How To Correctly Use Coconut Oil On Face And Body

Here is a guide on how to use coconut oil on the skin of the face and body.

Yes, on the face too!

There are no mysteries or myths. So it’s time for you to try new ways to apply this gift of nature and discover how a simple glass of coconut oil can successfully (and cheaper) replace around 30% of the cosmetics you use. In your day to day.

Benefits of using coconut oil

It is not strange that several beauty and health experts are supporters of this natural wealth, this oil is used in many beauty products for good reason,

• It is totally natural
• Has antibacterial and antifungal properties
• Acts as a moisturizer
• Has the ability to effectively penetrate to cure skin and hair diseases
• Provides greater elasticity to tissues
• Helps in the regeneration process
• Regulates acne , because it has many of the natural proteins that our body needs.
• Plus: It smells delicious !

Tip: For those who do not like or cannot tolerate the smell of coconut oil, they can use almond oil or coconut palm oil , which is almost coconut oil, but is made from the coconut germ. palm and is odorless in its commercial format.

However, despite the fact that it is a substance used on a large scale by the cosmetic industry, the more people talk about this product the more I realize that, a lot of people, still do not know that buying a carafe of oil 100% vegetable and “pure” coconut is much more efficient and cheaper than many traditional cosmetics . I also realize that you have heard about the wonders of this product, but don’t know how to use it on the skin of the body and face or just use it on the hair.

Just to sum it up, said oil can act as a superior moisturizer to most moisturizers found on the colorful shelves of cosmetic stores. Commercial moisturizers often have a high percentage of water in their composition, which gives an immediate feeling of hydrated skin.

But what tends to happen to the water? It evaporates! Well, when this happens, the surface of our skin dries up again. And as if that wasn’t enough, many brands use petroleum-derived ingredients (petrochemicals / petro-derivatives) in their compositions, a fact that, in turn, can “drown” our skin, since these chemicals form a film that is insoluble in water.

100% vegetable coconut oil, in contrast, provides deep, real moisture that tends to improve with continued use, helps strengthen underlying tissues, and helps remove excess dead cells from the skin’s surface that make our skin has a rough and flaky texture.

We recommend you read about:  Facial Hydration: Benefits, Tips and Homemade Recipes

14 uses of coconut oil on face and body

1 – Facial Cleanser

There is a basic principle in the solubility of coconut oil that will be responsible for the effects produced on your skin by it: The nature of the solvent and solute particles, and the interactions between them, to be more specific, the rule of ” like dissolve “or a polar substance tends to dissolve in a polar solvent and a nonpolar substance tends to dissolve in a nonpolar solvent. Bottom line: Coconut oil is shown as an excellent make-up remover and also a facial disinfectant (we talk about this in the next point).

Coconut oil masterfully dissolves even waterproof makeup with the advantage of not damaging or drying the skin, plus it is a plus for people with sensitive skin who usually suffer from burning using commercial cosmetic makeup removers.

On the other hand, if you are using a treatment that uses a chemical base such as chemical peels and Vitanol A creams or any other cosmetic whose active ingredient is retinoic acid, resorting to the use of coconut oil as a make-up remover is a safe and cheap alternative. since alcohol is a common ingredient in most cosmetic products.

USE TIPS:

Apply a generous amount of coconut oil to makeup and dry skin, use gentle circular motions, and massage your skin until the makeup dissolves into the oil. Yes, at first you will combine a lot of colors on your face, but do not despair, when you feel that all the makeup has dissolved, use a handkerchief or a piece of cotton and remove the oil. Soon after, just clean your face as usual.

If this article has interested you, do not stop reading:  Argan Oil: Benefits for Skin and Hair

2 – Facial disinfectant

I know that using oil as “soap” might sound a bit strange, but trust me: this “oil cleansing method” works great even for oily skin, by the way, the cleansing power of this method is so intense that its frequent use is not recommended for people with dry skin on the face.

USE TIPS

There are several ways, mixes, and recipes of the coconut oil cleansing method, which basically consists of:

• Step 1 – Apply a generous amount of coconut oil to the face and let it dry, additionally massage gently for approximately 3-5 minutes. Pay special attention to “problem” areas of the face such as the nose and chin.

