How To Apply Coconut Oil On Face – 10 Benefits & Uses

Coconut oil, beloved for its hydrating properties and rich nutrients, is more than just a cooking ingredient—it's a skincare superstar. 

Looking for a natural moisturizer for your face? Coconut oil to the rescue! Its rich fatty acids deeply hydrate and nourish the skin. In need of a gentle makeup remover? Coconut oil effortlessly dissolves even waterproof makeup, leaving your skin clean and soft. 

Battling with skin irritations or conditions like eczema? The anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil soothe and calm the skin.

Whether it's providing barrier protection or serving as a natural lip balm, coconut oil is a versatile, all-in-one solution for your facial skincare needs. In this article, we'll dive into how coconut oil can benefit your face, from moisturizing dry skin to potentially reducing signs of aging.

Benefits Of Using Coconut Oil For Face

What makes coconut oil stand out in the world of oils is its high concentration of lauric acid (also known as dodecanoic acid) and caprylic acid. These acids fight inflammation and enhance immunity. Plus, they give coconut oil its strong antimicrobial properties, making it a unique and effective choice for skin care.

It’s important to note that only 100 percent natural, pure, and organic Coconut oil will provide the best benefits for your skin. We recommend Kama Ayurveda’s Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Coconut oil for application on the face.

Read - Why Is Virgin Coconut Oil So Good For Your Hair And Skin?

1. Fights dark-circles and hyper-pigmentation 

If you're struggling with dark circles or spots of hyperpigmentation, coconut oil might be a helpful remedy. This natural oil is known for its lightening properties, thanks to its rich content of fatty acids and antioxidants like Vitamin E. These components can help reduce the darkness under the eyes and even out skin tone. 

Additionally, its anti-inflammatory qualities can help reduce puffiness around the eyes. However, it's important to remember that dark circles can sometimes indicate other health issues, so it's a good idea to understand their root cause.

2. Induces relaxation

In our increasingly hectic lifestyles, taking a moment to relax is essential. Massaging your face with a bit of coconut oil can be a soothing escape. The act of massaging helps release tension in the facial muscles, potentially reducing stress-related symptoms like headaches or jaw clenching.

Additionally, the natural, mild fragrance of coconut oil is known to have a calming effect, which can enhance relaxation and mental well-being.

3. Works as a moisturizer

Coconut oil is an excellent choice for achieving that dream of having smooth, supple skin free from dry patches. Its high content of fatty acids, particularly lauric and caprylic acids, enables it to deeply moisturize the skin. These acids help to maintain the skin's natural barrier, preventing moisture loss.

Additionally, coconut oil's ability to penetrate the skin's deepest layers means it not only hydrates on the surface but also nourishes from within. This results in long-lasting hydration, making your skin feel soft, smooth, and elastic. 

4. Acts as a sunscreen

Coconut oil can provide a basic level of sun protection, making it a suitable option for brief outdoor activities. Its natural properties create a barrier on the skin, offering some defense against UV rays, which are responsible for sunburns and tanning. 

With an SPF rating between 4 and 5, coconut oil can be a natural alternative for short sun exposures, like a quick walk or a brief swim.

However, it's important to note that while coconut oil does offer some sun protection, its SPF is much lower than the recommended SPF 30 or higher for extended sun exposure. For longer durations outdoors, it's crucial to use a stronger, dedicated sunscreen to safeguard your skin effectively against sun damage.

5. Make-up remover

Coconut oil's oily and slick nature makes it an effective makeup remover. It easily breaks down and lifts off even water-resistant makeup, cleaning your skin thoroughly. 

Plus, it leaves your skin feeling moisturized after use, unlike some makeup removers that can dry out your skin. This natural alternative is gentle yet efficient, making it great for removing makeup while caring for your skin.

6. Consists of anti-aging properties

Coconut oil is packed with antioxidants, including vitamins A and E. These antioxidants help combat the damage caused by free radicals, which can accelerate skin aging due to sun exposure. 

