As the temperature starts to drop, the colder days can challenge our complexion as we battle the harsh weather outside with dry, indoor air.
This can lead to our skin feeling tighter, dried out and cause acne to flare up.
But one ‘superfood’ has been dubbed a ‘secret weapon’ to surviving the weather changes this winter – the avocado.
The World Avocado Association lists the UK as the third biggest consumer of the tropical fruit in Europe, with 120,000 tonnes of avocado eaten in the 2023/24 season.
And alongside enjoying the tasty fruit as a snack, the avocado also plays a big role in the skincare industry
Skincare brand Kiehl’s states that avocado is often used in products due to the antioxidants, minerals and fats found in the fruit as they help to keep your body strong and healthy.
Leading healthcare information provider Patient.info suggests using an avocado face mask to absorb the benefits of the fruit into your skin.
By using a face mask, it allows you to moisturise the deeper layers of your skin, rather than just hydrating the surface.
Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats and vitamins C, A and E which all work together to support the structure, hydration and protection of your skin.
Without these nutrients, our complexion can be left feeling cracked and it can also lead to chapped lips.
To combat this, Dr Majad Hussain, the co-founder of personalised prescription dermatology service MiQuest has revealed how the 75p supermarket fruit can be used to revitalise your skin this festive party season.
Dr Majad Hussain said: “Winter can pose a range of challenges for our complexions, including an increased risk of dry, cracked skin and chapped lips.
“The combination of cold temperatures and harsh weather outside and warm, dry air from central heating inside can wreak havoc with our skin.
“Our diets play a huge role in keeping our skin at its best and staying hydrated and keeping moisture locked in is incredibly important to prevent dryness and damage.
“Avocado is considered a superfood for skin health as it has so many great benefits, including antioxidant properties, boosting elasticity and fighting visible signs of aging.
“It is rich in nutrients such as healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamins A, C and E, and potassium, which can all be a great helping hand to keep dry, cracked skin at bay.”
You can buy ready-made avocado face masks from many skincare brands but it is also easy and cost-effective to whip one up at home.
To make a mask, you should blend the avocado until completely smooth and then mash it in a bowl with a fork until it’s spreadable.
When you’ve made paste consistency, cover your face and neck evenly in the product and leave it on for 20 minutes before washing the mask off with water.
Dr Majad Hussain also says the tropical fruit is linked to a range of other health benefits, including supporting heart and eye health, managing cholesterol and regulating our appetite.
Dr Majad Hussain said: “If you tend to struggle with dry, cracked skin through winter then making a few simple changes to your diet could make a big difference.
“Foods such as avocado, oily fish and leafy greens are great sources of nutrients that support skin health.
“It is also vital to ensure you drink plenty of water, as keeping skin moisturised will go a long way to preventing becoming dull and damaged.”
