5 Avocado Mask Recipes
The avocado face mask is a haven of skin benefits, but we knew that already, didn’t we …
Avocado is a superfood. It’s loaded with good fats, omega fatty acids and skin friendly minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium, copper, magnesium, as well as vitamins A, E, B and K. It’s not only good to eat, but provides a base for the best natural face masks for nourishing and revitalising the skin.
Natural Moisturising and Hydrating Agent
Avocado pulp and avocado oil are rich in antioxidants like B-carotene, lecithin and linoleic acid, that nourish dehydrated, flaky and chapped skin.
Skin Whitening
Avocados remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, fight bacteria related to acne, and transform the health of your skin.
Reduce Acne and Scars
Avocado is anti-inflammatory, containing lauric acid and other nutrients that act as antibacterial and antiviral agents and reduce acne and scars.
Anti-Ageing
Our skin goes through a lot of damage because of free radicals, pollution, sun exposure, and the effects of UVA and UVB rays, which lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and the loss of elasticity. The vitamins E and F and essential fatty acids present in fruits like avocado slow down wrinkle formation. It also contains antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin that are known to protect you from the signs of ageing.
Avocado face masks are effective even when made with avocado alone. However, the recipes below contain optional ingredients that may be added for their specific additional properties that may improve skin health.
HONEY AVOCADO (Good for acne prone and dry skin)
Ingredients
* ¼ cup ripe avocado
* 2 tbs raw honey
* ½ tsp cider vinegar
Directions
1. Combine and puree avocado, honey and vinegar in a blender until smooth.
2. Place a warm flannel over your face for 20-30 secs to help open your pores, so that your skin can draw in the nutritious goodness of the mask.
3. Apply a thin layer of the avocado mixture evenly over your face and leave for 10-15 mins.
4. Gently rinse off with lukewarm water or remove with a damp flannel or cloth.
5. Pat your face with a towel and moisturise as required. Oily skin types may not need additional moisturiser.
Benefits of Honey
While avocado is enriched with vitamin A, fatty acids and antioxidants that make soften your skin and repair the damage caused by free radicals and pollution, honey brings a natural glow to your skin and reduces the effect of dark spots, scars and pigmentation.
AVOCADO AND YOGHURT (Good for acne prone and dry skin)
Ingredients
* ¼ ripe avocado
* 1 tsp organic yoghurt
* ½ tsp honey
Directions
1. Mash the avocado with a fork or puree in a blender.
2. Stir in the yoghurt and honey to form a paste.
3. For application see directions above.
Benefits of Yoghurt
Yoghurt is a probiotic that is rich in zinc, lactic acid, vitamin B, and calcium that fortify your skin by giving it the nourishment it needs. Lactic acid is known to exfoliate your skin by removing dead cells and clearing the surface. So, yoghurt, along with this creamy fruit, can be like a quick, practical, little spa in no time.
AVOCADO AND BANANA (All skin types)
Ingredients
* 1 ripe avocado
* 1 banana
* 1 egg yolk
Directions
1. Mash the avocado and banana separately, then add the egg yolk and mix to a uniform consistency.
2. For application see directions above.
Benefits of Bananas
Bananas are loaded with vitamins A and E and unsaturated fats that keep your skin moist, soft, and supple. Mixing it with avocado nourishes your skin and leaves it looking fresh.
Benefits of Egg Yolk
Egg yolk is made up of mostly water and fats, which makes it a great water-binding agent that locks moisture into your skin cells, leaving your face soft and supple. Egg-yolk face masks work wonders for people with dry or flaky skin. The nutrients in egg yolks work to hydrate, nourish, and moisturize dull skin. Because egg yolks are rich in vitamin A, applying an egg yolk face mask can help get rid of acne.
AVOCADO AND OATMEAL (All skin types)
Ingredients
* 1 ripe avocado
* 2 tbs oatmeal
* 1 tbs honey (optional)
Directions
1. Mash the avocado and add the honey.
2. Mix oatmeal into the paste and leave for a couple of minutes to allow the oats to soften.
3. For application see directions above.
Benefits of Oatmeal
Uncooked oatmeal is known to be a gentle exfoliator and an abrasive that clears off dead cells, dust, and oil from the surface of your skin. It also unclogs pores as it can naturally soak up the excess sebum and grime. Avocados infuse your skin with the nourishment it needs to protect it from everyday damage.
AVOCADO AND COCONUT OIL (For combination skin)
Ingredients
* 1 ripe avocado
* 1 tbs virgin coconut oil
* 1 tbs aloe vera gel
Directions
1. Mash the avocado into a paste.
2. Add coconut oil and mix it in thoroughly.
3. Mix in the aloe vera gel and blend all the ingredients.
4. For application see directions above.
Benefits of Coconut Oil
Coconut oil moisturises and hydrates your skin and reduces inflammation. Mixing it with avocado and aloe vera makes it soothing and cooling.
