Coconut oil for the face: methods of application and reviews

Today, facial care using natural products is becoming increasingly important. People are gradually moving away from store-bought cosmetics and making their own products. One of the most popular natural products is coconut oil. The latter is widely used to care for lips, eyebrows, eyelashes and facial skin. However, before you start using the product yourself in home cosmetology, you need to familiarize yourself with the nuances of its use, and above all, with contraindications.

What is coconut oil

Coconut oil is a squeeze from the pulp of the nut of the same name.

The product is obtained in two ways:

• Cold pressing. In this case, the product retains the maximum amount of nutrients from the original raw materials. Cold-pressed coconut oil is typically used to make homemade cosmetics. The product has a pronounced nutty aroma, white color in solid form, and a yellowish tint in liquid form.
• Hot pressing. The output is a tasteless and odorless pulp. The product may have a barely noticeable yellow color. The product, obtained by hot pressing, is ideal for people prone to allergies. The fact is that refined oil, unlike unrefined oil, does not contain aggressive components. In addition, the product has no contraindications and is suitable even for very sensitive skin. Also, a clear advantage of the product is that it retains its beneficial properties even after repeated heating.

Coconut oil is a base oil, due to which it can be used not only as part of homemade cosmetic products, but also as a separate personal care product.

Composition of coconut oil

The active components that make up coconut oil and are beneficial for facial care are:

• Hyaluronic acid. Fights premature aging and deeply moisturizes the skin.
• Lauric acid. Has antibacterial properties.
• Acids: palmitic, oleic, caprylic and others form a film on the surface of the skin that protects from the harmful effects of external factors.
• Vitamins:
  • B1. Prevents premature cell death and softens the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation on the skin.
  • B6. Has an anti-inflammatory effect.
  • PP. Provokes acceleration of tissue renewal.
  • E. Has antioxidant properties, serves as a prevention of early aging.
  • A. Relieves redness and soothes the skin.

How to select and store a product

When using coconut oil for your face, it is especially important to purchase a quality product. A product purchased from an unscrupulous manufacturer can harm not only beauty, but also the health of the skin, eyelashes, beard, eyebrows and lips. When choosing oil, adhere to the following criteria:

• Purchase method. Do not purchase a product online unless you are sure of the manufacturer. When purchasing in a regular store, you can smell and taste the oil. Thanks to these manipulations, you will be able to determine whether the product in front of you is a fake or a natural one.
• Mode of production. If you are not allergic, choose cold-pressed oil. It is this product that contains the maximum of useful components: vitamins, minerals, and so on.
• Color. In solid form, the product has a milky white color, and in liquid form it becomes almost transparent or slightly yellowish. Beige or brown oil is a clear sign of poor quality.
• Aroma. The unrefined product has an unobtrusive odor of coconut pulp. The purified product has no aroma at all. A pungent odor is an indicator that the oil contains various additives that can adversely affect the health of the skin, eyelashes and lips.
• Consistency. At temperatures above 25^оThe product melts. The cool air in the store is a great chance to check the oil for quality. Apply some product to your hand. If the product immediately melts, you can safely buy it.

Coconut juice is usually kept in the refrigerator. It is recommended to leave the product in the original jar without pouring it anywhere. However, if you still decide to do this, then make sure that the container is tightly closed. Coconut oil quickly deteriorates when exposed to air, so try to protect the product from contact with oxygen as much as possible.

It is recommended to use the open product for six months, but it can be used for several months longer. The pomace can also be stored at room temperature, but not more than 18^оC.

Benefits of coconut oil for the face

Coconut oil, when used on the face, has the following effects:

• rejuvenates and tightens the skin,
• saturates the epidermal cells with moisture,
• evens out complexion,
• fights acne,
• helps get rid of pigmentation,
• smoothes out small wrinkles,
• softens the skin of the lips and promotes the healing of micro cracks on them,
• accelerates eyelash growth,
• makes eyebrows thicker,
• accelerates beard growth (relevant for men).

Using coconut oil on the face

Coconut oil is used not only for facial skin, but also for eyebrows, eyelashes, beard and lips.

For the skin

Coconut pulp is used in facial skin care to prepare scrubs and masks. In addition, the product is used in its pure form and added to creams.

Coconut oil is beneficial for each skin type in its own way:

• Dry, prone to irritation and peeling. The product leaves a thin film on the face that protects sensitive skin from wind, frost and other external phenomena that negatively affect the appearance and health of the skin. In addition, the oil helps to stabilize the functioning of the sebaceous glands, which certainly leads to hydration of the epidermis. The product also nourishes and softens the skin.
• Fading, saggy and tired. The product is not able to cope with deep wrinkles, but coconut oil can smooth out small facial wrinkles. The product also makes the skin firmer and more elastic, which is especially important for older women.
• Oily, prone to acne. The oil has a bactericidal effect, due to which it helps relieve inflammation and fights pimples. In addition, the product normalizes the production of sebaceous secretions, which allows the product to prevent the formation of new rashes.
• Constantly exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Living in a warm climate requires you to treat your face with special care. Coconut oil not only protects the skin from the harmful effects of sun rays, but also soothes it after sunbathing. In addition, the product makes the latter more even.

