Benefits of Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has long been used as a remedy for a variety of ailments, both internally and externally. One of the most popular uses of coconut oil is as a facial moisturizer. Coconut oil has many beneficial properties that make it an ideal choice for use on the face.
In this article, we will explore some of these benefits and the best ways to use coconut oil on your face:
Moisturizing
Coconut oil is an excellent natural moisturizer for the skin because of its unique composition. It is composed largely of saturated fatty acids, including lauric acid and linoleic acid, as well as beneficial vitamins and minerals. These compounds work together to hydrate the skin, reduce inflammation and improve overall skin health.
- Lauric acid helps to prevent moisture loss in the epidermis, while linoleic acid helps protect against environmental stressors such as ultraviolet rays and pollutants.
- Additionally, coconut oil also contains several antioxidant compounds that can help fight wrinkles, acne and other signs of aging.
Applying coconut oil regularly can help keep your skin smooth, supple and glowing with health.
Antioxidant Properties
Coconut oil is known for its antioxidant properties, which can help your skin fight oxidative damage from things like UV exposure, toxins and environmental pollutants. Its high content of fatty acids—especially lauric acid—make it an effective moisturizer and protective barrier. Because it’s packed with vitamins E and K, coconut oil helps to nourish the skin’s cells and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Additionally, research has shown that some medium-chain fatty acids present in coconut oil may help reduce inflammation in the body and on the face. Coconut oil can also be used to help heal scars or prevent stretch marks through improved skin elasticity.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
The anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil make this natural remedy an ideal choice for many skin disorders, including atopic dermatitis (eczema).
Coconut oil helps in taming the inflammation of the skin and is often used as a topical treatment for inflamed and irritated skin. It may also be used to soothe other kinds of skin irritation such as sunburns, insect bites, and minor wounds.
Coconut oil has been found to contain lauric acid, which helps reduce inflammation-causing proteins in the body. It is also rich in antioxidants, which help protect against free radical damage that can lead to inflammation. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties are further boosted by its high concentrations of vitamin E, an essential nutrient that is important for healthy skin. Finally, coconut oil has been found to provide some hydration benefits when applied topically on the skin due to its penetrative abilities.
Preparation
Preparing your face for coconut oil is a crucial step to make sure you reap all the wonderful benefits from your treatment. Before applying the oil, it is important to thoroughly cleanse your face to remove all dirt, make-up, and other impurities. Once your face is clean, you can proceed with the coconut oil application.
Selecting the Right Type of Coconut Oil
When selecting the type of coconut oil that’s best for your skin, it’s important to understand the difference between unrefined and refined. Unrefined coconut oil essentially means that the product has been composed using very basic methods and hasn’t gone through any chemical processing. This type of oil is typically referred to as ‘virgin’ or ‘extra virgin’ and it retains more of its natural vitamins, minerals and antioxidants than its refined counterparts. Refined coconut oil has been exposed to heat and chemicals during production, reducing some of its natural compounds but also making it easier to apply with a lighter texture on the skin.
If you’re looking for a powerful antioxidant, then unrefined is generally your best bet due to its higher nutrient content. The exception would be those with sensitive skin who may prefer the lighter and less irritating nature of refined coconut oil instead. Lastly, if you wish to use your facial oil for aromatherapy applications such as adding scents like lavender or peppermint, then you will definitely want to select a type that has retained some of its naturally occurring aroma, which unrefined options tend even better at retaining than their processed counterparts.
Pre-Cleaning Your Face
Before applying coconut oil to your face, it is important to make sure your skin is properly prepped and clean. Use a gentle cleanser – one that does not strip the skin of its natural oils. Then apply a moist towel to your face for about 15 minutes. This will help soften and open the pores, allowing more of the coconut oil to penetrate into the skin.
Once you have finished steaming, you are now ready to apply the coconut oil. Make sure you use lukewarm oil so that it melts quickly when applying on the face and does not cause any discomfort from the cold sensation. Gently massage in circular motions while concentrating on areas such as forehead or chin where wrinkles or signs of ageing are common.
Applying the Coconut Oil
Once you’ve purchased a quality brand of coconut oil, it’s time to apply it. Make sure you always use a clean face, free from makeup and other residues. To get the most out of your coconut oil, it may help to warm it up by putting the container in warm water for a few minutes, or by scooping some out and rubbing between your hands.
The best way to apply coconut oil is to begin with a dime sized amount (about half a teaspoon) and massage into your skin in gentle circular motions until it is fully absorbed. You may need more or less than that depending on the size of your face. Your skin will let you know if it needs more – when using natural products, you should never feel like there is an oily coating left after application.
Coconut oil can be used alone as a moisturizer or diluted with other essential oils such as rosehip seed, frankincense or lavender for different benefits (check specific ratios before attempting). If you use one of these blends once daily at nighttime before bed on cleansed skin, you’ll soon be reaping the rewards that coconut oil has to offer!
Application
Coconut oil has a great many benefits for skin care, including moisturizing, anti-aging, and reducing inflammation. It is also thought to be helpful in treating acne and other skin problems.
