Coconut Oil for Face & Skin: Uses and Benefits 2023

What does coconut oil do for your face and skin? Researchers have been trying to answer these questions, and they have found numerous answers. Recent discoveries about the benefits of coconut oil revealed that it’s not only ideal for cooking, but it also has various therapeutic benefits.

Some people prefer using coconut oil for cooking because of its flavor as well as its nutrient contents. This type of oil is packed with medium chain triglycerides which help boosts metabolism, and it also contains saturated fat. On top of these, coconut oil possesses attributes that moisturize and make the skin healthy. Today, more and more people can attest to the benefits of coconut oil in boosting one’s health inside and out.

Use of Coconut Oil During the Early Civilizations

In the past, places in the Northern Regions were still unfamiliar with coconut oil and its advantages. Only countries with rich coconut resources were able to use this beneficial oil such as Papua New Guinea, Jamaica, India, Panama and other Tropical regions.

Using coconut oil on skin and even hair is one of the best-kept secrets which makes people from tropical countries healthy and looking good. Below are 10 reasons why you should start applying coconut oil on your face and skin.

10 Reasons to Use Coconut Oil on Your Face & Skin

1. Coconut Oil is a Great Moisturizer

Coconut oil moisturizer is excellent whether you use it on your face or skin. Unlike other moisturizers, this does not give you that icky feeling, and it is readily absorbed by your body because it is made up of fatty acids that are found on your skin.

For instance, sebum which is an oil secreted by the body and excreted through the sebaceous glands helps keep the skin soft and supple. Just like coconut oil, sebum also contains MCFA or medium chain fatty acids.

The medium chain fatty acids are one component of coconut oil moisturizer, and this naturally replenishes lost oils from your skin.

2. Coconut Oil Deeply Cleanses Your Face

The face is one part of your body which is continuously exposed to all kinds of chemicals. You may not know it, but every time you put on makeup or go outdoors, you are possibly causing damage to your skin. Impurities such as dust or makeup residue, if not cleaned properly, could block your pores causing breakouts. By doing a deep cleansing of your face, you can remove the dirt clogged in your pores.

Using coconut oil on your face will thoroughly clean your face without the harsh chemicals that most cleansers contain. When you apply coconut oil on your face, it’ll quickly pass through the hair follicles due to its light texture. From here, the oil softens the sebum which is clogged inside the pores and pushes the dirt out of the surface of your skin.

3. Coconut Oil Protects the Skin from Premature Aging

There are different reasons that cause premature aging like exposure to pollution, ultraviolet rays, and usage of products with harmful chemicals. Since the face is the part of the body which is often exposed to environmental stress, it is prone to developing premature aging. If you don’t protect your skin using coconut oil, the premature aging will make you look older than you really are.

When you apply coconut oil to your face, you’re protecting yourself from premature aging in various ways such as:

• Acts as a moisturizer and at the same time it gently exfoliates the skin
• Prevents oxidative deterioration because of its antioxidant content
• Enhances collagen formation making skin smooth and supple
• It acts as a barrier that protects the skin from impurities while preventing moisture evaporation through the skin

4. Coconut Oil Reduces Wrinkles

Wrinkles are normal and expected as people age. This is mainly due to the physical changes that one’s body undergoes along with constant exposure to sunlight and other chemicals. As you age, your body’s ability to produce collagen is reduced. As a result, your skin loses its elastic capacity, and it can no longer retain as much fluid as when you were younger.

Collagen is vital for the prevention and reduction of wrinkle formation. This component is found in the inner part of your skin, and when you use coconut oil moisturizer, you can replenish the lost moisture from your skin.

It is necessary to replace and restore the collagen in your skin to prevent or slow the development of wrinkles. The triglyceride which is one component of the coconut oil draws protein molecules which are an essential element that promotes collagen repair.

5. Coconut Oil is a Gentle Makeup Remover You Can Use Daily

If you are used to wearing makeup, then you are familiar with the struggle of removing it at the end of the day. Although there are many makeup removers on the market, it’s not advisable to use them especially if you have sensitive skin. There are also products which do not efficiently cleanse your face.