Masks

Most often, coconut oil is used for facial care in the form of masks. The latter are recommended to be performed once every 1–3 days. The course consists of 4–15 sessions. When finished, allow your skin to rest for two weeks and begin the procedures again. Remember that before the session, your face must be cleansed with a cleansing gel. It is also recommended to take a bath or steam the skin in another convenient way. The fact is that open pores better absorb substances from the applied composition. Try the following coconut oil face mask recipes:

• Universal. You will need: 1 tsp. coconut pulp, 1 tbsp. natural liquid honey, 1 tbsp. kefir (for oily and combination skin), yogurt (for normal skin) or sour cream (for dry skin). Place the oil in a water bath and wait until it acquires a runny consistency. Add the remaining ingredients to the warm product and apply the resulting product to your face. The duration of the procedure is a third of an hour. At the end of the session, rinse off the product with plain water. The mask evens out the complexion, moisturizes and nourishes the skin.

• Anti-wrinkle. You will need: 0,5 tsp. coconut pulp, 1 capsule of liquid vitamin E. The latter should be pierced with a needle and mixed with oil. Apply the resulting product to the skin of the face, avoiding the area around the eyes. It is recommended to do this with patting movements. After a quarter of an hour, you should remove the remaining composition with a paper napkin; there is no need to wash your face. The mask not only fights existing wrinkles, but also prevents the formation of new ones.

• For aging and tired skin. You will need: 1 tsp. coconut extract, 1 tsp. blue clay powder, 3-4 drops of orange ether. The nut oil should be slightly heated in a water bath and mixed with the remaining ingredients. The exposure time of the mask is a third of an hour. Upon completion of the procedure, wash with plain water. The mask has a pronounced rejuvenating effect. In addition, the product refreshes and brightens the skin.

• Against acne. You will need: 3 tsp. coconut oil, 5 drops of tea tree ether, 1 tsp. lemon juice, white of one egg. Beat the latter first using a whisk or blender. Add the remaining ingredients and apply the resulting product to the skin. After half an hour, wash off the composition. The mask fights inflammation and dries out pimples. If you perform the procedure twice a week, then after 15–20 days the rashes will become much less noticeable.

• For dry skin. You will need: 1 capsule of vitamin E, 2 tbsp. avocado pulp, 2 tbsp. coconut oil, a handful of strawberries/raspberries/cherries. If it is not possible to purchase berries, you can exclude them from the composition. Mix the ingredients in a blender and apply to your face. After half an hour, wash your face with plain water. The mask promotes deep hydration and nourishment of the skin.

• Against blackheads. You will need: 50 g bread crumb, 1/2 cup milk, 1 tsp. coconut oil, 3 drops of lavender essential oil, 1 tsp. lemon juice. Pour milk over the bread and leave for half an hour. After the allotted time has passed, squeeze out the pulp, add ether and juice to it. After mixing thoroughly, combine the gruel with coconut oil. Apply the resulting product to your face; the layer should be thick. After 40 minutes, rinse off the composition. The mask actively fights blackheads and tightens excessively enlarged pores.

Bread crumb combined with coconut oil effectively fights blackheads

• Cleansing. You will need: 3 tbsp. oatmeal, 100 ml chamomile infusion (pour boiling water over 30 g of dried flowers and leave for 15 minutes), 1 tsp. cucumber juice (if possible), 2 tsp. coconut pulp, 1 tbsp. natural yogurt without additives. Pour the infusion over the rolled oats. After 10 minutes, mix the swollen flakes with the remaining ingredients. Apply the resulting product to your face and leave for half an hour. After the allotted time has passed, wash with warm water. The mask cleanses the skin of dead particles of the epidermis, relieves minor inflammations and draws out impurities and toxins from the cells.

Oatmeal softens the skin and relieves minor inflammations

• Against dark circles under the eyes. You will need: 0,5 tsp. ground coffee, 0,5 tsp. ground black pepper, 2,5 tsp. extract from coconut pulp. Heat the latter to a liquid state in a water bath. Mix the ingredients and apply to the area under the eyes. After 5–10 minutes, remove any remaining product with a damp cloth or cloth. Apply a nourishing product to the skin: serum or cream. Regular use of the mask will make dark circles under the eyes less noticeable.

