Avocado Consumption Increased Skin Elasticity and Firmness in Women ‐ A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background Avocados are a rich dietary source of monounsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds. Clinical studies have demonstrated that oral consumption of carotenoids improved skin aging. However, no studies have investigated whether oral intake of avocado will reduce skin aging. Objectives We therefore performed this pilot study to assess whether oral consumption of one avocado daily for 8 weeks can reduce skin aging in healthy overweight women assessing skin physical characteristics and resistance to UVB radiation. Methods Thirty‐nine female participants (age 27–73 years) with Fitzpatrick skin type II‐IV were randomly assigned to consume either one avocado daily or continue habitual diet for 8 weeks. Facial skin elasticity, firmness, pigmentation, sebum, and hydration were determined using a cutometer on the forehead and under eye. Minimal erythema dose (MED) was determined by standardized protocol at inner arm. Results Elasticity and firmness were increased at forehead comparing 8 weeks to baseline in the avocado group. Comparing avocado to control, change in firmness marker from baseline to week 8 indicated a significant increase in forehead skin firmness in the avocado group. We did not observe any change in hydration, pigmentation, sebum, and UVB resistance between the avocado and control group, although changes in melanin and erythema were observed in both groups over time. Conclusions Our findings suggest that daily oral avocado consumption may lead to enhanced elasticity and firmness of the facial skin in healthy women. Further studies of other skin locations are required to establish the connection between avocado consumption and skin aging.

Beneficial Effects of Plant-Based Diets on Skin Health and Inflammatory Skin Diseases

“…There were no adverse effects related to avocado intake such as weight gain or increased production of facial sebum. This improved skin status might be a result of a mechanism in which the expression of certain genes, such as collagen and elastin genes, is induced after making dietary modifications [ 55 ]. Thus, the evidence found suggests that the addition of avocados to the daily diet has a potential positive impact on improving and maintaining the elasticity and firmness of the skin, or delaying aging.…”

“… Daily consumption of one avocado per day for 8 weeks improved firmness and elasticity and reduced the tiring of repeat stretching of the forehead skin. [ 55 ] Case-control 30 patients with AD (according to the criteria for the diagnosis of AD established by the Japanese Dermatological Association) less than 20 years of age and age- and sex-matched control subjects (68 healthy individuals). A questionnaire survey was conducted for 1 week, and then fecal specimens and 24 h skin secretion specimens were collected from all subjects.…”

Functional Foods in Dermatology

“…Flaxseed oil: improvements in TEWL [12,61] Argan oil: Improvements in TEWL [13] Hempseed oil: decreases in skin dryness and itching in those with atopic dermatitis [14] Fermented dairy products: improved skin hydration [17,18] Fermented dairy products: improvements in TEWL [16,19] Wound healing Olive oil: decrease in duration of wound healing and hospitalization [25] Radiance Increased fruit and vegetable consumption over six weeks: documented increases in skin redness and yellowness and perceptions of increased health and attractiveness [32] Anti-photoaging Almonds consumed daily for four months: decreased wrinkle severity and width [33] Avocado, daily consumption for eight weeks: increases in forehead skin firmness and elasticity [34] A diet reported to be higher intake of monounsaturated fatty acids from olive oil: lower risk of severe photoaging [36] Reported consumption of higher intake of total dietary polyphenols from all sources: decreases in pigmented spots scores [35] Photoprotection Tomato paste: improvement in MED [42,43] High flavanol cocoa powder or chocolate: Improvements in MED [23,44,45] Reduction of DNA damage…”

Nutritional Composition of Hass Avocado Pulp

“…The nutrients and bioactive molecules found in avocados contribute to several health benefits. Data from clinical trials and observational studies have linked avocado consumption with improvements in cardiovascular health, weight control, cognitive function, digestive physiology, and skin health [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. While these studies are reviewed in detail elsewhere, some key findings are summarized here briefly.…”

“…Avocado intake promotes changes in microbiota composition and fecal metabolites that correlate with a favorable metabolic phenotype in adults with overweight or obesity [ 6 ]. Daily avocado consumption also enhances the elasticity and firmness of the facial skin in healthy women [ 4 ]. Four key nutritional features likely mediate these beneficial effects: (1) a high unsaturated to saturated fatty acid ratio, (2) viscous, prebiotic fiber, (3) low energy density, and (4) highly bioavailable carotenoids [ 3 ].…”