Often the best come in small packages and the gems hide in the dust. Coconut oil is the perfect example. This household product is slowly and strongly taking over every aspect of our lives. From kitchen cabinet to the shelves in bathroom, it has its loud and glorious presence.
We all have seen what type of magic this nutritious and healthy oil brings to our food. And now as the days passed we are enjoying its other benefits on our skin by applying topically. Beauty experts and doctors have already confirmed its effects on human skin. And as the days go by more and more discoveries are coming in. So, know one thing is for sure. This oil is good both inside and outside.
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It is really tiring and never ending how well this oil can be. So, in this article, the goodness of coconut oil on the skin is being discussed. Through this article, all ways possible of using coconut oil is being recorded for you to try out. But, be sure as the days passed and you are reading this article in future there are already new discoveries waiting for you. So, let’s start.
What Is Coconut Oil?
Scientifically speaking coconut oil or copra oil is a type of edible oil that is extracted from the kernel or meat of matured coconuts harvested from coconut palms (Cocos nucifer). It has highly saturated fat content. All the fatty acid it has in it is really great for health and skin.
Why Coconut Oil Is Good for Skin
This oil is hypoallergenic, anti-aging, moisturizing, antibacterial and antifungal. Coconut oil moisturizes the skin, removes makeup, cleanses the pores, works as an antibacterial shield, heals fungal infections, protects the skin from sunburn, reduces facial fine lines & wrinkles, prevents premature aging, boosts collagen, hydrates dry lips, etc.
Actually, the benefits of coconut oil are unlimited. You can eat it, apply it, add it……. Experiments never end and this oil never fails. If you have good organic raw coconut oil in your shelve, you can do anything with it.
The diseases it can cure consist Alzheimer’s, Heart disease, Blood Pressure, UTI and Kidney Infection, Liver, Inflammation, Arthritis, Cancer, Immune System, Memory and brain, Skin conditions, Hair etc. Coconut oil is good for gums and teeth. You can also use coconut oil for weight loss and maintaining diabetes. The goodness goes on…………………..
How to Use Coconut Oil on Face and Skin
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To Wash, Scrub and Cleanse Your Face
Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties and moisturizing benefits, so it is the perfect ingredient for your face. It makes a great cleaner. It will kill all the bacteria so you can say goodbye to pimples and will hydrate your face. So, you will look vibrant and fresh.
Essential Oil Face Wash
Ingredients
- 1 cup of coconut oil (buy pure coconut oil from Amazon)
- 1tbsp baking soda
- 5 drops of lavender, frankincense, and lemon essential oil each
- Glass jar
Instruction
Melt the coconut oil in a pan over low heat, slowly. Once melted, remove it and add the essential oils one by one. In case you have a very high acne prone skin then alternate Frankincense and Lemon oil with Tea Tree oil for a better result. Mix them very well. Store it in a dispenser or air tight jar in a cool place.
Oily and Normal Skin Cleanser
Ingredients
- 2tbsp almond flour
- Coconut milk
Instruction
Mix 2Tbsp of almond flour with coconut oil so it makes a thick paste. Now take the paste and massage onto your skin in circular motions. Dip a face towel in very warm water and wring the excess water. Place the towel on your face 10-15 minutes. After that, use lukewarm water to clear the paste. It will scrub off all the dirt from deep. Splash cold water so that the pores shrink back or you can rub ice cubes. You will feel all refreshed. For normal skin, you can also use powder oat and mix instead of almond flour. But, for dry skin, it can make the skin too much dry.
Oily Skin Cleanser
Ingredients
- Rice flour/oat meal
- Coconut oil
- Drops of lemon juice/lemon essential oil (buy it from Amazon)
Instruction
Use a warmed wet cloth on the face for 10-15 minutes or steam for 5 minutes according to your choice. Thanks to this all your pores will open up and dirt debris accumulated on your face will soften up becoming easy to get rid of. Now add everything in a bowl to make a thick paste. Use this paste to exfoliate your face by rubbing in circular motions. Wash it off with a mild cleanser and warm water. Splash cool water or rub ice cubes at the end.
Sweet Scrub
Ingredients
- ½ Cup oat meal/blended rice
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- ¼ cup sweet almond oil (buy it from Amazon)
- ¼ cup liquefied raw honey
Instruction
Mix up everything really well. You can also add few drops of your favorite essential oil if you want. Now apply the scrub in gentle circular motions. It will exfoliate all dirt and impurities from deep pores. Repeat twice a week and see how it feels.
Special Tips
It is better to use cold water or ice cubes to finish your beauty routine. As it will help to seal the pores, make you feel relieve and soothe the skin. But, you can make your ice cubes a bit better and nourishing.
Like blend peppermint with water and make ice cube out of it. Keep them in the freezer and use when needed. Or you can add lemon juice. In case of lemon juice, be careful as it makes skin more sensitive to the sun. So, using it at night is the best deal. If not, do not forget to moisture and put sun block before stepping out in the sun. You can also blend with a small portion of cucumber.
