Avocado: a natural beauty secret

Fallbrook and Bonsall spas are rediscovering why the ancient Aztec, Maya and Inca cultures used avocado in their beauty regimens. This primitive fruit holds a hidden treasure of rich natural oils, vitamins and minerals. As our diets are paving the way to an organic lifestyle, many are following the same path with skincare.

“One thing that’s nice and unique about avocado oil is the way it’s made, in that it is closest to the oil that our skin naturally produces,” said Craig Lozzi, owner of Transcendent Touch. “It is easily absorbed into the tissue and highly moisturizing.”

Not only is Lozzi a proponent of using avocado oil in massage, but he expanded on its other beneficial skin uses.

“It can be used on somebody who has dry skin, psoriasis or eczema,” Lozzi said, explaining that applying a small amount and massaging it gently into problem skin was the best application. He said individuals will notice relief from dry skin and even skin that has suffered damage from the sun.

“Obviously, in our kind of climate, avocado oil is good,” said Lozzi. He is delighted to share this wonderful oil with his clientele.

For the last six years, Fallbrook Wellness Spa has offered the popular Avocado Facial and Avocado Body Mask on its menu.

“The body mask is actually more popular than the facial,” said Pat Robinson, head esthetician. “It is a citrus/avocado body mask. We can incorporate a facial with the body mask, as well.”

Experts say that, for the most part, all skin types thrive from the avocado mask, but Robinson has noted that dry, dehydrated and sun-damaged skin usually does very well with this signature service. She mentioned that this mask is great for skin that needs extra moisturizing. It is also good for aging and sunburned skin.

“Avocado is renowned for stimulating collagen and retarding visible signs of aging,” emphasized Robinson.

Some of the ingredients in this organic, intensive mask are avocado, lavender clay powder, avocado extract oil and grapefruit essentials. Before the mask is applied, the esthetician prepares the skin with a natural bristle dry brush massage, which increases circulation, opens the pores and stimulates the sebaceous glands. For the body mask regimen, the client will be wrapped in blankets. Producing heat is key for maximum absorption.

Robinson claimed that her clients are ecstatic with the results.

“They absolutely love it,” she said. “They can’t believe how their skin feels. It is one of our top selling body masks.”

Karen Choules-Stift, owner of Simplify Your Life Day Spa, says her patrons purchase the spa’s massage oil blend for home use.

“Our massage oil blend consists of several oils, including avocado oil,” said Choules-Stift. She is another advocate of avocado oil, knowing the tremendous benefits people receive from its vitamin A, B1, B2, D, E and beta carotene content.

“In honor of our avocado roots, we have created a new service that is all about the avocado,” said Choules-Stift. “We are calling it our Avocado Hot Stone Body Polish.” The following is a glimpse into the wholesome ingredients regarding this heavenly new treatment:

• Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil — Helps restore the natural oil balance of skin

• Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Seed Powder — Effective cleansing and scrubbing agent that leaves a glowing, silky finish to skin

• Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil — Softens skin, helps skin retain moisture and fights the aging process

• Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Seed — A mild abrasive to cleanse

• Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Seed Powder — Gently exfoliates to reveal smooth, radiant skin

• Glycerin — Attracts moisture to skin

• Soy, Wheat and Oat Protein — With its natural cleansing properties and moisture retention, this is Mother Nature’s solution to pollution removal

• Rice Amino Acid — Possesses a high absorption capacity and aids in the transference of heat and cold to balance skin’s temperature. Also calming and anti-inflammatory

• Extracts of Acerola Berry, Cat’s Claw Bark, Chaparral Leaf, Damiana Leaf, Maca Root, Papaya, Mango, Avocado, Guarana Seed and Yerba Mate Leaf

Choules-Stift mentioned the hot stones used in this treatment are imperative and raved about this refreshing exfoliation experience.

“The natural oils leave only smooth, soft skin,” she said.

Transcendent Touch can be reached at (760) 533-3505; Fallbrook Wellness Spa at (760) 723-8264; and Simplify Your Life Day Spa at (760) 732-0013.