With the use of coconut oil on face, you can quickly and efficiently remove any makeup residues because of its grease-cutting capacity.

6. Coconut Oil is Antibacterial Which Shields Skin from Pathogens

Harmful organisms like pathogens and bacteria are everywhere. When these microorganisms attach to your skin and penetrate deep inside, it may worsen any current skin conditions like acne causing infection. When infected acne is not treated immediately, it will leave deep scars.

Coconut oil contains about 85% lauric acid, a medium chain fatty acids which is an antibacterial agent. When applied to your skin, this will eliminate bacteria; thus minimizing swelling caused by acne.

7. Coconut Oil Helps Treat Fungal and Yeast Infections

Fungal infections are not only unsightly to look at, but it’s also very itchy and uncomfortable. If not properly treated it could recur or worse spread to other parts of your body. This type of infection is usually treated with over-the-counter creams, but if you want a home remedy, you can use coconut oil for skin affected by fungi.

It is not always advisable to treat fungal and yeast infection with synthetic medications because this could lead to drug resistance. Thus, addressing these skin problems the natural way is preferred like coconut oil moisturizer or other similar products.

Fungal and yeast infection can be caused by exposure to stress, excessive sugar intake or imbalance in the immune system. This can be corrected by both applying coconut oil on face and other parts of the body or taking it orally.

8. Coconut Oil Provides Protection from Sun Exposure

Applying coconut oil does not provide adequate protection for those who are spending the entire day under the sun. But for short periods of sun exposure, a thin layer of coconut oil can provide SPF 4 protection. It can also be applied after spending a few minutes under the sun without wearing any protection to help soothe your skin and lessen the damage.

The antioxidant content of the oil inhibits oxidative stress thus preventing further damage to the skin. It also helps reduce pain and inflammation that is associated with too much sun exposure.

9. Coconut Oil is an Safe Effective Insect Repellent

Most insect repellents available on the market contain DEET. These are very effective in driving away mosquitoes and other insects. However, reports show that DEET can cause series of health problems including rashes, numbness, headache, and nausea.

To avoid the harmful effects of chemical-based insect repellent, you can substitute it by using coconut oil on your skin combined with other aromatic oils.

10. Coconut Oil Reduces and Prevents Stretch Marks

If you regularly apply coconut oil on your body, especially for women who are pregnant or have recently given birth, it can help reduce and prevent stretchmarks. It is best to use the oil from the 5th until the 8th month since the abdomen rapidly expands during this period. It can also be applied a few days after birth while the stomach is going back to its average size.

The appearance of wrinkle is due to the sudden weight loss or gain. It usually appears on the bellies of pregnant women, but it could also affect the thighs and other parts of the body.

Methods for Using Coconut Oil for Face & Skin

Skin moisturizer

After washing in the morning or evening, you can apply coconut oil particularly in parts of your body with dry skin. After using the oil, gently wipe the area with soft towel. By doing this, you can prevent the evaporation of moisture from your skin.

You can use about ¼ teaspoon of coconut oil moisturizer and apply it onto your skin. Massage your face for 10-15 minutes or until the oil is fully absorbed. Wipe off any excess moisture using a cotton towel.

Even if you have oily skin, you can still apply coconut oil after you have cleansed the surface using mild soap. Put as much oil on your face and neck and let it stay for 15 minutes so it will penetrate your skin. Then, rinse with warm water and pat dry.

The use of any type of moisturizer may seem like a bad idea if you have oily skin as it could worsen the problem but doing this can actually help. The excessive sebum production is an indication that you are not getting enough hydration and to compensate the lack of moisture your body produces more sebum. With regular use of coconut oil for skin, your body will gradually lower its sebum production.

Gentle cleanser

To create a gentle cleanser for normal to dry skin, make a paste-like substance by combining two tablespoons of almond flour with milk and coconut oil. The almond flour can be replaced with two tablespoons of powdered oatmeal if you have normal type of skin.

