How to Use Avocados for Anti-Aging

Avocados are rich, creamy and full of healthful essential fatty acids. Technically a fruit, avocados are naturally high in fat, but this shouldn't exclude them from your diet. Essential fatty acids are critical to optimal brain functioning, have anti-inflammatory properties and are known to prevent a host of degenerative diseases. Avocados also have powerful anti-aging properties to them. These properties are found in both the flesh and the oil. Because they are so readily available, it's easy to use avocados for anti-aging.

Things You'll Need

• Avocados
• Avocado oil
• Orange stick

Instructions

1. Eat one avocado a day. The natural omega-3 fatty acids in the avocado will not only help keep your skin looking young, but they will also keep your brain functioning at its youthful best.

2. Mash up an avocado once a week and use it as a facial mask. Rub the avocado all over your face and let it dry there for 10 to 15 minutes before washing it off with warm water. The natural oils in the avocado will moisturize and nourish your skin.

3. Rub avocado oil around your eyes. The fat-rich oil will help plump up fine lines and give your eyes a more alert, youthful appearance.

4. Give yourself an avocado oil manicure. Soak your hands in a mixture of three parts water to one part avocado oil for half an hour to plump up fine lines and soften cuticles. Then, gently push back your cuticles using an orange stick and rub your nails with avocado oil until they shine. Wipe off your hands and nails and apply the polish of your choice.

5. Get frequent massages with avocado oil. The oil will not only soothe and moisturize your skin, but your body will absorb it, which will allow its anti-aging properties to work inside of you, as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Grow your own avocados, and you'll never have to go to the store for them again. You can start your own avocado plant by sticking toothpicks into the sides of an avocado pit and suspending it on the rim of a glass of water, using the toothpicks for support. With part of the pit always in water (you should flip the pit every day), it will eventually sprout and begin to grow into a plant that can then be transferred outside. Avocado plants do best in warm, sunny climates.

• While you shouldn't ever attempt to eat the avocado pit, you can grind up the pit and use the pieces in an exfoliating mask.