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To Terminate Your Face Acne
Though oil is the main reason behind acne, this magic oil can work wonders to terminate acne, pimples, blackheads and everything from the realm of your face. Using coconut oil in your daily beauty routine will slowly and nicely eliminate them only revealing your true self out front.
Coconut Oil with Essential Oils
Ingredients
- Any of your favorite essential oil that can treat acne (like tea tree oil, lavender oil)
- Organic virgin coconut oil
Instruction
As essential oils cannot be used directly on the skin, a carrier oil is needed. Coconut oil is the best carrier because it can penetrate deep down the layers and carry all the goodness. Add a few drops of coconut oil and massage gently. Do this on affected area 2-3 times a day until it is all long gone.
Coconut and Baking Soda
Ingredients
- Organic coconut oil
- Baking soda (buy it from Amazon)
Instruction
Just add them to make a smooth paste and apply. For every part of baking soda use the double amount of coconut oil. If your skin is not that sensitive then mix equal parts of each. The grainy texture of baking soda makes it a great exfoliator. And it also works to diminish any scars, spots and dark patches. Adding lemon juice in it will enhance the fading effect. Use this not only for face acne but also for chest and back acne.
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To Moisturize Your Facial Skin
Coconut oil is a great moisturizer and we all know. It is far better than the chemical based moisturizers found in the stores. Coconut oil melts with contact on your body. It soaks in quick as the lauric acid presented in it can penetrate the skin very well so it does not leave any sticky residue and does not make your face feel greasy.
Dry and Normal Skin
Wash your face and pat dry it. Now take a bit of coconut oil, like a quarter teaspoon and slowly spread it all over your face. Gently massage it in. Wait for 5 minutes as the oil get absorbed in your face. Then take a soft cotton towel to wipe off the excess oil.
Only a thin layer of coconut oil on your face is enough to retain the moisture of your face. Your face will stay hydrated all day.
Oily Skin
It may seem weird to put oil on oily skin as it makes absolutely no sense to bring coal to the Newcastle. But, here is the trick. Putting coconut oil helps! Well, the reason behind over production of sebum is inadequate skin hydration. By producing extra it is trying to save skin from getting dehydrated. So, giving it oil actually helps to maintain the balance and stop extra producing.
Now oily skin owners, start with washing your face. Apply warm coconut oil liberally on your face and neck. Leave it for 15 minutes. Later rinse it off and pat dry the skin with a soft towel. Keep on repeating it for several days. At first, there might be a breakout of acne but if it is not several then ignore it. After a few weeks, you will see the change and get amazed! Your face will not be oily as before.
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To Remove Makeup
Coconut oil can gently and efficiently remove makeup. It is way better than the chemical product found in the market. It will not irritate and you do not have to tug or pull especially around the eyes. Even the most sensitive skin will not have any problem. Makeup will just come out swiftly. The oils and fatty acids effectively cut through the makeup. And! It will hydrate your skin at the same time. Your skin will improve with time.
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Eye Makeup Remover
Take a little bit of coconut oil on your finger tips and rub them to melt it. Slowly in circular motion massage the oil on your eyes. Now take a cotton ball or wash cloth, you can even slightly warm the washcloth and dab off the eye makeup. If oil gets in your eyes it may sting a bit but no need to worry just clean off with water.
You can also use coconut oil to remove makeup from all over the face. Rub coconut oil and leave it for 5 minutes. Now wash off with lukewarm water and mild face wash. Most of the makeup will be gone. For a through clean again apply the oil and rub slowly with a cotton ball.
Aloe-Coco Lotion
Ingredients
- ½ cup organic extra virgin coconut oil
- 1/3 cup pure cold pressed aloe Vera gel
- Few drops of your favorite essential oil (buy it from Amazon)
Instruction
Do not melt coconut oil as you are going to whip it and turn it into a lotion cream. Make sure the quality is on the top. Now take the oil and the gel in a bowl big enough and add essential oil. Using a hand or electric whisker to whisk the mixture for 5-10 minutes until it is whipped into a light, fluffy and airy consistency. If you use a blender or food processor it will not get fluffy as these machines tend to create heat and melt the oil. Use an air tight glass container as some essential oil can react with plastic or metal. Store in a cool place where it will not melt.
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To Shave
Coconut oil will also help to get rid of the pain of shaving. Using coconut oil will not only make shaving easier and better but will also treat your face with extra care. It will prevent ingrown hairs and razor burn as well.
Only Coconut Oil
You just need your coconut oil and nothing else. Dampen your face with a warm washcloth or shave after the shower. Rub coconut oil on your face and massage gently. Then just shave off. Simple! It is already moisturizing enough but if you want you can also use coconut oil after shaving as a moisturizer. Aloe-Coco lotion can also be used as pre-shave and after shave lotion.
