Your DIY anti-ageing face mask

Want smooth, soft skin? This simple homemade face mask uses natural ingredients to deliver a huge dose of hydration, helping to ward off wrinkles

We love them on toast and in salads, but avocado is amazing for our skin, too.
There’s now evidence to show this fruit – yep, it’s a fruit, not a vegetable! – is as good for our outsides as our insides.

Why is avocado good for the skin?

Avocado contains high levels of vitamins A, C, D and E as well ‘healthy’ fats, such as oleic acid. This means the fruit is great for skincare as it’s extremely moisturising, and can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Studies have also found that avocado can help with collagen production and reduce skin damage from sunlight.^1,^2,^3,⁴

How do the other ingredients help?

This facemask uses sweet almond oil as the carrier (or base) oil. The third ingredient, rosehip oil, provides a final layer of skin nourishment. These oils have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that benefit skin, especially as it ages.^5,^6,^7,⁸

Here’s how to create a homemade anti-ageing face mask…

Avocado, almond oil and rosehip oil facemask

Makes 2 masks

Ingredients

½ avocado
2 tsp sweet almond oil *
1 tsp rosehip oil *

*Available at Holland & Barrett

Method

Step 1.
Slice and twist the avocado, and then remove the stone.

Step 2.
Scoop out the contents of one half into a bowl and mash with a fork until it is smooth.

Step 3.
Add 2 tsp of sweet almond oil and 1 tsp of rosehip oil. Mix until combined.

Step 4.
Apply the creamy mixture to clean skin.

Step 5.
Leave on for 15-20 minutes. After a few minutes, you may feel your skin tighten a little as the oils begin to absorb.

Step 6.
Remove the mask by washing your face with warm water. Pat skin dry. The oils in the facemask mean no additional moisturiser should be needed afterwards. Store the remaining mixture in the fridge for up to three days.

Advice is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP before trying any remedies.

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Sources

Tzu-Kai L, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020
Dreher ML, Davenport AJ. Hass Avocado Composition and Potential Health Effects. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3664913/
Rosenblat G, et al. Polyhydroxylated fatty alcohols derived from avocado suppress inflammatory response and provide non-sunscreen protection against UV-induced damage in skin cells. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20978772/
Nagata C, et al. Association of dietary fat, vegetables and antioxidant micronutrients with skin ageing in Japanese women. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20085665/
Zeichner JA, Berson D, Donald A. The Use of an Over-the-Counter Hand Cream With Sweet Almond Oil for the Treatment of Hand Dermatitis. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29320591
As Source 1
Contri RV, et al. Nanoencapsulation of Rose-Hip Oil Prevents Oil Oxidation and Allows Obtainment of Gel and Film Topical Formulations. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26381915
Boukhatem MN, et al. Rose geranium essential oil as a source of new and safe anti-inflammatory drugs. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24103319