Coconut oil is found to be very versatile in use due to its healing property. There is a number of uses which benefit health, skin and hair. Coconut oil has high antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. It is also a very good moisturizer, hence it can be used as a base for home-made face masks. Coconut oil is good for the face as it softens the skin and nourishes it. It also heals acne and hydrates the skin. Coconut oil has a very important fatty acid called Lauric Acid that helps in killing many bacterial and fungal skin infections.
How to Use Coconut Face Masks at Home:
Let we have to look at the top face packs with coconut.
Coconut oil makes a very good base for the face mask as it is a very good moisturizer. Two-three tablespoons of coconut oil with any of the following – baking soda, lemon juice, honey, turmeric, nutmeg powder – should be mixed well in a bowl.
How to Use:
This mask should be applied well and liberally all over the face and neck, particularly the one with the baking soda should be applied on areas where there are more blackheads. Massage gently in a circular motion. Leave on for about 15 – 20 minutes and wash off with warm water. It can be used daily as the ingredients are all-natural. However, care should be taken to use coconut oil that is cold-pressed, extra virgin coconut oil rather than the processed ones available in the market.
Here are a few DIY face masks that are nourished with coconut oil. It is very easy to make and surely safe to use as well,
1. Honey Lemon Coconut Oil Face Mask:
Coconut oil is good for face as it penetrates through the pores of the skin and softens the rough skin from the inside. Honey hydrates the skin cells and lemon juice is a very good astringent that shrinks the larger pores.
Things You Will Need:
- 1 teaspoon of coconut oil,
- 2 teaspoons of raw honey
- ½ teaspoon of lemon juice.
Method to Apply:
- All the above-mentioned ingredients should be mixed well in a bowl.
- A thick coat of the mixture should be applied on a clean face.
- Leave it on for about 10 minutes and rinse off with cool water.
- Use a soft towel to pat it dry.
How Often You Should Do This:
This face mask can be used once a week for best results.
Why This Works /Benefits:
Applying Coconut oil on face and honey are good as they both have antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. They help to fade away scars and blemishes. Lemon is a natural astringent which helps in tightening the skin and shrinking the pores. It also has antibacterial properties which help in killing bacterial that cause acne.
Caution:
Always take care to use pure coconut oils. Processed coconut oil may cause allergic reactions. Always test the coconut oil to make sure you aren’t allergic to it. And always use raw honey for best results.
2. Turmeric Banana & Coconut Oil Face Mask:
Turmeric and coconut oil both have excellent anti-inflammatory & anti-bacterial properties. And bananas tend to moisturize the skin.
Things You Will Need:
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil,
- ½ bananas
- pinch of turmeric.
Method to Apply:
- The ripe banana is to be mashed up by using the back of a fork.
- The coconut oil and turmeric powder should be mixed well to form a consistent mixture.
- Mix the mashed banana in the bowl along with the coconut oil and turmeric.
- Spread the mixture onto your face and leave on for 15 minutes.
- Wash with cold water and pat it dry with a soft towel.
How Often You Should Do This:
This mask can be tried on daily as the products are very safe to use and the effect is noticeable after a few days.
Why This Works /Benefits:
Like honey, banana is a slow and good moisturizer and it hydrates the skin as well. It smoothens the rough skin and reduces the scars of acne and blemishes. Banana and turmeric both have anti-aging properties and they help fight wrinkles. Turmeric helps in clearing the skin discolourations.
Caution:
As such there are no side effects of Banana and Turmeric. Just take precautions in selecting the coconut oil which is pure and always do a patch test before actually using it.
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3. Baking Soda & Coconut Oil Face Mask:
This face mask is a fantastic cleanser. The dirt and dead skin cells get rid of the pores and the skin brightens up. It also repairs the tissues and is a great exfoliator. This face mask is one of the best ones for removing blackheads, dark spots and acne scars.
Things You Will Need:
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
Method to Apply:
- The baking soda and the coconut oil should be mixed well to form a paste.
- This paste should be applied directly.
- Focus more on areas where there are more blackheads.
- Gently massage in a circular motion for about 10 – 15 minutes.
- Leave on for about 5 minutes and then wash it off gently with warm water.
- Pat with a dry towel or tissue paper.
How Often You Should Do This:
It is best to use this face mask once a week to totally clear out your blackheads and leave your skin bright.
Why This Works / Benefits:
Coconut oil is antibacterial and unclogs pores and gets rid of germs. It is also light and the skin absorbs it deeply leaving the skin soft and supple. Baking soda is not too acidic and not too alkaline.It regulates the pH of the skin and neutralizes it by drawing out the excess oil from the skin. Baking soda also helps in reducing the inflammation of acne.
Caution:
People who have sensitive skin should use more of coconut oil than of baking soda. The ratio of coconut oil to baking soda should be 2:1.
4. Avocado & Coconut Oil Face Mask:
This is an anti-aging face mask that also nourishes the skin.
Things You Will Need:
- one Avocado,
- 4 tablespoons of coconut oil,
- 2 teaspoons of nutmeg powder.
Method to Apply:
- Remove the skin of the avocado and mash it to form a paste.
- You can use the back of the spoon or a fork for this.
- Mix the coconut oil and nutmeg powder in the ratio as mentioned above.
- Form a nice paste and apply it to your face.
- Massage it gently and leave it on for about 15 minutes.
- Wash off with lukewarm water and pat it dry with a soft towel.
How Often You Should Do This:
Treat yourself with this face mask once a week to reduce wrinkles and have smooth facial skin.
Why This Works /Benefits:
Coconut oil hydrates and nourishes the skin. It works as a fantastic moisturizer and is suitable for all kinds of skins. It heals the dry skin very well. Avocado helps in neutralizing the free radicals and hence tends to slow down the aging process.
Caution:
Both avocado and coconut oil are safe to use and hence there are no side effects.
5. Honey, Green Tea and Coconut Oil Mask:
These three ingredients – honey, green tea and coconut oil – help the skin to glow and make you look radiant in no time.
Things You Will Need:
- One teaspoon of coconut oil,
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- one table spoon of green tea (you can also use one from the tea bag)
Method to Apply:
- Add all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
- Apply the mixture all over your face.
- Use your finger tips to gently massage well all over.
- Leave it on for about 10 – 15 minutes.
- Wash off gently with warm water. Pat dry.
How Often You Should Do This:
This can be done regularly to save your skin from the rising dust and pollution.
Why This Works /Benefits:
All three ingredients have antioxidant and moisturizing properties. And honey is a good hydrator. The combination is very good to help the skin be soft and supple. It also leaves the skin hydrated and glowing. It promotes the growth of collagen. It rejuvenates the skin.
Caution:
No such noticeable side effects as all are natural ingredients and no harsh chemical as such.
There are umpteen benefits of using coconut oil on the face. Its’ antibacterial, anti-fungal and moisturizing properties make it one of the best ingredients for facial masks. It helps to lubricate and hydrate the skin. It is also useful in healing acne. If it is used on a regular basis, our skin remains youthful. It also helps reduce wrinkles, blackheads and acne.