Before using this cleanser, you need to first wash your face with warm water or place a cloth dipped in warm water on your face and leave it for 10 minutes. The warm temperature will open your pores so the coconut mixture can reach all crevices. Next, gently massage the cleanser on your face in a circular motion before rinsing it off with cold water to close the pores.

Exfoliant

Using coconut oil as an  exfoliant on your face is recommended for individuals with oily skin because it can remove the buildup of dried skin which may have been accumulated. By exfoliating, you can remove the impurities that can clog your pores and cause acne.

To make an exfoliant, create a paste using coconut oil mixed with powdered oatmeal and rice flour. If you have a problem with acne on top your oily skin, add a few drops of lemon on your paste mixture. Before using the combination, always wash your face with warm water to get its maximum efficacy.

Makeup remover

To remove your makeup, saturate a cotton ball with coconut oil and gently rub it on your face then let it stay for five minutes. You can now wash your face with soap and lukewarm water. To ensure thorough cleansing, you can reapply another thin coat of coconut oil on your face.

The eyes and the area surrounding it can be a struggle to clean especially if you are wearing eyeliner or mascara. There may be times when you feel like forcefully rubbing it off. This will result to redness and invisible damage which will eventually cause premature aging.

When cleaning the part around the eyes, start by dipping cotton pads in coconut oil. Place the cotton on your eyes making sure that you are covering the entire area. Allow the oil to loosen the eyeliner, mascara and greasy makeup before you gently wipe it off.

Don’t worry if the oil accidentally gets into your eyes because it is all natural. It may sting a bit, but you can just wash your face with clean water.

Insect repellent

To make an insect repellent, get two cups of coconut oil and heat it using a double boiler.  Ones the pot is already warm to touch, you can already add components like catnip or peppermint leaves to intensify the aroma of your insect repellent. Allow the mixture to soak for five to six hours before straining it and transferring in a container.

If you want your insect repellent to have a thicker consistency, you can add one cup of beeswax together with the coconut oil. Then, melt it in a boiler. After removing the boiler from the heat, the mixture will slowly solidify. Add ten drops of essential oils like eucalyptus, citronella before the concoction hardens. Divide this repellent in small containers so you can easily bring it along with you when you go outdoors.

Since this insect repellent is all natural, you can just reapply this coconut oil on face and other exposed parts of your body anytime you want.

What Makes Coconut Oil So Beneficial for Your Face and Skin?

Here are some of the main components of coconut oil that makes it work wonders on your face and skin

• Saturated Fats

These were once thought as a bad classification of fats, but recent studies revealed that it is beneficial to consume saturated fats not just for your health but your skin, too. This kind of fat is made up of triglyceride that’s why when you use coconut oil for face and skin it will feel smooth to touch.

• Lauric, caprylic and capric acids

These three components are also medium chain triglycerides, but they have a different function. Lauric, caprylic and capric acids are known for its antimicrobial and disinfectant properties. This is why using coconut oil moisturizer on your face will give you smooth and acne free skin due to its antimicrobial action.

• Proteins

Aside from its vital function in various processes within the body, protein is also essential in keeping your skin healthy and revitalized inside and out. Anything containing protein like coconut oil has antioxidants, like glutathione that helps neutralizes antioxidant; thus slows down the normal aging process.

• Vitamin E

This is what you need to have smooth and young looking skin. It helps hydrate your skin and even treat scars caused by acne. It is a fat-soluble vitamin that also contains high amount of antioxidants.

Where to Get Coconut Oil For Skin & Face Use

There are various coconut oil products sold on the market, and it can be confusing as to which variety to choose. According to some experts, cold-pressed virgin coconut oil which has not been processed is the best and most efficient product just like Nutiva organic virgin coconut oil. You can purchase this item from Amazon.

Another online site where you can find high-quality coconut oil products is Thrive Market. This site offers natural and ethically produced items at a very low price. You even have the chance to get free organic virgin coconut oil from Thrive Market with just a minimum purchase of $29.

Many can benefit from using coconut oil on your face and skin, even children and people with sensitive skin. So, if you’re suffering from any skin problems or if you just want to improve the condition of your skin, consider using this natural, effective, and affordable oil.

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