Forget the fruit, stock up on avocado leaves instead for maximum beauty benefits

Could there be anything more millennial than a squishy avocado? Whether blended into a smoothie, mashed into guacamole, or spread over toast, this buttery fruit has been ruling our palates, nutrition plans — and Instagram feeds — for a while now.

An Australian cafe has turned it into coffee mugs, San Diego devoted a museum to it, Virgin Trains offered discounted fares to those who carted one into a ticket office, and many of us spent long nights fretting that Trump’s Mexican wall would devastate the supply of this pear-shaped essential.

However, even as we have led the avocado charge right into this millennium, the ancients still knew better.

They did not toss away those precious avocado leaves, drawing instead on their beyond-belief health and beauty benefits that sometimes far outclass the fruit itself.

Are We Seriously Throwing Away All Of The Avocado Leaves’ Benefits?

Avocado leaves come packed with antioxidants like flavonoids and phenols. These tiny but mighty components wage war against premature aging by tackling free radicals. They repair your skin and speed up regeneration, helping you recover from sun damage or pollution.

So, the humble avocado leaf is not just an accessory to the fruit — according to a wealth of scientific research, it’s a powerhouse of nutrition that dwarfs the delicious fruit itself!

Picture this: A mere 100 grams of avocado leaves deliver a robust 25.54 grams of protein and 38.40 grams of fiber, vastly surpassing the fruit’s 1.60 grams of protein and 2.06 grams of fiber.

They are also abundant in Vitamin C, a cornerstone for producing collagen, which keeps our skin firm and youthful. Not to be outdone, Vitamin E in the leaves works as a counter to dry skin and a shield against the sun’s harmful rays.

And let’s not forget the minerals! Zinc present in the leaves is a fierce combatant against acne-causing bacteria and an agent of rapid wound healing. Selenium, in harmony with Vitamin E, diligently protects your cells from damage.

For centuries, these leaves have quietly claimed their place as skincare champions in traditional medicine across Mexico and the Caribbean. Now, as modern scientific research begins to acknowledge what ancient wisdom has always known, it’s time to explore how these natural marvels help with healthy skin.

Avocado Leaves Benefits: Kick Acne To The Curb

Ever felt frustrated with stubborn acne? Avocado leaves might be your skin’s new best friend! Their antiseptic, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties fight off those pesky acne-causing bacteria.

But they don’t stop there; avocado leaves also play an important role in detoxing your skin, unclogging pores, balancing oil production, and soothing redness and swelling. Imagine the relief of clearer, healthier skin with lower vulnerability to blemishes and dark spots — all thanks to the green wonders of avocado leaves!

Avocado Leaf Benefits: Wave Goodbye to Premature Skin Aging

Concerned about fine lines, wrinkles, or sagging skin? According to several studies, avocado leaf extract is an excellent solution for premature skin aging.

Avocado leaves come packed with a suite of powerful antioxidants such as flavonoids, quercetin, and polyphenols to fight off free radical damage. These free radicals, often a result of environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution, are known for their damaging effects on the skin, particularly breaking down collagen. Collagen is the key protein responsible for keeping the skin firm and elastic, and its degradation leads to the visible signs of aging.

In addition to these antioxidants, avocado leaves are also rich in Vitamin C, an essential nutrient for collagen production. Collagen acts as the underlying framework for your skin, and maintaining adequate levels is vital for warding off wrinkles and skin sagging.

As the natural production of collagen decreases with age, incorporating avocado leaves into your skincare regime can provide a significant boost. By enhancing collagen production, avocado leaves help maintain your skin’s radiance, elasticity, and youthful appearance, countering the natural aging process.

Avocado Leaves Benefits: Soothing Inflamed Skin

If you’re dealing with inflamed or itchy skin from acne, eczema, or rosacea, avocado leaves are here to soothe and calm with nature’s anti-inflammatory treasures — flavonoids and polyphenols. Imagine these compounds as your skin’s personal caretakers, gently reducing the angry redness, calming the uncomfortable swelling, and soothing the nagging irritation.