The best way to make use of coconut oil on the face is through application. There are several ways you can apply coconut oil to your face to gain the maximum benefits. In this article, we’ll go over the different methods of application and the best way to use coconut oil on your face:
Massage the Coconut Oil into Your Skin
Once you have cleaned your face and applied a toner, you can begin massaging the coconut oil into your skin. Start with a small amount – around one teaspoon should be enough – and apply the oil in gentle circular motions. Make sure that your face is well covered, but to avoid overdoing it. If you find that more moisturizing is needed, then simply add a little extra coconut oil as necessary.
After massaging the coconut oil into your face for two to three minutes, use a warm cloth to remove any excess Coconut Oil from the skin. This will help to ensure that no residue remains stuck to your skin – just make sure that the cloth isn’t too hot!
For best results apply the coconut oil twice daily: in the morning before applying make-up, and at night before bedtime.
Leave the Coconut Oil on Your Face
Once you have applied the coconut oil on your face, allow it to stay for at least 20 minutes before washing. For best results, you can apply a heavier layer of the oil about 1 hour before going to bed. The longer the coconut oil has time to settle in your pores, the better it will be absorbed. Your skin will be deeply hydrated and nourished throughout the night with all its health-enhancing benefits.
While leaving a heavy layer of oil is not necessary during the day, you can apply it as a moisturizer when finished doing your makeup or other beauty treatments if desired. Make sure to wash up after a few hours so that dirt and grime aren’t trapped on top of your skin with the coconut oil.
Washing the Coconut Oil Off
Once you have added the coconut oil to your face, it is important that you rinse off the excess oil and debris from your pores. This is an important step in not only caring for your skin, but for preventing blemishes and clogged pores due to the excess build-up of oils.
To do this, it is best to use warm water. Start by soaking a clean towel in hot water (not scalding hot). Wring out the towel and place on the face for about 15-30 seconds. This will help soften and release impurities on the skin.
Next, lightly massage away any remaining residue while rinsing your face with warm water. Avoid scrubbing harshly as this can cause dryness or irritation of the skin. After rinsing, pat dry with a fresh towel to remove any remaining oil or dirt from your face before continuing on with your beauty regimen or moisturizing routine.
Aftercare
Coconut oil can be used in many different ways on your face, but it’s important to note that the aftercare of your skin is the key to preventing any possible breakouts and irritation. After applying coconut oil, it’s essential to make sure your skin is moisturized for the best results. This can be done through following specific aftercare routines and using the right kinds of skin care products.
Let’s look into what aftercare is necessary when using coconut oil on your face:
Moisturizing
For moisturizing, coconut oil is a great choice to apply to the skin. It’s been used for centuries as a natural remedy and has many beneficial effects on the skin. In order to use it, warm your hands or a heated towel first. This will help increase absorption. Next, place about ¼ teaspoon of coconut oil in your hands and rub together until it melts into an oily liquid. Begin rubbing this on areas of dryness or wrinkles on the face, avoiding the eyes and mouth.
Coconut oil is often mixed with other products such as essential oils or other carrier oils to create different textures and effects on the skin. Coconut oil can also be melted down then cooled off in different shapes for topical applications such as bath bombs, balms, masks etc… For moisture compatible with makeup application, try mixing coconut oil with another natural light carrier oil like jojoba or rosehip seed every other day between makeup applications.
Using coconut oil daily in small doses has proven to be very beneficial for overall skin health helping with:
- Inflammation
- Soothing eczema
- Aiding sunburn repair
- Balancing sebum production
- Clearing acne while preventing new blemishes from forming
- Hydrating dry patches on the face by locking moisture inside cells
- Fighting wrinkles due to its high antioxidant content which prevents damage from free radicals and helps regenerate collagen production for smoother looking skin over time!
Avoiding Sun Exposure
The best way to avoid sun damage and get the most out of using Coconut Oil as skincare is to wear sunscreen and hats and avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
Applying sunscreen regularly with an SPF of 30 or higher will provide a layer of protection from the damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays and can help you prevent long-term skin damage. Additionally, wearing a hat will decrease the amount of exposure your skin has to direct sunlight.
Limit your outdoor activities when the sun is at its strongest (generally day time hours) and apply Coconut Oil before heading outside in order to get the most out of its moisturizing effects while also providing an extra barrier against UV radiation.
Using Coconut Oil in Combination with Other Products
When it comes to taking care of your skin, you may want to consider combining natural ingredients while still utilizing modern products. Using coconut oil in combination with other products can be beneficial for focusing on areas that need special attention. To get the most out of coconut oil, you can mix it with other favorite ingredients such as oatmeal, turmeric, honey, aloe vera, and essential oils for an even more nourishing experience.
Coconut oil works great as a makeup remover because it contains lauric acid, which has antibacterial properties to help keep acne-causing bacteria away from the skin. Additionally, it acts as a protectant and moisturizer all in one by helping balance moisture levels while creating a barrier to protect the skin from environmental damage. For this reason, many like to add a small amount when applying their daily skincare routine in areas where extra hydration is needed – such as around the eyes or on dry patches of skin – all without leaving behind an oily residue.
Coconut oil’s protective qualities make it great for pre-sun exposure applications particularly when mixed with a gentle SPF moisturizer or sunscreen product. This will give your face a tough layer of protection without the heavy texture many sunscreens often have. Ultimately what’s most important is finding what works best for you by experimenting with different mixtures and seeing how your skin responds. With plenty of applications and combinations at hand, you’ll be sure to find something helpful for keeping your skin looking great!
