Last Updated on 9 March 2024 by Alisea Mae
Coconut oil is a wonderfully versatile product that has endless different uses and health benefits. It’s completely natural and very economical too, as one jar can supply you with an entire beauty routine and makes the base for nourishing homemade skin, hair and body treatments. Read on to find out to revamp your facial routine the natural way with coconut oil.
How is coconut oil beneficial?
Coconut oil has been welcomed as a superfood for several years and is a staple as part of a healthy, natural diet and lifestyle. As a food, coconut oil is made up of medium-chain fatty acids, in contrast to other saturated fats. This makes it the ‘good’ type of fat, which is essential as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
It also has lots of great qualities as a natural beauty staple. Coconut oil has rich hydrating, antioxidant and moisturising properties. As a cleanser, it works to break down products or dirt from the surface of the skin and acts as a carrier for adding essential oils and other natural ingredients. You could even replace the majority of store bought products with coconut oil based methods for a completely natural and chemical free skin care routine.
Beauty Uses for Coconut Oil
You can apply coconut oil directly to your skin. It can be used in a number of ways; as a moisturiser, to remove makeup and even in place of a wrinkle cream. Simply rub it between your hands to soften it so that it melts and then massage it into the skin. Alternatively, you can make your own skincare products using coconut oil as the base ingredient.
Coconut oil face mask DIY
For dry skin: mash together ½ an avocado and a tbsp of coconut oil. Gently heat the coconut oil first so that it is soft and pliable. Once the mixture is smooth, apply it to the face right away. After 10-15 minutes rinse off with warm water, using a cloth to gently wipe away any lingering residue. Avocado is an excellent source of vitamin E and provides hydration for the skin.
For spot prone skin: mix one tsp of honey with one tsp of softened coconut oil. Carefully smooth the mixture onto the face and leave on for 10-15 minutes for maximum benefit. The antibacterial properties in honey fight to soothe and prevent acne. Combined with the antioxidants in the coconut oil, this makes for a good healing face mask.
Apply your face mask to clean skin and make sure you avoid the delicate area around the eyes, taking care when washing it off again.
Coconut oil face moisturizer
It may seem counterproductive to apply oil directly to the skin, especially if you have oily skin. In fact, coconut oil is a rich source of antioxidants and it actually works to prevent breakouts and excess oil production.
To use as a moisturizer, begin with a thumbnail sized piece of coconut oil and smooth it into the skin. You should feel it soften and absorb right away. Using too much will cause your skin to feel oily but it will absorb into the skin eventually which makes it ideal in place of night cream.
You can add essential oils for maximum benefit and create your own moisturizing product. Start with 150g of coconut oil. Add 10-20 drops of tea tree oil for oily skin, rose oil for dry skin or frankincense to create an anti-ageing remedy. Use an electric mixer to thoroughly combine the ingredients. The mixture will keep for up to 3 months.
Makeup Remover
All you need for an effective makeup remover is coconut oil and cotton pads. Warm half a teaspoon of coconut oil and add to your cotton pad. Slowly wipe it over your eyelid and eyelashes to soften the makeup. Next, repeat this with a clean cotton pad soaked in warm water to wash off the excess oil and makeup.
It may take a bit of practice to get the technique right but this also has the added benefit of moisturising your eyelashes to keep them in optimum health.
For the rest of the face, take a dollop of coconut oil and rub it between your palms until it turns to liquid. Massage it into your face with care, making sure you rub it into your neck too, for one to two minutes. Use a clean cloth and warm water to wash it off. The coconut oil will lift off the makeup and excess dirt from the face, leaving you with extra soft skin.
Coconut oil face cleanser
Coconut oil can be used in exactly the same way as a cleanser using the makeup removing tips above. Just add your coconut oil to a cotton pad and wipe over your face, rinsing thoroughly with warm water. You can also add some essential oil to make your own cleanser based on your skin type.
For dry skin mix together half a teaspoon of softened coconut oil with a half teaspoon of olive oil. Jojoba oil is great for treating inflamed skin, just mix half a teaspoon of it with the same amount of coconut oil. Add 1-2 drops of tea tree oil to a teaspoon of coconut oil for oily or spot prone skin.
Coconut oil face cream
To use coconut oil for wrinkles, warm a small amount of it between your palms until it is in liquid form. Use your little finger to gently dab the coconut oil onto the skin underneath your eyes. Take care to use only the bare minimum, remember the skin under your eyes is delicate and if you overload it with product then this can leave you with puffy eyes.
Make sure you keep an eye out for our next post on how to use coconut oil for your hair.
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