In the past few years, coconut oil has become one of the most popular ingredients for skin care. If you use coconut oil only in your kitchen, you are missing on some of the best benefits of the topical treasure.
In its essence, coconut oil is a highly nutritious and delicious cooking oil. But look a bit further, and think outside of the box for a moment, and you are getting properties that can help you moisturize and nourish your skin as well. Simply put, coconut oil is good for you both inside and outside.
The age-old secret is out. Until several years ago, only people living in coconut growing areas knew and utilized the benefits of the oil. Now, you can as well. So, the next time you are tempted to buy an expensive cleanser or moisturizer, think of coconut oil. With that in mind, here are 10 reasons why you want to use coconut oil face mask on a regular basis.
Great for skin moisture
One of the biggest benefits of using coconut oil is that you will never ever again have a dry facial skin. No chance. Coconut oil is one of the best natural moisturizers out there. The oil will melt on your skin as soon as you apply it, and will not leave any kind of residue. Once there, the oil penetrates deep into your skin pores, and hydrates them deeply.
For those with dry skin, we recommend applying coconut oil after washing and patting dry with a towel. You need just a small amount, since the oil spreads perfectly. Let the oil sink in for 5 to 10 minutes into your skin, and then wipe away any excess with a cotton towel.
If you have oily skin, we recommend applying on your face and neck after washing with a mild soap. Let the oil sink in for 15 minutes, and then wash off with warm water. Repeat for several days to condition your skin.
Deep cleansing
In addition to providing moisture and hydration for your skin, coconut oil also acts as an ideal deep cleanser. Being that our face is constantly exposed to air pollutants and other chemicals in the air, we need to keep it free from toxins and dirt. Not to mention, there is that dehydrating effect of air conditioning and heat.
If you are in a need of a cleanser, coconut oil is soft, gently, and very effective one. How to use it? Well, it depends on your skin type.
For example, for dry to normal skin, you need to mix two tablespoons of almond flour with enough coconut oil and milk to get a thick paste. Apply on your face, gently massage in a circular motion, and then leave the facial mask to stay for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash off with warm water, and then with cold water to close the pores.
If you have oily skin, you need a face mask made with oatmeal, coconut oil, and a few drops of lemon oil. Cover your face with a warm wet towel first for 10 minutes to open up your pores. Apply the mask, and leave it to stay for 10 minutes. Now that the debris is softened and cleaned by the oil, wash off with a mild soap and warm water.
Protect from sunburn
Coconut oil is not your highest and best sun protection product. However, coconut oil does have an SPF 4. It might not keep you safe during a full day on the beach, but it will help. Apply it before stepping out of the house before going for a casual walk or a coffee.
And best of all, coconut oil helps two ways. It will offer you protection from the sun, and help you reduce any damage done afterward. If you are out on the sun and you forgot to apply sunscreen or any other form of protection, apply coconut oil once you come back home. The damage done by the sun will be greatly reduced.
Remove makeup
It is essential that you remove makeup before going to bed. We all know that makeup can do a ton of damage if you leave it for too long on your face. Coconut oil is one of the best natural makeup removers. It is a great grease cutter. You can even say it is better than some commercial anti-grease products. With that in mind, how to use it for removing makeup?
Apply coconut oil all over the face using a cotton ball. Leave the oil for five minutes, and then simply wash off with warm water. There is no rubbing and skin pulling involved. If you have too much makeup, you need a second round. For a thorough cleaning, keep your eyes closed, and place cotton pads dipped in coconut oil over them. The oil will dissolve the mascara and eyeliner within minutes. Gently wipe them off afterward.
Reduce wrinkles
Coconut oil preserves the smoothness of your face and keeps it wrinkle-free. We said previously that coconut oil can penetrate deep into your skin. Well, while doing that, the oil attracts protein molecules, and ensures repair of the collagen layer. Replacement of collagen is one of the best ways to reduce wrinkles.
Prevent premature aging
One of the main causes of premature aging is oxidation stress due to UV rays, environmental pollution, and injuries to the skin. Our facial skin is the most affected skin section, due to being exposed to the environment at all times.
We already talked about some of the benefits of coconut oil like moisture, exfoliation, and deep cleansing. All of these combined protect your skin from the damage, and prevent aging of the skin. Plus, all of the vitamins and minerals in the coconut oil will nourish your skin and make it look radiant and youthful.
Bacterial shield
One of the best properties of coconut oil is the ability to act as an antibacterial shield. Being that our skin is constantly exposed to microbes, coconut oil will preserve its health. Coconut oil prevents the risk of bacterial infection, including acne. We know acne usually appear due to increased sebum production, but also as a result of a bacterial infection. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is where the antibacterial properties come from.
Protect from fungal infection
We said coconut oil protects you from bacterial infection, but what about fungal infections? While many fungal infections are minor, they can be a huge problem on your face. Ringworm and yeast infection can start as a small patch of dry and scaly skin, but they can flare up rather quickly. Apply coconut oil on your face regularly to prevent infections. And if they happen, just apply to the affected area, and the infection will fall back.
Soothe chapped lips
Coconut oil helps with your facial skin, but also other parts of your face as well. We said it has a hydrating power, and that is exactly what you need for chapped and cracked lips. Just apply a single drop of the oil on your lips using your finger tip. After a while, feel free to lick it off.
Insect repellent
In areas where there are a lot of insects like mosquitos, coconut oil is one of the best prevention measures you can take. And when you have outdoor activities in the summer, you want to avoid any insects. How to use it? Just heat 2 cups of coconut oil in a double boiler. Once it is warm to touch, add a cup of peppermint leave and a cup of catnip leaves. Steep for 5 to 6 hours. Filter the oil, and then pour into a container. Apply before you step out of the house.
