Avocado Consumption May Lead to Improved Facial Skin Elasticity and Firmness in Women

Daily oral avocado consumption may be associated with enhanced elasticity and firmness of the facial skin in healthy overweight women, researchers reported in study data published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

The randomized, parallel group study investigated the effects of consuming 1 avocado daily vs no avocado on skin health in women with increased abdominal circumference and elevated body mass index (BMI).

Eligibility criteria were women 25 years of age or older, waist circumference of 35 inches or more, nonsmokers, Fitzpatrick skin type II to IV, not currently eating more than 2 avocados per month, and willing to maintain their normal skin care pattern by avoiding excessive sun and not beginning new skin treatments.

A total of 39 participants completed the 8-week study (avocado diet group, n = 20; control group, n = 19). The avocado group had a mean age of 43.1 ± 13.1 years, and 33% were Latino. The control group had a mean age of 48.4 ± 11.3 years, and 40% were White and 40% were Latino.

No significant change in body weight was observed from baseline to week 8 (avocado group: baseline 179.4 ± 34 lbs, 8 weeks 179.8 ± 36 lbs; control group: baseline 177.7 ± 31 lbs, 8 weeks 179.6 ± 32 lbs) or BMI (avocado group: baseline 30.9 ± 6.9 kg/m², 8 weeks 30.9 ± 7.3 kg/m²; control group: baseline 31.6 ± 6.4 kg/m², 8 weeks 31.7 ± 6.7 kg/m²).

According to cutometer measurements, avocado group participants’ forehead skin had a significant decrease in parameters R0 (increase in firmness), R1 (increase in elasticity), R3 (decrease in tiring), R4 (decrease in tiring), and R8 (increase in firmness) from week 8 to baseline. A decrease in these parameters indicates increased firmness, elasticity, and reduced tiring after repeated deformation by suction. The decrease in R0 from baseline to week 8 was significantly stronger in the avocado group compared with the control group (P = .04).

Under the eye, R9, which is associated with reduced tiring, decreased only in the avocado group from week 4 to baseline, and the difference was significant between the avocado and control groups (P = .02).

No significant differences were found in sebum and hydration according to cutometer reading between the 2 groups. Both groups showed similar changes in melanin and erythema at 4 and 8 weeks.

Potential study limitations include the choice of facial locations used for the testing. Also, participants were instructed to avoid sun exposure and maintain their usual skincare, but these factors were not monitored objectively, the researchers noted.

“For future studies to confirm the findings, a narrower range of age focusing on pre-or postmenopausal women and narrower range of body weight might enhance the outcome,” stated the study authors.

Disclosure: This research was supported by the Hass Avocado Board. Please see the original reference for a full list of disclosures.

Reference

Henning SM, Guzman JB, Thames G, et al. Avocado consumption increased skin elasticity and firmness in women—a pilot study. J Cosmet Dermatol. Published online January 17, 2022. doi:10.1111/jocd.14717