Best Ways to Use Coconut Oil in Your Skincare Routine
Coconut oil is considered to be a magical ingredient that helps battle and heal many skin conditions. However, that’s not entirely the case. Although it has no magical healing powers, there are still plenty of ways to use coconut oil in your skincare routine. Coconut oil serves as an excellent moisturizer. On top of that, it contains fatty acids. For example, one of them is lauric acid which has antimicrobial effects. This means it can help fight bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens.
Given the benefits coconut oil has on our skin, it’s a great ingredient to have on hand. Therefore, we’ve prepared several different ways you can use it in your skincare routine.
Makeup remover
Coconut oil is excellent to use as a makeup remover. It has the power to break down lipid-soluble impurities such as waterproof makeup. It can also react and break down an ingredient responsible for oily skin – sebum.
Coconut oil can be used as an initial cleanse, which should be followed up with a water-based wash. It’s important to remove the oil residue from your face so your pores don’t get clogged.
If you wear a lot of makeup, using coconut oil as a remover could be the perfect choice for you. Rub a small amount of coconut oil on a cosmetic cotton pad and use it as any other makeup removal product. It’s a great way to soften everything up but keep in mind that it leaves an oily residue. Therefore, after using coconut oil, wash your face with a gentle face wash. This way, you’ll remove the rest of the oil from your face
Body moisturizer
Many dermatologists don’t recommend using coconut oil for moisturizing your face because it’s very comedogenic and can block the pores of your skin. However, it can most definitely be used on your body. It’s actually a great way to take care of dry skin.
Due to the high percentage of fatty acids, coconut oil works great as a body moisturizer. The fatty acids in coconut oil both treat and prevent skin dryness. Fatty acids do this in two ways:
- They provide a good barrier control
- They help us hold on to our own moisture
Deodorant
One of the most interesting ways to use coconut oil in your skincare routine is to use it as a deodorant. Coconut oil can ward off odors and can be used as a natural deodorant. Coconuts have antimicrobial properties and, given that bacteria cause the odors, it makes sense that coconut oil can be used this way.
This is especially useful for people who exercise a lot. When exercising, we sweat a lot which means we should pay attention to the skincare routine before and after exercising. Proper care is essential for both men and women, especially after a long and exhausting workout.
Face mask
If you are looking for a quick, natural mask to refresh your face – search no more. Mix one tablespoon of honey with the same amount of melted coconut oil and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Before applying it, make sure your skin is dry and clean. Leave it on your face for around 10 min and then remove it with a warm washcloth.
If you want to quickly refresh your face using natural and healthy ingredients, try coconut oil and honey face mask.
It’s one of the best DIY face masks you have to try as it’s very simple yet very effective. Keep in mind that coconut oil can be used on your face. However, you’ll need to remove the oil residue after the treatment. This way, you’ll be sure that your pores will not get clogged.
Body scrub
We all know how exfoliating your skin is very important, but many people don’t pay attention and end up using products that are not suitable for their skin type. Therefore, go for a natural solution that is good for all skin types and make your own body scrub by using coconut oil.
It’s pretty simple – you can mix coconut oil with ground coffee, sea salt, or sugar. The result you get will be brighter and softer skin. Plus, coconut oil can help counteract the irritation from exfoliation, making it perfect for sensitive skin. To ensure sensitive skin can handle it, it’s recommended not to use it more than once a week.
Eczema relief
Coconut oil might not cure skin conditions, but it can massively help relieve the symptoms. If you have issues with eczema, using coconut oil can help reduce the dryness and itching. In research done in 2014, it was discovered that virgin coconut oil could better soothe eczema than mineral oil.
Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it’s very beneficial for irritated and chafed skin. It also increases collagen production and helps your skin stay hydrated by trapping the moisture inside.
Coconut oil can seal the moisture. This makes it perfect to use on sensitive skin and eczema. You can even use it after applying another skincare product. Coconut oil will help by sealing it all in.
Lip balm
If you have dry and cracked lips, coconut oil can be a perfect, all-natural solution. We already mentioned that coconut oil creates an effective barrier on the skin. It has the same effect when applying it on your lips – it keeps water in and irritants out.
It’s also great to use for chapped lips. As it’s semisolid at room temperature, it’s much less messy than other oils. You can even pack it in a small glass jar and carry it with you wherever you go.
Love your skin
There are plenty more ways to use coconut oil in your skincare routine. On top of this, it’s fantastic for your nails and hair too. Therefore, take the coconut oil out of your fridge and give your lovely skin the treatment it deserves. Self-care is essential, and when you use natural ingredients and products, you can only make everything better and healthier.