Additionally, coconut oil is known to promote collagen production, a key factor in maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. This can help in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

While research specifically linking coconut oil to wrinkle reduction is limited, the general understanding is that increased collagen can lead to tighter, more elastic skin, potentially reducing wrinkles.

7. Works As Natural highlighter

For those times when you need a quick touch-up but don't want to apply full makeup, coconut oil can be a handy solution. Just dab a small amount on your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and under your brow bone. 

It'll catch the light beautifully, giving your face a natural, subtle glow. This trick highlights your features without the need for traditional makeup, perfect for enhancing your look in a simple and effortless way.

8. Enhances those eyelashes and eyebrows

Taking care of your eyelashes and eyebrows is an important part of grooming, and nourishment is key to keeping them healthy. Coconut oil can be just the right nourishing agent for this. 

Applying a small amount of coconut oil to your eyebrows and eyelashes can improve their texture and promote thickness. Its natural properties help in conditioning and strengthening these hairs, making them appear fuller and more vibrant. 

9. Heals bruises and blemishes

This oil is known for its healing properties, largely due to the presence of monolaurin, a compound derived from lauric acid. Monolaurin is a fatty acid celebrated for its antibacterial qualities.

High-quality coconut oil can aid in the healing process of wounds, reducing the risk of infection. It also plays a role in minimizing scarring and preventing the formation of blemishes once the skin heals. Its soothing and reparative properties make it an excellent natural option for treating minor facial injuries and maintaining the skin's smooth appearance.

10.  Works as a lip gloss

Switching to a more natural look? Coconut oil can be a great alternative to traditional lip gloss. Applying a bit of coconut oil to your lips can give them a glossy, healthy sheen, enhancing your natural beauty. 

Besides adding a subtle glow, it also keeps your lips moisturized, tackling issues like dryness and chapping. With coconut oil, you get the dual benefits of a gloss and a lip balm, and since it's all-natural, there's no worry about having to remove it later. It's a simple, effective way to keep your lips looking and feeling great.

Should I use coconut oil for the face?

Whether or not to use coconut oil on your face depends on your skin type and specific concerns. Coconut oil is known for its benefits, particularly for dry skin, due to its moisturizing properties. However, its suitability for acne-prone skin is a topic of debate.

While coconut oil has antimicrobial, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, which can theoretically help against acne, it's also high in comedogenic ratings. This means it can clog pores, potentially exacerbating acne issues, whiteheads, or blackheads. 

The effect of comedogenic products like Coconut oil varies depending on factors like pore size and skin type; it might not have the same impact on oily skin as it does on dry skin.

Given these conflicting views, the use of coconut oil for acne treatment remains controversial, and it's generally not recommended for those with acne or oily skin, as it could aggravate these conditions.

If you decide to use coconut oil, opt for a 100% pure, natural, and organic variety to minimize side effects. For instance, Kama Ayurveda’s Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is a recommended option for facial application. Always consider your skin type and consult with a dermatologist if you're unsure about incorporating coconut oil into your skincare routine.

On the brighter side, there are many medical conditions for which Coconut oil is a scientifically proven treatment. If you suffer from any of these skin conditions on your face, you can benefit from using Coconut Oil.

Atopic dermatitis: 

     In common terms, this disease is also known as ‘Eczema’. It usually affects the pediatric population. The physical symptoms include redness and itching sensation. Presently, there is no cure for Eczema or it may heal over a while, however, the flaring symptoms could be alleviated or controlled.

The presence of lauric acid in coconut oil owes to its antimicrobial properties which makes it advantageous in controlling bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Thereby, posing as an effective remedy for such a skin condition

Staphylococcus aureus:

This bacteria causes serious infections including pneumonia as it hinders the functioning of your upper respiratory tract in most of the cases. With regards to the skin, it can form an abscess, dry scaly patches, boils, furuncles, and cellulitis which are painful.

Studies claim that to modulate the immune system Virgin Coconut oil might be used. In many cases, this bacteria occurs along with the presence of Atopic dermatitis and the benefit of coconut oil for it has been mentioned afore.

