What are the benefits of avocado oil on the skin?

The linoleic acid found in avocado vegetable oil stimulates cellular renewal, and helps to restore and maintain the natural protective barrier of the epidermis. This active ingredient belongs to the omega-6 family and is classified as essential, as it cannot be synthesised by the body.

It particularly reacts with ceramides, lipids naturally present in the skin that ensure good cohesion between the cells of the stratum corneum. Indeed, when linoleic acid comes into contact with ceramides, an esterification reaction occurs, during which the linoleic acid and lipids bind, forming the skin's impermeable barrier.

A deficiency in linoleic acid leads to a weakening of the epidermal barrier and an increase in insensible water loss (IWL). This results in the skin becoming drier and more prone to irritation. The loss of skin hydration also promotes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, making them more visible. The application of a skincare product containing avocado oil is thus beneficial for individuals with dry skin and helps to nourish the epidermis while making it less susceptible to dehydration.

Particularly rich in vitamin E and carotenoids, avocado vegetable oil is an excellent treatment antioxidant to protect the skin from free radicals. These are reactive oxygen species naturally synthesised by the body. When subjected to stress, such as prolonged exposure to UV radiation, pollution or tobacco, cells tend to produce them excessively.

Several studies have demonstrated that avocado vegetable oil acts against free radicals, which are responsible for premature skin ageing, by donating an electron to them. This mechanism notably transforms hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), which causes damage to DNA and cells, into water (H₂O). Therefore, avocado vegetable oil is an excellent ally for preventing skin ageing.

The oleic (omega-9) and palmitoleic (omega-7) acids found in avocado vegetable oil have a protective effect on the skin. Indeed, these compounds are naturally present in the hydrolipidic film. This film is located on the surface of the epidermis and notably helps to protect it from UV rays, pollution, and dehydration. It acts as a shield for the skin. The topical application of avocado vegetable oil thus has beneficial properties for skin protection, as it helps to strengthen this hydrolipidic film.

A study on willing male participants has indeed demonstrated that avocado vegetable oil has a occlusive effect on the skin. In fact, insensible water loss (IWL) was measured before and 30 minutes after the application of this botanical extract, and researchers observed a significant decrease in water evaporation. This means that avocado vegetable oil has helped to protect the skin from dehydration.

According to a study, avocado vegetable oil could have benefits for the suppleness and firmness of the skin. Indeed, volunteers aged between 30 and 60 years applied a cream based on avocado oil to their faces daily for 12 weeks and the researchers observed several benefits. They particularly noted a decrease in the depth of crow's feet and perioral wrinkles, as well as a general increase in the elasticity and firmness of the skin.

It is proposed that theavocado vegetable oil works by inhibiting the activity of lysyl oxidase, an enzyme that breaks down collagen by substituting a carbonyl group for the amine group of a lysine residue. As a reminder, collagen is a fibrous protein in the dermis that contributes to the structure and firmness of the skin.

Within avocado vegetable oil, we find sitosterols and campesterols, molecules that belong to the phytosterol family. These compounds have a anti-inflammatory activity and regulate certain inflammation processes. However, the mechanism by which these molecules act has not yet been fully elucidated and further research is still necessary. Avocado oil can thus be used to alleviate certain redness and itching.

Rich in oleic acid, avocado vegetable oil promotes the repair of skin lesions, such as stretch marks for instance. Indeed, a study conducted on rats has shown that its application can increase the synthesis of collagen fibres and accelerate the epithelialisation process, which is the regeneration phenomenon of the skin epithelium. This study was conducted on rats, so caution is advised. However, we can hypothesise a similar mechanism on human skin and an effect of avocado oil on certain wounds.