• Step 2 – Optional: Let the oil sit on the skin for 10-20 minutes.
• Step 3 – Soak a washcloth in lukewarm water (essentially warm) and gently squeeze the oil from your face.
• Step 4 – Believe me, the cleaning is so extreme that your skin will probably feel contractions, then apply a facial moisturizer and / or take advantage of the same oil and apply a small amount to restore the elasticity of the skin.

How often can this method be used?

Depends. It’s a heavy cleansing method, and even oily skin will benefit from overly heavy cleansing. Some people do it every other day, other people once a week, some people 15-15 days, so that depends on each person and their skin type.

If you want more important information, you can also read:  The Importance of Toning the Skin and the Difference between Tonic and Astringent

3 – Face and body scrub

The fatty acids that make up coconut oil already act as cell renewers, but the exfoliation power can be enhanced with simple recipes.

If you live in a warm region where coconut oil liquefies at room temperature, leave the oil in the fridge until it solidifies. The creamy texture obtained will help in the exfoliation process.

USE TIPS

Mix the coconut oil with sugar or oatmeal or cornmeal or coffee beans (oatmeal and sugar will work best for your face) and rub it on your skin.

I like to apply this scrub on dry skin, if you prefer a gentler exfoliation, apply on your damp skin.

Then simply remove the excess in the shower or with a damp towel. Leave some oil on your body as it will act as a moisturizer.

You want to know more? enter now: 5 Best Homemade Natural Facial Scrubs Recipes: Tips and Benefits

4 – Softener for dry hands

This recipe will not work very well if you use your hands for very hard work, but it will be a great trick for when you are only doing manual tasks that involve cleaning products such as washing clothes, dishes and cleaning the house.

Even though I don’t have dry hands anymore from time to time I see someone whose dry hands compare to mine. So I always have a container full of coconut oil in my bag, which I use when I finish the housework, this little bottle is an SOS.

After application on the hands, the ideal is to pause and take a little time of 15-20 minutes at least. At that time you can relax watching some series (or anything else on television) the videos of your favorite YouTube users is a great option.

This article may also interest you, enter now! 16 Best Vegetable Oils for the Beauty of Hair and Skin

5 – Shaving cream

Conventional hair removal lotions and shaving creams are generally an expensive cocktail of chemicals plus you don’t need to shave your legs, armpits, bikini line, beard, etc. In fact, I would like to advise something and that is that coconut oil is cheap, naturally antimicrobial and super odorous, in addition, its soothing and relaxing properties will leave shaved areas well hydrated.

USE TIPS

Apply to the area to be shaved and shaved, it can be on damp skin (not soaked) or dry, if the option is to apply on dry skin, use a generous amount of coconut oil.

Do you want to know more about the subject? visit:  Routine Care against Premature Aging of the skin and Definitive Treatments

6 – Anti-stretch marks

If you are pregnant, or you are gaining weight or muscle mass, or you are going through the adolescent stage whose breasts are beginning to grow, massaging the region of the body will work if you apply it twice a day. It will improve the elasticity of the skin and therefore reduce stretch marks (as I wish I had known this when I was younger).

We recommend reading:  Do you have Dry and Sensitive Skin? Learn the Causes and Treat it!

7 – Moisturizer

Hydration literally means stocking up on water, but talking about “hydrating with oils” may sound strange. Keep in mind that skin becomes dry because it cannot retain water. Therefore, to maintain the hydration of the skin, it is necessary to help in the retention of moisture . And there is nothing more effective at sealing and keeping skin moisture than vegetable oils.

Coconut oil, in addition to maintaining hydration, will also act to improve the elasticity of the skin both on the body and on the face.

From experience, I have been using it as a body moisturizer for months and I have a feeling that I have finally found the remedy for my absurd dehydration of my skin. I always had very dry skin, I have been to various dermatologists, I have used various recipes and all kinds of hydration, but nothing seemed to hold the moisture out of the skin for long. Today I tell you that I never had skin so soft and hydrated. However, it did not happen overnight, the effect of coconut oil is cumulative, so be patient.

USE TIPS

The best way to apply it, in its pure state, as a moisturizer is just after leaving the bathroom, since the oil will act to maintain the cellular moisture acquired with the bath water itself. I like to apply it every day before sleeping, it can also be applied throughout the day if the weather is cold or warm. On hot days applying pure coconut oil can be a bit uncomfortable.

In the application of the face it is given in the same way, after washing. I don’t always use pure coconut oil as a facial moisturizer as for pure use on my face I preferred oils like argan , sunflower, and jojoba .