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Use As Night Healer
The night is the best time when your body heals. Your skin and every other organ take this time to rejuvenate. And coconut oil as you know is the best help you can get. Apply coconut oil at night instead of your daily moisturizer. It will moisturize your face the whole night. You can also add coconut oil in your sunblock so that you can get moisturized all day.
As it is high in Vitamin E, it will strengthen skin barrier so the moisture remains lock inside while you are asleep. Applying the oil to the delicate skin of eye before going to sleep will help to prevent wrinkles and fine lines.
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To Treat and Protect Your Face from the Sun
Coconut oil soothes inflamed skin, reduces redness and rehydrates skin. It has natural SPF 4 too so it can save you from the sun for a short time. But, if you went out without any protection, then applying coconut oil soon after will reduce the damage and protect from further harm as the antioxidant stop the free radicals produced from sun rays to damage the cellular DNA.
Butter Sunscreen
Ingredients
- ¾ cup coconut oil
- 1tbsp pomegranate oil (buy it from Amazon)
- 2tbsp zinc oxide
- 2tbsp shea butter
- Glass jar
- Sauce pan
- Water
Instruction
Put all the ingredients except zinc oxide in the jar. Now take a sauce pan and fill it with water. Start the heat. Keep it between low to medium. Place the jar inside. Water should not go inside the jar. Stir constantly until all the ingredients melt and mixed up. Now when everything is combined well add the zinc oxide and mix well too. Store it in a nice cool place.
Raspberry Sunscreen
Ingredients
- Raspberry seed extract
- Zinc oxide (buy it from Amazon)
- Coconut oil
- Glass jar
Instruction
Melt your coconut oil and add a few drops of raspberry seed extract in it. Mix very well. When it is mixed add zinc oxide and stir until everything becomes one. Take it in a jar and store in a cold place. Aloe-Coco lotion can also be a great relief to sunburn and blisters.
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To Remove Face Wrinkles
The triglycerides found in coconut oil can attract proteins and ensure the collagen replacement which is the reason behind skin’s elasticity.
Coconut oil penetrates deep inside and helps in that. It also prevents premature aging. Aging can speed up due to extra exposure to the sun. Premature aging is a result of oxidative stress due to UV rays, environmental pollution, and injuries caused by rough handling of skin. Coconut oil repairs the cell and prevents aging. Apply a small amount of coconut oil daily at morning and night as a moisturizer and stay young for a really long time.
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As Antibacterial, Antifungal and Hypoallergenic
The antibacterial properties can protect your skin from potential pathogens. It has lauric acid which is a great antibacterial agent. Using coconut oil in your daily routine will help you to get rid of acne, pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, and blemishes by eliminating bacteria.
The extent of coconut oil protection goes as far as protecting from fungal infection. Although fungal have a short life but no matter what intervene with our face is a big headache and enemy of the nation. So, keep coconut oil in your regime.
Remember coconut oil is not a tree nut oil. In fact, coconut is drupe. So, if anyone has allergies from nuts, do not worry as coconut oil is safe. And allergy occurs due to the proteins in the nuts and coconut has no proteins. So, it is safe. Again some people actually may have allergies of coconut. So, it is safe to do a patch-test before.
Wonders of coconut oil cover your whole face including your lips. You can use coconut oil to get soft, glossy kiss-ready lips.
Lavender Mint Lip Balm
Ingredients
- 1tbsp coconut oil
- 1tbsp beeswax
- 2tbsp shea butter
- 7 drops peppermint essential oil
- 7 drops lavender essential oil (buy it from Amazon)
- Lip balm tins or tubes
Instruction
Melt beeswax, coconut oil and shea butter over medium low heat in a small pot. Use chopsticks or any other small long stick to stir and mix. Remove from heat and add the essential oils. Whisk really well. After mixing, pour the mixture quickly in the jar and store it when it is cold. Or you can just dab a drop of the oil on your lips and voila! It is perfect as if you have wear gloss.
Other Uses of Coconut Oil for Skin Care
Coconut oil can also be a great insect repellent. It can treat skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, ringworm, itchy skin, rough and scaly skin, rashes and any other skin conditions. It is also a natural anti-inflammatory agent that can reduce redness and itchiness. After makeup, if you slightly swept coconut oil over the face, the oil will reflect light and give a glowing shiny texture. You will naturally look healthy and radiant.
Choose Pure Coconut Oil for Skin Care
It is important to choose the best thing or next to best thing available for use especially when it comes to consuming orally and using topically. Pure, unrefined, virgin coconut oil is the best for your skin. Be wise and find out the best you can.
Be a bit wise and start stocking up raw organic coconut oil in your house. You will never be sorry. But, do not just stock up. Use it too and that on regular basis. A healthy habit is to use coconut oil on face and body and it is something to get rewarded in the future.
