A natural and economical product, coconut oil has many benefits when used on the face. Thanks to the essential fatty acids and vitamins it contains, it is nourishing, hydrating and restorative for the skin. The advantage is that it can be broken down into many treatments. Here are our opinions on this vegetable oil which is suitable for sensitive skin.
Coconut oil! Its scent is an invitation to travel, and its name to reverie… Exotic elixir par excellence, coconut oil is, however, much more than just a pleasant smelling oil that reminds us of a summer memory. Indeed, it is one of the most repairing and nourishing oils in the beauty department. Also called copra oil, it is a key ingredient in cosmetics and, like many vegetable oils, it has invaded supermarket shelves for the past ten years or so.
Why ? Quite simply because its benefits for the skin have been fully recognized and that many hollywood stars have touted its merits – whether on TV, in magazines or on social media. While Blake Lively uses it to brighten and strengthen her hair, Miranda Kerr uses it daily to boost the appearance of her skin when Victoria Beckham likes to apply it to her face. In fact, David Beckham's wife advertised the vegetable oil on the British TV show "This Morning" in September 2017, explaining that she uses it daily as a facial treatment. A nice spotlight!
It must be said that although controversial in food consumption, coconut oil has many virtues to pamper the health of our hair, our body and especially our face. We therefore offer you some lighting and beauty tips for using this product in several forms of care, which will bring softness and nutrition to your skin. Because whether it is as a makeup remover, a mask or even a day cream, coconut oil is multi-functional.
What is in coconut oil?
Coconut oil is obtained from the cold pressing of the flesh of the coconut, otherwise known as albumen. It is mainly produced in Brazil, Indonesia, India and the Philippines.
Rich in essential fatty acids, coconut oil contains lauric acid (antiseptic), caprylic acid (antifungal), capric acid and myristic acid (cleansing, protective and nourishing). Thus, it has repairing effects on the skin barrier, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidants, healing and fight against aging of the skin.
In view of all these benefits, there is therefore more than one reason to fall for this vegetable oil, which will take care of the health of your skin!
Coconut oil for what type of skin?
Coconut oil takes particular care of dry, very dry and reactive skin – and this at a low price. Do you have this type of skin? So coconut oil will be your natural ally if it is used as an application alone to replace a day cream. It will restore nutrition to the face and reduce redness. Used in fine hazelnut, it will be easily absorbed by the skin. If your coconut oil has solidified, massage a little bit of this balm into your hands before applying it. It will be easier and more pleasant. Be careful, however, not to put too much coconut oil on your face, it can quickly turn
in an oil bath. Especially get your hair out of your face, if you don't want to grease it for the day. If you do not take this precaution, you will go through the shampoo box again.
One of the many benefits of coconut oil is that it is a vegetable oil that can be applied to a thin and sensitive skin. Thus, it is perfect as a lip balm because it deeply hydrates the most delicate parts. It can also be used as an anti-wrinkle cream under the eyes and therefore as a moisturizer applied to the eyelids.
Moreover, it is recommended to soothe burns because it accelerates the healing of wounds. For example, tattoo artists recommend it as a treatment after tattoo for its antiseptic and healing benefits. As an after-sun, coconut oil is also very effective because it has regenerating properties. This powerful moisturizer is used, in particular, to soothe sunburns.
In regards to skin that causes acne, coconut oil, despite its antifungal and antiseptic properties will not be your must-have. If it is known for its healing effect which can therefore treat pimples, it should be noted that coconut oil has a clue comedogenic of 4 out of 5! Applied to the face, it tends to clog the pores of the skin and therefore facilitate the appearance of blackheads.
Note that for coconut oil to reveal all of its benefits, you have to choose quality. So be careful that it is 100% natural and virgin (obtained by first cold pressing and unrefined).
100% virgin and natural organic coconut oil, unrefined, Coco en Provence – 9.90 euros for 200ml on amazon.fr
As a face mask, coconut oil is ultra nourishing
The advantage with natural products such as avocado, honey or coconut oil is that you don't have to worry about putting together homemade treatments, nor breaking the bank for afford cosmetic products from major brands. It only takes a few minutes and very few utensils to cook your own meals.
In Grandma’s recipe section, here is the nourishing coconut oil mask. Camille from the Princess Cam Cam blog offers a homemade honey / coconut oil mask for an ultra nourishing well-being break.
Recipe :
- Mix in a bowl 1.5 teaspoon of honey with 2 tablespoons of virgin coconut. You can add 1 to two drops of lavender essential oil (skin regenerator).
- Whisk the preparation. If you think your mixture is too viscous, Princess Cam Cam recommends letting it sit for 10 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Before application, make sure you have thoroughly removed make-up and cleansed your facial skin.
- Then, apply with your fingertips and with circular movements, your treatment balm. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes.
- For removal, dab a damp cloth or cotton ball on your face to remove excess preparation.
Notes: the very fragrant smell given off by this mask will bewitch you immediately. The advantage is that there is no problem with food poisoning if you accidentally swallow some of the mixture that is on the corner of your lips. Both ingredients are edible. Our opinion ? This nourishing and hydrating mask is a real invitation to relax.
For those looking for more cocooning, used alone, coconut oil will make a very good night cream for those with dry skin (remember). In winter, applied regularly, it will limit the excessive reactions of sensitive skin …
Coconut oil, a gentle makeup remover for your face
If you are looking for a effective makeup remover, natural and soft to remove all traces of makeup on your skin, no need to compare the labels of different products in the cosmetic department to find your it. Each evening, you just need to apply a small amount of coconut oil that you will heat in your hands beforehand. This is to remove all traces of makeup from the eyes and your face. The advantage of this technique is that you will only use one product for the face and eyes!
Thanks to these many essential fatty acids, coconut oil will dissolve traces of powder and mascara even if this one is waterproof. Plus, coconut oil will keep your face hydrated because lauric acid fights dry skin. This can be expensive solution respects your skin and is applied very gently. How to do ?
You just need to heat a little coconut oil in the palm of your hand if it has solidified. Then apply it with your fingertips and in a circular fashion on your face, paying particular attention to the areas where the makeup is denser. Then, take a cotton ball or a cloth wipe to remove the excess material. No need to rinse if you want to keep the moisturizing side.
Read also: Body, hair … the hidden benefits of coconut oil
Homemade makeup remover: the best recipes for your skin type