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 dark spots?
Dark spots are localised patches where the skin has produced more melanin than the surrounding area. The umbrella term covers sun spots, post-acne marks, melasma patches and freckles – different causes, same visible result.
They are flat rather than raised, vary from light tan to deep brown, and are most noticeable on the face, hands and chest. In deeper skin tones they tend to be darker and to last considerably longer.
What causes dark spots?
Two mechanisms dominate. Ultraviolet exposure triggers protective melanin production, and inflammation – from acne, ingrown hairs, eczema, friction, burns or harsh treatments – leaves post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation behind as it heals.
Hormonal change, some medications and heat add to it. Picking at spots is one of the most avoidable causes: the extra inflammation reliably makes the mark darker and longer-lived than the original blemish.
What ingredients are best for dark spots?
Vitamin C, niacinamide and azelaic acid are the everyday workhorses. For stubborn pigment, alpha arbutin, tranexamic acid, kojic acid and liquorice root extract interrupt melanin production directly.
Retinoids and gentle AHAs clear pigmented cells faster from the surface. Give any routine twelve weeks before judging it, and wear broad-spectrum SPF daily or the spots will simply redarken. Take our Skin Quiz.