Scrubs

Scrubs based on coconut oil are used once every 1–7 days. The products help cleanse the skin of accumulated impurities and accelerate the process of tissue renewal. It is especially useful to use a product with coarse particles before applying a mask to enhance its effectiveness. Try the following recipes for face scrubs with coconut pulp:

• Coffee. You will need: 1 tsp. coconut oil, 1 tbsp. wet coffee grounds. Heat the juice slightly and mix with the grounds. Rub the mixture into your face for 2-3 minutes and then rinse with plain water. Coffee scrub not only cleanses, but also tones the skin.

• Sugar. You will need: 1 tsp. coconut extract, 1 tsp. thick natural honey, 1 tsp. coarse sugar (it is better to take cane sugar). Preheat the oil and add the remaining ingredients to it. Massage your face for a few minutes, then wash with warm water. The sugar-based product has a rejuvenating and softening effect on the skin.

• Saline. You will need: 1 tbsp. coconut oil, 2 tbsp. fine salt, 3 tbsp. yogurt without additives. Heat the juice and combine it with salt. Treat your facial skin with the resulting mixture. Three minutes should be enough. Rinse your face with water and lubricate the areas affected by the scrub with yogurt. After 5-6 minutes, wash your face. During the procedure, the skin is moisturized, inflammation disappears, and cell renewal processes are launched.

Pure use

Coconut oil is a natural product that has virtually no contraindications, so it is often used in its pure form for facial care. The product can be used instead of cream as follows:

• Hold a small piece of butter in your hand for a few seconds to allow the product to melt.
• Apply the liquid product to your face using your fingertips. The layer should be thin.
• Pay special attention to rashes and pimples. Apply a thicker layer of product to these areas.
• You can use the oil this way every day. If you apply the product before going outside, it will function as a protective cream. If you apply the product 15 minutes before bedtime, the squeeze will act as a nourishing serum.

Adding to creams

Coconut pulp can be added to finished cosmetic creams. At the same time, the latter acquire all the beneficial properties of the oil, but not to the same extent as if the product was used in its pure form. When adding pomace to ready-made creams, you should adhere to the following algorithm:

1. Heat the oil in a water bath until it becomes liquid and transparent.
2. Mix the warm product with your day or night cream in a 1:1 ratio. It is not recommended to use the entire jar; it is better to make the product anew each time.
3. Place the resulting product in a clean glass container.

Store the product in the refrigerator for 48 hours. You can add coconut oil to the cream daily.

Coconut oil for lips

Coconut oil has the following effects on the skin of the lips:

• accelerates blood flow,
• moisturizes and nourishes,
• tones,
• protects against harmful environmental influences,
• Helps maintain water balance.

The squeeze is used in its pure form, and it is also used to make balms, scrubs and masks.

Use in its pure form

Warm it up a little in your hands, and then apply a squeeze of coconut pulp onto the skin of your lips several times a day. The product can replace cosmetic balm. This is especially true for people prone to allergic reactions. The fact is that ordinary hygienic lipsticks most often contain harmful components: fragrances, dyes, and so on.

Scrub

Combine a teaspoon of coconut pulp with the same amount of cane sugar (you can use regular sugar). Massage the resulting product onto your lips for several minutes. Use the recipe once a week.

Mask

Mix heated coconut oil with natural liquid honey in a 2:1 ratio. Lubricate your lips with the resulting mixture; the layer should be thick. After a third of an hour, wash off the mask. Use 1-2 times every 7 days. The product nourishes the skin and helps get rid of herpes, as it has an antibacterial effect.

Balm

You will need:

• 10 g beeswax
• 1 tbsp. coconut pulp,
• 1 tsp shea butter,
• 1 tsp cocoa butter,
• 1 drop of lavender essential oil.

Melt the wax in a water bath until it becomes semi-liquid. Add heated coconut oil and other ingredients to it. Pour the resulting mass into a lip balm bottle or any convenient container. When the product hardens, use it instead of chapstick.

For eyelashes and eyebrows

Squeezing coconut pulp when used for eyebrows and eyelashes helps:

• hair restoration (after eyelash extensions and permanent eyebrow tinting),
• strengthening the follicles,
• the formation of a protective layer that protects eyelashes and eyebrows from the harmful effects of the environment (frost, wind, ultraviolet radiation, etc.),
• rapid growth.

For eyelashes

Coconut oil is used for eyelashes separately or as part of masks. In the first case, follow these recommendations:

• Warm the product before applying. This can be done using your palms, a water bath, or lowering a container of oil into hot water.
• Prepare an empty brush for applying mascara in advance, rinsing it thoroughly.
• Dip the device into a warm squeeze, and then use it to treat each eyelash. If you don’t have an empty brush, an ordinary cotton swab will do.
• If you applied the oil using a device, remove any remaining product from it using a cotton pad. Be sure to wash the brush with soap and put it in a dry place.
• The oil can be kept on the eyelashes for 30–120 minutes, after which you should remove the remaining product with a cotton pad and rinse the hairs.
• Conduct a session 2 times every 7 days for a month. Then rest for 1-3 weeks and, if desired, resume the procedures.

