We reach for avocados when it comes to topping our salads, toast and tacos, but it turns out these brown-skinned, green-fleshed fruits are good for so much more than a delicious snack. This power-packed, Mexico-native fruit is loaded with vitamins and healthy fats that not only make for a well-balanced diet but can also do wonders for your skin, hair and nails. Ready to learn more? Follow along as we answer frequently asked questions such as:

• Is avocado good for your skin?

• What are the benefits of avocado oil for hair?

• What are the benefits of avocado oil for nails?

Is avocado good for your skin?

One incredible thing about avocado oil is that it’s beneficial for all types of skin. “Let me state from the outset that I am a huge avocado fan!” says Dr. Joel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist and CEO of LovelySkin.com. “Avocado oil contains lipids and omega-3 fatty acids, which help moisturize your skin and regulate oil production. It also contains oleic acid, which protects your skin from free radical damage, and has antimicrobial properties, which means it can help reduce inflammation, as well as prevent and treat acne.”

4 products that maximize the benefits of avocado oil for skin

ELEMIS Superfood Facial Wash

Deeply cleanse skin with this refreshing cleanser that contains a nutrient-rich combination of revitalizing botanicals. This gentle and effective cleanser contains avocado, broccoli and pumpkin seed oils as well as a sugar-derived prebiotic to enhance your complexion and keep skin healthy and balanced.

Obagi Hydrate Facial Moisturizer

This LovelySkin staff favorite nourishes skin and replenishes cells with a unique delivery system that provides gradual moisture throughout the day. Avocado oil, shea and mango butter work together to provide deep hydration to skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. Plus, these skin-loving ingredients also help protect your skin from damaging free radicals.

Eminence Organics Citrus and Kale Potent C+E Mask

Protect your skin from premature aging with this botanical facial mask that is specially formulated to diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage. A stabilized form of vitamin C helps reduce inflammation, while avocado deeply nourishes skin as citrus fruit oils and leafy greens team up to improve skin’s elasticity and balance oil production.

jane iredale LipDrink Lip Balm

This sheer, lightly colored lip balm protects your pout with SPF 15 and moisturizes lips with a combination of aloe and avocado oil. A trio of antioxidant ingredients—coffee seed, blackberry and green tea extracts—help defend against free radical damage while the use of carrot seed oil leaves lips feeling soft and smooth. Choose from a range of flattering subtle colors, from Flirt (a light petal pink) to Buff (a warm taupe) to Giddy (a deep ruby).

What are the benefits of avocado oil for hair?

Did you know that avocados have a higher percentage of potassium than bananas? Potassium is one of the many minerals found naturally in our bodies that helps build protein, which is a majority of what makes up our hair. One of the top benefits of avocado oil for hair includes infusing strands with potassium, but you’ll also find avocados are loaded with vitamin B12, or biotin, which does wonders for maintaining a healthy mane. This nourishing ingredient also benefits your hair by supporting hair growth, added shine, and softens strands.

2 products that maximize the benefit of avocado oil for hair

OLAPLEX No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner

This hair conditioner from OLAPLEX matches the nourishing properties of avocado oil with its patented hair-strengthening ingredient, bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate, which is designed to repair the disulfide bonds in damaged hair to reduce dryness, brittleness and breakage. To achieve a nourishing cleansing and conditioning routine, apply this conditioner to your hair after your shampoo, such as OLAPLEX No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo.

Pureology Hydrate Superfood Treatment

Looking to strengthen and hydrate your hair? This nutrient-rich hair mask infuses dry strands with hair-smoothing ingredients like avocado oil, coconut oil, and glycerin. This nourishing formula also contains an exclusive Anti-fade Complex that makes it safe for color-treated hair. The result? Softer, smoother hair that’s more resistant to frizz and flyaways with weekly use.

What are the benefits of avocado oil for nails?

While often overlooked, one of the best ways to incorporate avocado into your beauty routine is with your nails. Avocado oil is great for softening cuticles and strengthening your nails. Hair isn’t the only thing our bodies create with keratin protein—nails have a similar makeup. “The potassium in avocados boosts keratin content, which strengthens nails, and vitamin E gives nails a natural luster while encouraging healthy growth,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “It can also help nourish and soften dry, cracked cuticles.”

To experience the benefits of avocado oil for skin and nails, try Dr. Hauschka Regenerating Hand Cream. This deeply nourishing, fast-absorbing hand cream combines the nourishing powers of avocado oil with cocoa and shea butters to support your skin’s elasticity and help replenish moisture, soften cuticles and fortify your nails.

Curious about the benefits of other oils for your skin? Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of essential oils for skin care.