Avocados. Are they ever the perfect level of ripeness? During my grocery shopping experiences, I usually plan to eat healthier than I actually will. Instead of pretzel crisps to snack on, I'll get some avocados and surely that will fill my savory midnight cravings. After feeling up 50 avocados in Trader Joes, I realize I must make a decision: Should I get a ripe avocado and be forced to eat it right away OR should I get a rock-hard avocado and wait until it's ripe to eat? The problem with the latter is that I usually forget about it until it's over-ripe. Usually, I end up forcing myself to eat the mushy ones, which always ends in disappointment. Well, as it turns out, ditching your overripe treat is just silly, since avocados make great face masks once they've turned.
I've been known to wear more avocado then I consume and not only because I'm an unhealthy snacker. Avocados have given me hair success from the time I rocked a relaxer and a pixie cut to my current 'fro days. It's become an essential on my beauty grocery list and even celebs like Jessica Biel swear by avocado as a ticket to a youthful, glowing complexion. Plus, it's cool if they're a little overripe when you mash them into a face mask — as long as they're not completely brown or have a funky odor, you'll still get all the health benefits.
If you are looking for a fruit that has everything a pricey over the counter product provides, avocados are your skincare dream come true. They're naturally rich in vitamins C, A, B, D, and K, plus are packed with the good kid of fatty acids. They are hydrating for all skin types, and are even a common home remedy for psoriasis. Avocados are great at removing dead skin cells and, since the glutamine amino acids serves as a cleansing property, they can get rid of bacteria and dirt as well.
One of the more incredible and interesting things about avocado is that it has amazing preventative measures. While we typically resort to off-beat remedies to solve a beauty crisis, avocados are a great defense against wrinkles, acne, and split ends before they happen.
So think twice before you turn your nose up at a soft avocado; it may prevent a beauty problem down the road. These simple recipes can be made in the comfort of your own kitchen with an honest ingredient that is truly affective and affordable.
1. Moisturizing Avocado Mask
This is a super popular avocado face mask from Health Munsta. It helps alleviate dark spots, prevents acne, AND exfoliates the crap out of those dead skin cells. Use a quarter of an overripe avocado and then add a teaspoon of organic, unflavored oatmeal. Mash it up and apply on a makeup free face for instant moisturizing bliss!
2. Clarifying Avocado Mask
This is one of my favorite ways to put avocado on my face. I use a quarter of an overripe avocado, a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, and a tablespoon of raw honey. For times when my skin is feeling especially dry, I add a few drops of apricot seed oil (you can add your preferred carrier oil). This mask is a great way to prevent breakouts around your time of the month AND a great mask for those puffy face days. Avocados are also an excellent way to smooth fine lines.
3. Avocado Deep Conditioner
This deep conditioner always saves my hair from a temper tantrum. Avocados are natural detanglers and have the protein and fatty acids that hair craves. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 overripe avocado
- 1/3 cup of coconut milk (or preferred lactic acid)
- 1 tablespoon of Jamaican black castor oil (or preferred moisturizing oil)
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
- 2-3 dashes of clary sage (optional)
Combine all your ingredients (minus essential oil) and heat at a very low temperature — be careful not to overheat, since this can eliminate nutrients. Pour them all into a blender, then mix in the essential oils. Apply your deep conditioner on wet hair, working your way through each section of hair from the ends to the roots. Keep in for 20 minutes and rinse thoroughly.
Image: olle svensson/Flickr; Giphy; Kristin Collins Jackson; Getty Images
