AVOCADOS, otherwise known as pears, contain an incredible amount of essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Besides being delicious to eat, avocados are used in many health and beauty products including hair conditioners, face creams and bath oils, to name a few. So now we definitely have more reasons to add avocados to our everyday diet

Here are five benefits to the skin from avocados:

1. Anti-ageing

One of the benefits of using avocado is for its anti-ageing properties.

Avocado is an amazing treatment that helps reduce wrinkles. Not only can you apply mashed avocado to your skin as a facial mask, but also, when you eat avocado, it will help fight the ageing process from within.

Everyone wants to keep their youthful good looks for as long as possible, and eating avocados can help. The antioxidants in the fruit will help to detoxify your body and help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, making your skin more supple and plump.

2. Healthy glow

For a healthy and glowing complexion, drink a cup of avocado juice a day and it will nourish and protect your skin from the inside out.

How would you make avocado juice? Mix one ripe avocado with a cup of milk in your blender, add some honey if you would like it sweet, and enjoy a refreshing drink full of healthy nutrients.

Avocados are rich in vitamins, which will help to reinvigorate dull and dry skin, giving it a healthy glow.

3. Natural sunscreen

You can use avocado oil as a natural sunscreen and a soothing ointment for sunburnt skin. The oil will help to protect your skin from the harmful UVA and UVB rays, and the natural soothing and healing properties of the ointment will restore the skin that has been damaged by spending too long in the sun.

Avocado oil will also protect your skin from environmental damage, thanks to a high content of antioxidants.

4. Treats skin conditions

The healthy fats in avocados will moisturise your skin and reduce any inflammation. The oils of avocado are very closely matched to the natural oils in your skin, so it will nourish and help protect your skin from the rigours of the day too.

Just mash one ripe avocado and apply it to your face and neck as a mask for five to 10 minutes, then wash off and enjoy beautiful, healthy and glowing skin.

5. Treats

The uses of avocado for treating various skin conditions are many; this is why it is widely used in so many commercial creams and balms.

It is extremely good for treating very dry, ageing and dehydrated skin. Avocado oil has amazing moisturising abilities and it will provide you with a deep and long-lasting re-hydration of dry skin.

Just warm up a couple of drops of avocado oil between your hands and apply to your already cleansed skin every night before going to bed. After a couple days you will notice the difference, your skin will become soft, hydrated and glowing. (Quick note: Avoid applying avocado oil to your skin if your skin is oily, as avocado oil is very nourishing and can cause breakouts).

Avocado is a true beauty food, full of nutrients, vitamins and various minerals that your body really needs.

Michelle Vernon is a phlebotomist medical aesthetician who operates the Body Studio Skincare, located at 20 Constant Spring Road, Mall Plaza, Kingston 10, and Fairview Shopping Centre, Montego Bay. She may be reached at telephone 908-0438 or 684-9800; IG @ bodystudioskincare; E-mail: bodystudioskincare@gmail.com; Website: www.bodystudioskincare.com.