idling on your counter just waiting to be thrown away? Well, you’re missing out on some legitimate skincare goodness. These effective skin-loving emerald gems possess divine powers that will rescue you from almost any beauty woe. Sunburn or wrinkles? Your skin has got to try harder in order to frighten off these bad boys. Armed with a legion of vitamins and antioxidants, and silky healthy fats, avocados will invigorate your hair, skin and nails.

Who needs store-bought products anymore? The avocado will save you a ton of money (which you can then use to buy more avocados). Pop over to our gallery to kindle your ally-ship with this beautiful berry.

Lim Han

Photos: Getty Images

Healthy eating: The benefits of avocado

Tacos & Tortillas: 6 Mexican restaurants in Kuala Lumpur you need to visit

Horoscope Predictions: From 18 to 24 March