Coconut oil: discover the incredible benefits of this multifunctional oil for the face

It started with a buzz about its supposed slimming power. It became easier to find it in regular supermarkets, someone discovered that it could also be used outside the kitchen… And then it was a leap for coconut oil to become the new multifunctional miracle product!

Although its benefits in food have been increasingly questioned by doctors and nutritionists, with regard to its external use, it remains full of morals.

“Coconut oil can replace cosmetic products with hydrating potential as it is an emollient, containing medium-chain saturated fats that keep the skin soft and hydrated, without clogging your pores”, says natural dermatologist Luiza Archer. Excellent news for those who have a skin care routine and spend lots of money on products!

To help you in this endeavor of keeping your face skin healthy without sacrificing your pocketbook, below you will find more benefits and ways to use coconut oil.

It doesn’t matter if your skin is dry or oily, the truth is that most of the most common problems related to the face have to do with hydration, and that’s where coconut oil comes in. What ends up changing is the way to apply and the amount, depending on your need, skin type or face area. Next, Dr. Luiza Archer cites the main benefits of coconut oil in everyday use:

Moisturizing power: as you can see, this is the main asset of coconut oil, but it is worth reinforcing. It’s just that it’s not just a cheap quick fix to replace expensive products. On the contrary, as it is a natural product, coconut oil has the advantage of not having chemical ingredients that do not let the skin breathe, as is the case with petroleum derivatives, and of having an affinity with the proteins of our body, penetrating easily. .

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In addition, unlike what happens with most cosmetics, coconut oil does not have water in its composition, which makes it a concentrated moisturizer that remains on the skin, acting on its deeper layers without evaporating.

He is antioxidant: many people believe that coconut oil helps in the production of collagen. Luiza says that is not true, “coconut oil helps prevent premature aging due to its hydrating and antioxidant action”, she says.

This means that, although it is not the most suitable for treating wrinkles per se, it does help to prevent them by fighting free radicals and protecting the skin from agents such as pollution and UV rays, which cause premature aging.

It soothes and regenerates the skin: went to the beach and forgot to add sunscreen? You can either run to the pharmacy to buy an after-sun lotion or bet on coconut oil. Once again, this is thanks to its moisturizing power that nourishes and, consequently, recovers the skin and relieves the burning of sunburns.

It is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal: the secret lies in the composition of coconut oil. “Because it contains lauric acid, it has antibacterial properties providing extra protection. It also has a combination of stearic, oleic, myristic and palmistic acids that give it antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties”, explains Luiza.

In practice, this means that, in addition to moisturizing, it also prevents and helps treat dermatitis and other skin problems naturally.

One thing that is worth mentioning is that, because its benefits are closely linked to its composition, the origin of coconut oil is extremely important. When buying, make sure it is extra virgin, cold pressed and preferably organic.

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Other indications of origin are storage, which must always be in glass jars to avoid contamination, and the amount of lauric acid, which must be greater than 40%.

How to use coconut oil on face

Once you know the amazing benefits of coconut oil for your face, it’s time to learn how to use it! Below you will find some suggestions for using the pure or mixed product for different needs.

As a moisturizer for normal skin

Dr. Luiza recommends that coconut oil be applied pure, daily right after bathing, with the skin still damp. She points out that large amounts are not needed. “Just enough to spread well,” she says.

As a moisturizer for dry skin

In case of very dry skin, which configures a dermatological problem, Dr. Luiza informs that it may be necessary to associate coconut oil with another moisturizer that, preferably, is chosen under medical supervision.

As a face mask for oily skin

“Masks containing coconut oil and other actives can be made to be applied 1 or 2 times a week”, suggests Luiza. One tip, for example, is to mix two tablespoons of green clay with three tablespoons of coconut oil.

as a lip moisturizer

In the same way that coconut oil moisturizes and regenerates the skin of the face, it does the same for the lips. To do this, simply transfer it to a small glass jar, which you can carry in your bag, and apply whenever necessary.

as a makeup remover

By chemistry, oil dissolves oil. That’s why coconut oil surprises as a make-up remover by removing even the most difficult and waterproof makeup. And it’s not just for the cost-benefit that the technique is worth it. “It is especially suitable for those who have sensitive and dry skin”, says Luiza.

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To get the most out of the technique, the tip is to apply the oil on your face and massage in circular motions to dissolve the makeup. Then remove the oil gently with the help of cotton. People with oily skin can also use it, as long as they remove all the product with the help of an appropriate soap. Those with dry skin can leave the oil residue and even reapply it.

as a scrub

Since coconut oil cleans, moisturizes and has antioxidant power, why not exfoliate with it? It works for all skin types – as you will be removing it later – and simply mix coconut oil with sugar, oatmeal, cornmeal or even coffee granules until you get a paste-like consistency.

As an after-sun soothing

Just by hydrating the skin well, using coconut oil as a cream, you already help to recover the damaged skin. The recommendation is to spend three times a day on the areas that suffered the burn until the skin has completely recovered.

There are also those who potentiate the effects of coconut oil with two drops of lavender essential oil or aloe vera gel, both with a soothing and healing function. And if the sun exposure was milder, you can use it too! Hydration will prolong your tan.

In general, the external use of coconut oil has many benefits and everyone can use it. The contraindication is only in case of allergy to any of the components of the formula. For the rest, just identify your needs, skin type and, little by little, discover which uses work best for you.