Tip: coconut oil also works to enhance the effect of other moisturizers, simply mix the moisturizer in question.

As you already know, after using any face cream, it is advisable to apply sun protection: Sun  Protection Creams, Dermatosis, Skin Phototypes, SPF … EVERYTHING

8 – Aftersun, soothing.

Due to its calming and relaxing properties, coconut oil shows an excellent after-sun lotion. In addition to preventing flaky and dry skin, therefore, using coconut oil in your tan can help treat and reduce the sting of sunburn (depending on the degree of burning, of course).

Tip: Have you been overburned? Mix a few drops of lavender essential oil with coconut oil. Lavender essential oil offers great healing and has been used as an alternative medicine for the treatment of burns for years.

9 – Tattoo Healing

The principle is the same as that used in the previous topic. Mixing with drops of lavender essential oil will also help in this regard.

It is advisable to learn a little more about:  Lavender Essential Oil: Contraindications, Side Effects

10 – Facial mask

What do you look for in a face mask? Bactericidal action against acne? Anti-aging action? Action to increase the elasticity of the skin? Well, coconut oil works this way!

On the other hand, if you have a tendency for your pores to get clogged, using coconut oil as a treatment mask will be much more efficient than as a moisturizer, in fact, the oil will stay on the skin just long enough to promote benefits without clogging your pores.

USE TIPS

Simply apply the oil to clean, dry skin. Massage well and pause for 20-30 minutes. Then just rinse with cold water to remove the excess. If you prefer to completely remove the oil, rinse it off with lukewarm water.

This information is really interesting:  16 Best Natural Homemade Facial Masks: Anti-wrinkle, Moisturizing, for Acne, Blemished and Oily Skin

11 – Massage oil

Do I need to explain a lot? Coconut oil is an excellent massage oil, period.

In addition to its pure use, mixed with essential oils will give very interesting therapeutic and pharmacological effects for massage. You just have to choose the essential oil, since what you need, each essential oil has a different and unique property, they are true natural remedies!

We recommend you read about:  Aromatherapy: The Power of Essential Oils

12 – Facial Illuminator

Do you want a trick to give your face immediate freshness without makeup? Apply a small amount of coconut oil to your cheekbones and voila! As simple as that.

If you want to learn more, read now:  Makeup Primers: Contraindications, Benefits, Types and Advantages

13 – Deodorant

It can act as a deodorant because it is antibacterial – it fights the bacteria that cause unpleasant underarm odor after sweating -, it hydrates the skin, and it is anti-inflammatory .

Underarm skin can be a sensitive area for some people. Chemicals found in conventional antiperspirants and deodorants can cause irritation of the pores and hair follicles in the armpit region. Coconut oil, on the other hand, can help soothe the skin. Additionally, it contains antioxidants to fight free radicals that can lead to inflammation when the hair removal region is sensitized, and antibacterial and antiviral properties of lauric acid, a main component of coconut oil, can kill bacteria that thrive in areas warm and moist skin, which are responsible for the production of odors. According to Siegfried Gursche in the book “Coconut oil:

It might interest you:  How to Take Care of Oily Skin and Dilated Pores

14 – Moisturizer for skin with Acne

As promised earlier in this giant text, here are some tips for those who realize comedogenic action when using coconut oil (which may or may not occur, this varies from person to person).

Using coconut oil as a facial moisturizer has many benefits, but it can be risky for some. Fortunately, if you have pore or clogging skin, there are options to reap the benefits of this product. Here are some alternatives:

1. Mix this oil with another less comedogenic oil (such as sunflower oil), and you will form a hydrating oil with less “risk”.
2. Exfoliate first. This is essential! Getting rid of any existing oil and dirt build-up in your pores means a drastic reduction in potential clogging.
3. Do not use coconut oil as a moisturizer. This is another alternative and is to use coconut oil as a disinfectant through the cleansing method  (explained above), or as a facial mask.

Doubts about using coconut oil for the face and body

But before you put to use the ways to use this oil, here are some preliminary explanations. Somewhat tedious for those who like to get straight to the “point” of things, but it is essential for those who like to do their job well (and be aware of what you are doing …).

We invite you to read more about coconut oil:

• Coconut Oil: Discover its Utilities, Benefits and Contraindications
• Cosmetic Uses of Coconut Oil
• Coconut Oil for Skin and Hair in Cosmetics
• Coconut: Contraindications, Benefits and How to Take It
• Coconut Water: Contraindications, Benefits and Properties
• Coconut Sugar: the best of all sugars!