• Xerosis: 

This skin condition is also characterized by itchy, scaly, and dry skin. The skin barrier function seems to be affected here. Studies state that Coconut oil has helped patients by improving their skin hydration and has significantly increased the lipids at the skin surface level. Thereby, it has been proved that coconut oil is an effective moisturizer and as beneficial as mineral oil.

How To Use Coconut Oil For Face?

If you want to start using Coconut Oil for your face, there are many ways to introduce it in your skincare regime to reap its benefits. 

• Coconut Oil As A Face Cleanser

Pour Coconut oil on your palms (you can be generous with the amount) and rub them together. Apply the oil thoroughly all over the face. Massage it for some time to allow penetration into your skin. This will help in dislodging the impurities and dirt from the skin.

Next, take a cotton cloth and wipe the oil away. In case your skin is dry, wash your face with plain water. For other skin types, follow up with cleansing of the skin with a mild natural cleanser.

• Coconut Oil As A Moisturizer

Before hitting the bed, take 1- 2 drops of coconut oil rub it within your palms just to warm it a bit and gently massage it on to your face and neck. You would be surprised to wake up with silky smooth skin. This routine could even be followed after having a shower to maintain your face moisturized throughout the day.

Note - We do not recommend the overnight application of Coconut oil if your skin is acne-prone or oily. You can also mix coconut oil with Aloe Vera and apply on your skin for a dose of hydration.

• Coconut Oil As A Makeup Remover

Being able to use a natural product to remove make-up would surely do justice to your skin. There are two ways you could coconut-oil to get rid of the make-up, depending on the quantity of makeup

1. Removing Light make-up: Apply Coconut oil on your face, rub it gently all along melting and smudging away the make-up. Do not do this for long since cosmetic products contain chemicals and mixing them all over your face would do more harm than good. So, immediately wash away with your regular face wash as soon as you smudge them.
2. Removing Heavy make-up: Dip multiple cotton balls in coconut oil. Keep them aside. Next, gently smear the makeup beginning from the mascara, eyeshadow, eye-liner. Take another cotton ball and wipe away the lipstick. After this, you can use two different ones to clean the T- area of your face (forehead, bridge of the nose, chin) and the other to wipe off the products applied on your cheeks.
   
   When you have applied different products like mascara, lipstick, blusher, eyeshadow, highlighter, etc this method of removing make-up will work better for you. Finally, wash your face using a mild face-wash along with warm water.

• Coconut Oil As A Face Scrub

Using coconut oil as a face scrub is a great addition to your skincare routine, especially if you're dealing with dust and pollution. To make this natural scrub, mix two teaspoons of coconut oil with two and a half teaspoons of brown sugar in a bowl. Stir it until well combined.

When you're ready to use it, gently scrub your face with the mixture in a circular motion, paying extra attention to be gentle, especially around the delicate under-eye area. The facial skin is thinner and more sensitive, so it's important to avoid being too harsh to prevent abrasions.

After scrubbing for about half a minute, rinse the scrub off with lukewarm water. The coconut oil in the scrub helps maintain your skin's moisture, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated, while the sugar acts as an exfoliator, removing dead skin cells, blackheads, and whiteheads.

This scrub can be particularly beneficial for those exposed to a lot of dust and pollution. Depending on your skin's needs and how often you're exposed to pollutants, you can use this scrub every other day or twice a week. 

• Coconut Oil As A Facial Oil

To use coconut oil as a face oil, start by choosing high-quality, virgin coconut oil, as it's pure and more skin-friendly. Once you're sure your skin is compatible with the oil, take a small amount of coconut oil - just a few drops - and warm it between your palms. 

This makes the oil easier to apply. Then, gently massage the oil onto your face in a circular motion, focusing on areas that are particularly dry or in need of extra nourishment.

• Coconut Oil with Honey for Dry Skin

Honey is rich in antioxidants and can collectively foster collagen production. Take out that natural sweetener from your shelf and give it a role in your skincare functions. It can do wonders for your skin when used with Coconut oil. 