By applying the goodness of avocado leaves directly to your skin, you’re tapping into an ancient, natural way to ease inflammation and embrace comfort. So next time your skin flares up, reach for avocado leaves, nature’s own remedy, to bring back that balanced and comfortable feeling.

Avocado Leaf Benefits: Deeply Hydrate Your Skin

Picture enveloping your skin in a natural moisture cocoon — that’s the gift of avocado leaves. These leaves of the avocado tree are packed with natural oils that closely resemble our skin’s own, allowing them to be quickly absorbed and deeply hydrating. Your skin becomes healthier and more flexible as a result.

But the wonders of avocado leaves don’t stop at hydration. They also bolster your skin’s natural barriers, improving its capacity to lock in moisture and resist excessive dryness and a lackluster appearance.

Whether you’re smoothing on some oil derived from avocado leaves or applying a homemade paste, you’re providing your skin with the essential hydration it craves.

Avocado Leaves Benefits: Shield Yourself From the Sun

Avocado leaves offer sun protection primarily due to their rich antioxidants, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, and a healthy amount of Vitamin E. These antioxidants act as mini defenders against the sun’s harmful rays by combating free radicals that damage your skin.

While these leaves provide an additional layer of defense, they are meant to complement, not replace, your sunscreen. So, while incorporating avocado leaves into your skincare can boost your skin’s resilience, remember to continue applying sunscreen for full protection.

Avocado Leaf Benefits: Prevent Hair Loss

Dreaming of strong, luscious strands? Look no further than avocado leaves, which should be a key ingredient in your haircare regimen! Rich in vital nutrients like vitamins C and E, they boost scalp health and hair strength.

Say goodbye to brittle hair and hair loss and hello to fuller hair, thanks to the protective antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that also soothe your scalp.

PS: Why are we talking about the scalp here? The scalp is skin, too, and it reaps all the wonderful benefits of avocado leaves, just like the skin on your face! So, nourishing your scalp with avocado leaves means a healthier base for gorgeously healthy hair.

Incorporating Avocado Leaves into Your Skincare Routine

So, who hasn’t mashed up an avocado fruit and slathered it onto your face at least once? Or, at the very least, stocked up on an avocado-based skincare product (*waving out to my brand new jar of Kiehl’s Since 1851 Avocado Nourishing Hydration Mask)?

But now, it’s time to turn our attention to an often-overlooked part of this superfruit: the avocado leaves. Let’s explore how these leaves can be a game-changer in your skincare regimen!

But First: Preparing Avocado Leaves

So, pick up those leaves or grow your own — while you may not get full-fledged avocado trees on your kitchen counter, growing the leaves is pretty simple. This post, from one of the most referred places on the internet, will show you how.

Choose Organic: For the best results, look for organic avocado leaves to ensure they are free from harmful pesticides and chemicals.

Fresh or Dried: Both fresh and dried leaves can be used, depending on the availability and the specific preparation.

Cleaning: If using fresh leaves, wash them thoroughly under running water to remove dirt or residues.

Drying: For some applications, you may need to dry the leaves. This can be done by laying them out in a warm, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Avocado Leaf Tea Toner

Boil a handful of leaves in water for about 15 minutes. Allow it to cool, then strain.

Use a cotton ball to apply the tea to your face after cleansing. It is a soothing toner and can be particularly refreshing when stored in the refrigerator.

Avocado Leaf Mask

Grind dried leaves into a fine powder and mix with honey, yogurt, or aloe vera gel to form a paste.

Apply the mask to your face, leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. This mask can hydrate, soothe, and provide a deep clean.

Avocado Leaf Scrub

Combine ground avocado leaves with a gentle exfoliant like oatmeal or sugar and a bit of honey or olive oil.

Gently massage onto the skin for a natural scrub that removes dead skin cells and stimulates circulation.

Avocado Leaf Infused Oil

Dry and crush the leaves, then infuse them into a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil over low heat for several hours.

Once cooled, strain the leaves out. The resulting oil can be used as a moisturizer or serum, providing a rich dose of nutrients and antioxidants.