What type of coconut oil can be used on the face and body?

Well, the only “rule” is: The coconut oil in question must be 100% vegetable.

ADVICE

If the chosen coconut oil is intended for food, it can be used but on the skin without blemishes.

Make sure that the coconut oil purchased does not contain another mixed substance such as paraffin, liquid / mineral oil and preservatives, as these substances are potentially allergenic and can cause irritation, especially in people with sensitive skin, and behave in a highly comedogenic way ( in the case of mineral oil) to the point of forming a film around the skin that – among others – tends to cause pores and blackheads.

Note: the effects of “pure” coconut oil mentioned above are more beneficial but it has nuances, there are those who use petroderivatives in their cosmetics and do not feel any problems. However, it is better to choose something natural over a synthetic product, for both aesthetic and ecological reasons.

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But is coconut oil itself comedogenic (does it block and / or clog pores)?

Yes and no, actually, it depends on the way it is used, it also depends on the type and history of the skin of each one.

Something to keep in mind is that it is documented and proven, oil in its pure state promotes incredible benefits for the skin of the face, but being able to receive such benefits from this gift of nature depends on your skin type and its behavior. with heavy oils. The behavior of the product can vary from person to person, so not everyone sees its benefits with the naked eye.

Some people feel more confident in achieving the moisturizing and bactericidal properties of said oil through recipes in which it is used as a cleansing or exfoliation “product” instead of a “conventional” facial moisturizer, that is, applying it in processes that require subsequent removal of the oil rather than leaving it to sit on the face for hours.

Although coconut oil can clog pores on the face for some people, it is not for many others. There are numerous studies and reports in which it is indicated that it helps fight and prevent the formation of facial acne, since there is evidence of its moisturizing action that softens the skin, prevents wrinkles and even attenuates blemishes to equalize the tone, accelerating the process cell renewal.

NOW, IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO USE IT IN ITS “PUREST” STATE, HERE ARE THREE TIPS:

1. If possible, go for organic coconut oil!
   This is because the removal of the pulp to finally obtain the coconut oil is natural and totally without the use of fermentations or any other type of invasive procedure. The entire oil extraction process is actually carried out at cold temperatures no higher than 20 ° C above room temperature (Coconut oils labeled “cold pressed” refer to using a “pot under pressure ”, which facilitates the extraction of the pulp by means of a temperature higher than 200 ° C, they are not recommended to use).
   In addition to all the aesthetic benefits, by opting for the organic version of any product we are supporting a series of environmental premises that begin with the sustainable cultivation of the product, its execution through the adoption of more natural procedures throughout its production chain. and that are reflected even in the method of disposal and recycling of packaging.
2. Buy only the one stored in glass containers , since, according to Trend-statement.org and several other investigations, plastic containers can contaminate the oil with toxic substances. There are certain types of plastics that are safe to use in this regard, but since it is a little known topic to me, I cannot speak – for now – about the types of plastics that are safe and how to identify them.
3. Make sure it contains at least 40% lauric acid in its composition , as this substance will be responsible for promoting most of the benefits listed in this article.

We recommend you read:  How to Take Care of Oily Skin and Dilated Pores

Why is lauric acid so important?

The high percentage of lauric acid is precisely responsible for much of the benefits that coconut oil can bring.

Lauric acid, which is one of the compounds in breast milk, acts as an anti-inflammatory and has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Its presence makes the lauric oils harden at temperatures below 23 ° C, thus resulting in a pasty consistency that facilitates its application on hair and skin.

There are numerous scientific experiments that reflect the full cosmetic potential of the use of lauric acid. Among the many benefits attributed to this substance, the following stand out:

• It has a high affinity for the cells of the head, in particular the hair fiber;
• It acts on the pores of the hair so it can stimulate growth and inhibit hair loss
• Penetrates deep between the cuticles of the hair fiber resulting in stronger, smoother and shinier hair strands.
• It penetrates very quickly through the pores of the skin, facilitating the entry of essential oils and other bioactive substances. That is, it is excellent for deep hydration of the body.
• Due to their antioxidant action, lauric oils help fight aging and prevent the formation of wrinkles. Being emollient and moisturizing, it softens the skin and lubricity, as well as promotes the preservation of natural elasticity.
• Prevents stretch marks, is used locally and daily for pregnant women.
• Helps fight acne due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action. A study in 2009 concluded that lauric acid has the potential to destroy the colonization of bacteria in the pores of the skin which cause infections and inflammation.
• Reduces inflammation of the skin and eliminates fungi.
• It acts as an immunomodulator to enter the body which helps to strengthen immunity and balance inflammatory conditions.

