The amazing avocado (don't just eat them!)

We live in avocado country: Fallbrook is known as the avocado capital and about 60 percent of the avocados grown in California are grown here in San Diego County. We are familiar with the culinary delights of this fruit that was once considered a luxury food reserved for the tables of royalty. But did you know that avocado and the oil from its seed are highly prized for use in skin and spa treatments?

Avocado oil is also renowned for its healing, anti-bacterial, and anti-wrinkle properties. Avocado oil is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2 panthothenic acid and essential fatty acids, giving it regenerative properties and restructuring powers to keep skin moisturized, and elastic. The high content of lecithin and phytosterols makes it excellent oil for massage: silky and easily absorbed. Avocado oil penetrates the skin more deeply than other plant oils, making it an ideal base for skin and body treatments. It stimulates the collagen metabolism, increasing the proportion of soluble collagen in the dermis, retarding visible signs of aging and remarkably softening the skin. Avocado oil helps regenerate connective skin tissue. Avocado oil is very safe to use in cosmetics because it suitable for all skin types, eliminating concern for allergic reactions. It’s also a good stimulant for hair.

As a food, the fruit of the avocado contain an effective combination of monounsaturated fat and powerful antioxidants that nourish the skin from within and reduce stress. Avocado is rich in skin-soothing vitamin E, an essential fat-soluble vitamin that provides moisturizing properties when eaten. Vitamin E may also decrease some of the harmful effects of solar radiation, reduce UV-induced damage, protect against ozone damage and decrease skin redness after sun exposure. The fruit moisturizes dry and sun-damaged skin as a topical application. Avocado preparations do not clog the skin’s pores. You can even use the exterior skin or the inside of the skin like a loofah to exfoliate dead skin.

We have developed several treatments at the Wellness Spa incorporating both fresh avocado and avocado oil to utilize its many healing properties. Here are a few “user-friendly” recipes for home spa treatments.

Avocado Back Rub

(Treat a friend or loved one to a relaxing moisturizing massage)

1. Prepare massage oil by adding 10 drops of lavender essential oil to 1 oz of avocado oil.

2. Soak 2 bath towels in hot water; wring out excess moisture from one and place over back to warm the skin.

3. Mash 1 ripe avocado, then apply liberally to entire back.

4. Cover back a sheet of plastic, the 2nd warm towel, a reflective “space” blanket (sold in camping stores) and then a wool blanket.

5. While your “client” relaxes, rub their feet for 15 minutes with the massage oil.

6. Soak a 3rd towel in hot water, then take off wrap. Use the towel to remove the avocado from the back.

7. Use the massage oil to give a soothing back rub for 10-20 minutes.

Facial Mask

(For sun-damaged, dry or mature skin. Excellent for

razorburn; replaces lost moisture and nutrients)

1. To make mask mash 1 ripe avocado. If you have dry skin add 1 T avocado oil. For oily skin add 3 T lemon juice. To make toner: brew and cool herb tea, then add essential oil (10 drops essential oil for 4 oz of tea). For dry skin use Lavender tea/lavender oil; for sensitive skin use chamomile tea / rose oil.

2. Wash face.

3. Apply mask to face and throat. Relax for 10 minutes as avocado penetrates.

4. Soak a soft cotton towel in hot water, place over face, then compress firmly. Use the towel to remove mask.

5. Add a drop of avocado oil to a splash of toner and gently pat onto face.

Hair and Scalp Treatment

(Moisturizes scalp and hair; adds luster to hair)

1. Mash fruit of ripe avocado; add 1 T avocado oil and 5 drops of lavender essential oil. (Add lemon juice for extra sheen.)

2. To help the hair and scalp better absorb the avocado, first rinse with a warm water and then massage the scalp for 3-5 minutes.

3. Rub avocado mixture generously into hair and scalp; cover with shower cap or lay out in sun. This will help the avocado penetrate the hair and scalp.

4. Shower. Lightly shampoo to remove mixture. Your hair will be naturally conditioned.

Lip and Eye Balm

(Moisturize and soften naturally)

1. Wash face

2. Cut a thin slice of fresh ripe avocado and apply gently to lips and on the delicate skin below the eyes and relax for 10 minute as avocado penetrates.

3. Soak a soft cotton towel in hot water, place over face with gentle firm compresses, then remove mask.

4. Moisturize area with a small dab of avocado oil with gentle fingertip massage.

Craig Lozzi is the co-founder of Fallbrook Wellness Spa. He has practiced massage professionally for over 25 years and is the originator of the Integrated Stone Massage. For more information or additional home spa recipes he can be reached at the Spa: 760-723-8264 or http://www.wellnnessspa.com.