In addition to using it in its pure form, eyelash masks are made from coconut oil. Apply the formulations in the same way as if using the product separately. Use one of the following recipes:

• Castor oil and coconut oil in equal proportions. Mix the ingredients and heat them in a water bath. The exposure time of the mask is 2 hours. The product makes eyelashes thicker and shinier.

• 1 tsp coconut pulp, 0,5 tsp. burdock oil. Heat the coconut oil and mix with the second component. The duration of the procedure is half an hour. Burdock squeeze is rich in tannins, which tend to “glue” eyelash scales. Thanks to this, the hairs become thicker and more voluminous.
• 1 tsp coconut extract, 1 ampoule of vitamin E. Session duration: 30–40 minutes.

For eyebrows

For eyebrows, coconut oil is most often used as a separate product. When using, adhere to the following recommendations:

• Before the session, wash your eyebrows with soap.
• Lightly heat the pomace in any convenient way.
• Cut strips from a cotton pad, focusing on the width of your own eyebrows. Do the same with plastic wrap.
• Dip a strip of cotton pad into warm oil, squeeze it out and apply it to your eyebrow, pressing firmly. Cover the top of the compress with cling film.
• Take a horizontal position and rest for half an hour. You can increase the session to 60 minutes.
• After the allotted time has passed, remove the strips and remove any remaining product with a paper napkin.
• Apply coconut oil to your eyebrows once every 1-7 days. Every month and a half, take a break for 10 weeks.

For eyebrows you can use the same masks as for eyelashes. In this case, you should always use strips of cotton pads, since this method is more effective due to the achievement of the greenhouse effect.

If coconut oil gets in your eyes

If during the procedure oil accidentally gets on the mucous membrane of the eyes, do not be alarmed. The product is not dangerous to the eyes, but you still need to take some measures. Simply rinse your eyes with plenty of water.

For beard

Coconut oil is used to care for the beard as it makes it soft, manageable and promotes hair growth. The product or composition based on it is rubbed between the palms and then applied, adhering to the growth line. At the same time, try to pay attention to each hair and do not forget about the root zone. Depending on the “age” of the beard, you will need the following amount of oil:

• less than 30 days - 3 drops,
• up to 90 days - 6 drops,
• from 4 to 12 months - 7–9 drops,
• more than a year - 10 drops or more.

You can add esters to coconut oil. Eucalyptus, mint and cedar extracts are especially useful. You can treat your beard with the active composition daily. The main thing is to follow the recommended dosages so that your hair does not look too greasy.

Contraindications and possible harm

Coconut oil can be harmful only if individual intolerance is neglected and the dosage of the extract in the recipe is increased. In these cases, the following side effects may occur:

• rash,
• itching,
• black dots,
• acne,
• greasy shine,
• eyelash loss,
• eyebrow thinning.

The only contraindication to the use of coconut pulp is individual intolerance to the product. Do a little test: apply a small amount of product to the inside of your elbow or wrist. If after XNUMX hours an allergic reaction (rash, redness, itching) does not occur, feel free to use the product.

It should also be noted that coconut oil tends to clog facial pores. That is why it is not recommended to use the product in the care of oily and combination skin. However, this is only relevant for products obtained by cold pressing. Refined oil is most likely suitable even for very problematic skin.

Reviews on the use of coconut oil in facial care

I have dehydrated skin, I tried coconut oil for my face - the result is excellent, my skin is moisturized and looks beautiful! True, I have smeared it several times so far. Not suitable for hair.

My favorite mask for the skin around the eyes, very simple and effective. I mix a few drops of oil with vitamin E and apply it to the skin around the eyes and eyelids with patting movements, and after 15 minutes I simply blot it with a napkin. After such a mask, the skin is instantly smoothed and wrinkles disappear.

Before going to bed, I apply coconut oil with a clean mascara brush (I have it specifically for oils) and begin to massage my eyebrows a little, and massage my eyelashes at the roots to create a rush of blood, then distribute them evenly along the length of the eyelashes. The eyelashes became longer and the eyebrows became thicker.

Coconut oil is an excellent antiseptic because it contains two very important components: caprylic and lauric acid. They are the ones who fight germs and bacteria that cause skin inflammation. I use it against pimples on my face and am very pleased.

Coconut oil is a versatile facial care product. Using a squeeze, you can tidy up your skin, eyelashes, eyebrows, lips and even your beard. The product has virtually no contraindications and can be used both in pure form and as part of cosmetic products. Do not forget to do an allergy test so as not to harm the health and beauty of your face when using coconut pulp.