You may be interested in reading:  16 Best Natural Homemade Facial Masks: Anti-wrinkle, Moisturizing, for Acne, Blemished and Oily Skin

Can I replace coconut oil with other oils?

Of course! Coconut oil can be substituted without loss and / or the results changed as long as the substitute oil is also a lauric oil.

Lauric oils are ahead of the highly concentrated oils. These oils are obtained from palm trees native to tropical countries, there are four main types of coconut trees from which oils rich in lauric acid have currently been obtained on the market: Coco Beach (Cocus nucifera), Coco Babassu (Orbignya oleifera), Coco macaúba (Acrocomia aculeata) and Palm kernel coconut .

Unlike beach coconut oil, these lauric oils undergo a gentle refining process before being sold, but depending on the refining process used by the responsible company, the oil will not lose its PROPERTIES or not! (Yes, even in capital letters to demystify the “myth” of extra virgin olive oil).

The refining of Palmiste and MACAUBA oils produces a strong characteristic odor, however, unlike what most people think you should know that “refining does not alter the natural qualities of these oils due to their high thermal stability and also because This process does not involve the use of chemicals that are harmful to health. The refining process is carried out by distillation and is carried out in an oxygen-free atmosphere together with the use of citric acid, unlike supermarket fats (soy, canola, cottonseed, corn, sunflower) using sulfuric acid and caustic soda and high temperatures ( more than 100ºC) in atmospheres with oxygen, which damages the oxidation of the starting fatty acids.

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How to preserve the integrity of your coconut oil for longer?

To avoid contamination by bacteria, use at least two containers to store your coconut oil: One that contains the oil and a second container (preferably glass) in which to place small amounts periodically. So you can make use of coconut oil daily without having to worry too much about the integrity of the product. If possible, use a second container that has some type of valve, use it since avoiding the greater contact of coconut oil with your hands will be of great help.

Surely this article seems interesting to you:  Almond Oil: Benefits for Skin / Hair and 19 Incredible Alternative Uses

Is it necessary to store coconut oil in the refrigerator? What is the shelf life?

There is no such need. A quality coconut oil is very stable and resistant to high temperatures. The shelf life of the oil under normal conditions is around 18 to 24 months, but its shelf life falls to 45 days when it is opened and handled directly. Therefore the indication to use two containers from the previous topic, use a virgin container and another that you will use daily.

To store it, just keep the coconut oil in a hermetically closed glass container and stored in a cool place without exposure to the sun. Storing it in the refrigerator will only make it solid or creamy if the temperature in your area is hot.

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Is coconut oil a liquid or a paste? What does that say about him?

Depends. Due to the presence of lauric acid, coconut oil will remain pasty at temperatures below 23 ° C, so the same oil can be purchased in different consistencies depending on the country or temperature of the season.

Quality oils such as organic coconut oil have an even higher concentration of lauric acid therefore they tend to maintain a certain creaminess even when their color is not as light as other lower quality oils, but is dark as a bottle of champagne.

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Where to buy quality organic and natural Coconut Oil

You can find coconut oil in any food store, but to try to find the best brands you will have to end up buying it on the internet, unfortunately not always the one in the supermarket is the most appropriate, here you can find the largest variety of coconut oils there is. We have also selected the best brands in the following list:

• Naturseed Organic Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil 500 ml for athletes and for cooking
• Pure organic extra virgin coconut oil MeaVita 1 Liter (1 X 1000 ml)
• Coconut Oil Pearls, 100% Natural, 90 Softgels, Nutritional Supplement, Medium Chain Triglycerides.
• Pure organic extra virgin coconut oil MeaVita 1 Liter (1 X 1000 ml)
• Coconut Oil – 1L Organic Extra Virgin Pure Coconut Oil
• Extra Virgin Coconut Oil First Cold Pressed for Body, Hair, Nails, Face and Cuticles – 100% Organic Coconut Moisturizer 500ml
• Pure organic extra virgin coconut oil Mituso 1000 ml