To get on with the procedure, mix one tsp coconut oil along with one tsp honey in a bowl. Coconut oil and honey both are adhesive. Due to this, the resultant product would be extremely gooey and sticky. Apply a thin layer of it over your face and relax for 10mins to 20mins. After that wash the mixture with regular water and pat dry. Your skin would surely be glowing radiantly after a couple of applications.

• Coconut oil with Lemon for Tanned Skin:

Suffering from a tanned skin? This mask could be at your service. Lemon being a citrus fruit, is pretty high on the pH index level and filled with vitamin C which helps as an anti-oxidant and at the same time reduces the melanin.

Lemon even decreases excess oil from the skin and embodies anti-inflammation properties. To make the mixture, squeeze half a lemon in a bowl and add one tbsp of Coconut oil to it. Apply it generously over the face. Leave the product for 10 minutes and later rinse it off with lukewarm water. This mask can be effectively applied twice a week. Care must be taken to not use this mixture in case of excessively dry skin. 

• Coconut oil with Baking Soda For Gentle Exfoliation:

Ever thought these ingredients used in your baking could also aid with your skincare. Baking soda acts as a natural toner, it gives a firmness to the skin especially saggy skin. It also contains mild exfoliating properties. As it is alkaline it seamlessly maintains the pH level of the skin.

 To get on with the procedure add 2tsp coconut oil to 1 tsp baking soda. Make a paste by mixing the product. Gently apply this product over your face, be careful that you do not allow the mixture to enter your eyes or mouth. Leave it to dry for 10- 15 minutes. After this wash your face with cold water and pat dry.

• Coconut oil with Turmeric for Glowing Skin: 

Turmeric is used favorably in every other cuisine across the globe. This ingredient is even used extensively for providing a natural glow to your skin. Turmeric contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which makes it ideal for reducing redness and puffiness along with reviving your skin complexion and bringing back that faded radiance.

By using turmeric along with Coconut oil, you get benefits of both the magic ingredients, leaving your skin wholly nourished. To form this mixture, blend half tbsp turmeric along with two tsp coconut oil into a thick paste. Apply this mixture over your face and leave it for about 20 minutes. Wipe the mixture off with a damp cloth and then rinse the face with warm water. Surely, you’ll be amazed at how replenished and soft the skin would feel. 

• Coconut Oil As A Lip Scrub

Creating a natural lip scrub with coconut oil is an effective way to gently exfoliate and deeply moisturize your lips, especially if they are chapped or dry. To make this scrub, take a small amount of coconut oil – its hydrating properties will provide the base for the scrub. 

Mix it with a teaspoon of sugar; the granules of the sugar act as a natural exfoliant, gently removing dead skin cells from the surface of your lips. You can use either brown or white sugar based on your preference.

Gently rub the mixture onto your lips in circular motions for a minute or two. This process not only removes dead skin but also improves blood circulation in your lips, making them appear plumper and rosier. 

After scrubbing, rinse off with warm water or wipe away with a damp cloth. Your lips should feel smoother and softer immediately. This scrub can be used a couple of times a week to maintain healthy, hydrated lips.

Final Words

It is always advisable to do a patch test before using any skin product whether it is natural products like coconut oil or synthetic ones. You could apply a small quantity of the test product on your elbow, wrist, or neck. Wait for 24 hours and if your skin seems comfortable with it you can induce it in your daily skincare routine. 

We would also like to remind you that it’s important that you use only pure, organic, and natural Coconut oil on your face to prevent any reactions or side effects. We recommend Kama Ayurveda’s Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Coconut oil for application on the face.

Coconut oil’s every benefit and drawback has been backed by science. The utilization of it depends on the skin type you possess and your need. So, go ahead if it suits you and reaps the mesmerizing benefits of this amazing oil that nature has gifted us.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6817632/

https://apic.org/monthly_alerts/staphylococcus-aureus/

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/586673

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15724344/

https://www.cleure.com/self-patch-test-s/524.htm