Having antibacterial properties and moisturizing fatty acids, coconut oil is an excellent ally for many beauty treatments, including face washing. To use it daily you can follow a method called "cleansing with oil", which consists of massaging the product on the skin and then removing it. You can also exfoliate your face 1 or 2 times a week with a homemade coconut oil scrub to brighten your skin.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Cleanse the Face with Coconut Oil
Step 1. Pour 1 teaspoon of coconut oil into one hand
When the temperature is below 24 ° C the coconut oil takes on a solid consistency, so in this case take it out of the jar with your finger or a spoon. A small amount, such as a teaspoon, is enough to get a good result.
- If you are going to put your fingers in the jar of oil, it is best to wash your hands with soap before you start so you don't contaminate them with bacteria on your skin.
- To make sure that the oil is of the best quality possible, choose a virgin and organic one, which does not contain additives and is 100% natural.
How often should I wash my face with coconut oil?
It is best to avoid using this method more than once a day, morning or evening. By using it more often, the skin may become excessively oily.
Step 2. Rub your hands lightly together to soften the oil
Since coconut oil takes on a solid consistency when the temperature is below 24 ° C, let it melt in contact with the heat of the body, so that it can be spread easily on the face. Gently rub the product between the palms making circular movements until it is liquid.
- The melting point of coconut oil is 25 ° C.
- Don't rub too hard or your hands will absorb all the oil and you won't have enough left for your face.
Step 3. Apply the coconut oil by massaging it into the skin of the face
Massage the product over the entire face with both hands making small circular movements. Pay particular attention to areas that are oilier or where dirt accumulates, such as the chin or creases next to the nose.
- The areas of the face that tend to grease the most are usually found in the so-called "T-zone", which includes the forehead, nose, chin and the skin around the mouth.
- Avoid getting oil in your eyes. If this happens, your vision may blur for a few minutes, but it will pass.
- If you have sensitive skin, do a skin test before applying the oil all over your face. Spread it over a small area, let it sit for 10-15 minutes and rinse. If this area exhibits the typical symptoms of an adverse reaction, such as irritation or itching, do not use coconut oil.
Step 4. Spread a warm, damp washcloth over your face
Dampen a clean cloth with lukewarm water, then wring it out until it is damp, but don't let it drip. Place it on your face so that it completely covers the skin.
You can use hot tap water or heat a damp cloth in the microwave for 1 minute
Step 5. Let the washcloth sit on your face for 10 minutes
This will allow the pores to open, so that the skin can better absorb the oil. Tilt your head back slightly to prevent the cloth from slipping off.
Set a timer or use the clock app on your mobile to keep track of time
Step 6. Remove excess oil with the cloth
After 10 minutes, remove the cloth from your face and use it to clean the skin in a circular motion. This will remove any oil that has not been absorbed. This will also allow the product left on the face to penetrate deeper into the pores.
- If you continue to feel slightly greasy after the treatment, you can wash your face with a mild cleanser.
- If after washing your face you want to fix and retain water on the skin, apply a moisturizer.
Method 2 of 3: Exfoliate the Face with Coconut Oil and Sodium Bicarbonate
Step 1. Mix coconut oil and baking soda to make a paste
In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and 180 g of baking soda with a spoon until you get a homogeneous mixture. The pasta should have a grainy texture.
You can also add 1 or 2 drops of the essential oil of your choice, if you want to get a particular fragrance. For example, you could mix lemon, rose, or frankincense
Step 2. Massage your face using 1 teaspoon of the mixture
Take a small amount of the coconut oil paste and massage it into your face. Apply firm but gentle pressure as you make small circular motions on the skin so that the oil can penetrate the pores.
- Focus on the places where dirt or oil tends to accumulate the most, such as the area around the mouth, forehead or chin.
- If you want to do a deeper cleansing, you can leave the scrub on the skin for 5-10 minutes.
How often should you exfoliate your face using coconut oil?
Apply the baking soda and coconut oil scrub 1 or 2 times a week. Too frequent exfoliation can attack the skin and dry it out.
Step 3. Rinse the scrub off with warm water and a washcloth, then pat your face dry
To remove the oil and baking soda, moisten a clean cloth with warm water and massage it into your skin until all paste residue is removed. Pat your face dry by gently blotting it with a clean towel.
- It may be necessary to rinse the cloth after a couple of strokes to get rid of the exfoliant residue, to avoid dragging it on your face and making it dirty.
- If you have dry skin or want to get more hydration, apply a moisturizer after rinsing and drying your face.
Step 4. Store leftover scrub in an airtight container for up to one year
Transfer the mixture into an airtight container, then close it tightly with the lid to prevent air from entering. Keep it in a cool, dry place, like a cabinet or bathroom drawer.
- You can also store it in a glass jar, as long as it has an airtight lid.
- It is not necessary to keep it in the fridge. However, do not store it in a warm place or in direct sunlight, otherwise it will melt.
Method 3 of 3: Apply Coconut Oil to the Face in Other Ways
Step 1. Mix coconut oil with different types of oils to customize the cleanser
Choose another oil to mix with coconut oil based on the scents you like and your skin type. For example, if you want to do a deeper cleansing, add an astringent oil, such as castor or hazelnut. Castor oil is a great option for those who tend to suffer from acne or impurities.
- The amount of astringent oil to use should be measured according to the degree of oiliness of the skin. For example, if you have fairly oily skin, use a blend of 30% astringent oil and 70% coconut oil. If it is dry, use only 5% astringent oil and 95% coconut oil.
- You can also add 1 or 2 drops of essential oil to reap the benefits of aromatherapy.
Add an essential oil to coconut oil
To find calm, add lavender or chamomile essential oil.
For a burst of energy, choose peppermint or lemon.
To relieve anxiety or stress, opt for muscatel herb oil.
If you want to pick yourself up, add patchouli or ylang ylang oil.
Step 2. Leave the coconut oil on your skin overnight if you want to hydrate it thoroughly
Spread a thin layer of coconut oil all over your face before going to bed and gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel to remove excess product. Then, the next morning, rinse your face with warm water to remove any residual oil that has not been absorbed by the skin.
Doing a night treatment is preferable for those with dry skin. If it's oily, leaving coconut oil on overnight could clog your pores
Step 3. Crush an avocado and mix it with coconut oil to prepare an anti-aging treatment
Mash and mix an avocado with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil with the help of a fork. Massage the mixture on your face and leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing it off.
- The ripest avocados are the easiest to mash. Choose a soft, dark green one.
- The ingredients can also be blended together.
Step 4. Rub coconut oil into your eyes and the rest of your face to remove makeup
Heat 1 teaspoon of oil between your fingers and apply it gently on the areas you want to remove, for example on the movable eyelids to remove the eyeshadow. Then wipe off the oil and make-up residue with a cotton swab.
Try not to get the oil in your eyes, or it will cloud your vision for a few seconds
Step 5. Mix raw sugar and coconut oil to exfoliate your lips
Mix 1 1/2 tablespoons of coconut oil with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of raw sugar. Apply the scrub to your lips and massage it in circular movements and exerting good pressure, then rinse it off.
- If you don't have raw sugar, you can use brown sugar or larger amounts of granulated sugar.
- Do not exfoliate your lips more than 2 times a week, otherwise you risk damaging the skin.
- Keep the scrub in the fridge for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