Avocado Leaf Teas and Rinses

Cooled avocado leaf tea as a facial rinse can impart direct benefits to the skin, acting as a soothing toner or an anti-inflammatory compress.

Here’s the simplest and most effective way to prepare this multifaceted beverage in your own kitchen:

Boil Water: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. The general rule of thumb is to use about one cup of water per leaf, but you can adjust this based on how strong you prefer your tea.
Steep the Leaves: Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat and add the avocado leaves. Let them simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. The longer you let the leaves steep, the stronger and more flavorful the tea will become.
Strain and Serve: Remove the pot from heat, carefully strain the tea into a cup, and discard the leaves. Apply this concoction to your skin using a cotton ball or a clean cloth.

Avocado Leaf Infusion

Infusions extract the water-soluble compounds from the leaves, creating a gentle remedy typically used for immediate consumption and offering a soothing, therapeutic experience.

To make an avocado leaf infusion:

Boil Water: Bring water to a boil and then reduce the heat.
Steep Leaves: Add the leaves to the hot water and steep them for 10-15 minutes. The longer you steep, the stronger the infusion.
Strain and Enjoy: Strain the leaves out and enjoy the infusion. It can be used as a hair rinse, skin toner, or mixed into a face mask.

Avocado Leaf Extract

Extracts are more concentrated than infusions and involve using a solvent (like alcohol or glycerin) to pull out a broader range of compounds from the leaves, including those that aren’t water-soluble. The result is a potent liquid that captures the avocado leaves’ essential nutrients and medicinal properties.

By delivering a denser concentration of the leaves’ beneficial components, extracts are potent and, when properly prepared and stored, have a prolonged shelf life, ensuring you can harness the power of avocado leaves for extended periods.

To make an avocado leaf extract:

Chop or Grind: Break down the leaves to increase the surface area for extraction.
Choose a Solvent: Alcohol (like vodka or rum) or glycerin are common solvents. Alcohol extracts more compounds, but glycerin is an excellent alcohol-free option.
Combine and Store: Put the leaves in a jar, cover them with the solvent, and seal. Store it in a cool, dark place for several weeks, shaking it occasionally.
Strain and Bottle: After several weeks, drain the leaves and bottle the liquid. Label it with the date and contents.
Versatile Use: The concentrated liquid can be used in small doses and added to rinses, masks, teas, and toners.

By incorporating avocado leaves into your skincare routine, you can harness their natural benefits to achieve healthier, more radiant skin. Always consider your skin type and consult a professional if you have any concerns or pre-existing conditions.

FAQ: Avocado Leaves Benefits for Skin

These are the most frequently asked questions about avocado leaf benefits for the skin. Have one of your own? Drop it in the comments below, and we will get back to you ASAP.

Can avocado leaves improve skin health?

Yes, avocado leaves contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can improve overall skin health, protect against damage, and soothe irritations.

How do avocado leaves benefit acne-prone skin?

Avocado leaves have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties that can help reduce acne breakouts by fighting bacteria and reducing skin inflammation.

Are there any anti-aging benefits of using avocado leaves on the skin?

Yes, the antioxidants in avocado leaves help combat free radicals, reducing the signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, and improving skin elasticity.

Can avocado leaves be used for all skin types?

Generally, avocado leaves are safe for all skin types, but individuals with sensitive skin should do a patch test first or consult with a dermatologist.

How do I use avocado leaves for my skin?

Avocado leaves can be used as a facial rinse, mask, or scrub. They can be boiled to create a tea for rinsing or ground into a powder for masks and scrubs.

Can avocado leaves help with skin inflammation?

Yes, the anti-inflammatory properties in avocado leaves can help reduce redness and swelling associated with various skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

Can avocado leaves help reduce dark spots and improve skin tone?

Yes, the compounds in avocado leaves can help reduce dark spots and even out skin tone, leading to a clearer complexion.

Is it better to use fresh or dried avocado leaves for skincare?

Both fresh and dried avocado leaves can be used for skin care; however, ensure they are clean and pesticide-free. Dried leaves may be more convenient for long-term storage and use.