What is avocado oil in skincare?
Avocado oil is pressed from the pulp of the fruit rather than the stone, which is unusual – most plant oils come from seeds. It is thick, deep green when unrefined, and very high in oleic acid, with vitamin E, beta-carotene, lecithin and phytosterols.
That composition makes it one of the richest and most occlusive plant oils in common use, closer in feel to a butter than to a light facial oil.
What skin concerns does avocado oil treat?
It suits very dry, flaky or mature skin and rough body areas, where its high lipid content reduces water loss and softens noticeably. Its sterols and vitamin E give it anti-inflammatory activity useful for eczema and psoriasis-prone skin.
It is often used for stretch marks and after sun exposure. Being oleic-dominant and heavy, it is a poor choice for oily or acne-prone facial skin, where it readily congests pores.
What ingredients are best paired with avocado oil?
Use it as a final sealing layer over humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid, and alongside ceramides and shea butter for intensive dry-skin routines.
It is also a good carrier for vitamin C oils and essential oils. If your skin is combination or breakout-prone, reserve it for body and hands, and use squalane or jojoba on the face. Take our Skin Quiz.
What are clogged pores?
A clogged pore is a hair follicle blocked by a mix of sebum, dead skin cells and debris. Left open to the air the plug oxidises and darkens into a blackhead; sealed over by skin it becomes a whitehead or closed comedone.
Clogged pores are the starting point of nearly all acne – the microcomedone forms first, and inflammation follows only if bacteria and immune response get involved.
What causes clogged pores?
Excess sebum and abnormal keratinisation are the two mechanics. When the follicle lining sheds cells faster than they can clear, they bind with oil and form a plug.
Comedogenic products (heavy oils, some silicones and waxes), thick makeup worn for long stretches, humidity, sweat left on the skin, hormonal shifts and insufficient cleansing all contribute. So does over-cleansing, which damages the barrier and drives oil production up.
What ingredients are best for clogged pores?
Salicylic acid is the first choice because it is oil-soluble and works inside the pore rather than just on the surface. Glycolic and lactic acid clear the surface layer, and clay masks absorb excess oil weekly.
Retinoids are the most effective long-term fix, because they change how the follicle sheds in the first place. Add niacinamide to regulate sebum and keep the barrier intact, and switch to non-comedogenic, lightweight hydrators. Take our Skin Quiz to find products that will not re-clog you.
