Face mask with coconut oil: homemade recipes or ready-made products?

Coconut oil has taken the Western world by storm. It is used in cooking, they are smeared on the face, body and hair. We offer to study the opinions of experts on the properties of this miracle oil. Everything is not as simple as it might seem at first glance.

Benefits and effectiveness of face masks with coconut oil

In the luggage of a tourist leaving the fabulous southeastern country, there will definitely be a bottle of coconut oil. And certainly not alone, because this is the best souvenir for friends and family.

Its sweet and delicate aroma is associated with a carefree paradise, where there is always sun, warm sea and soft white sand. Coconut oil has become something of a dream symbol. But, of course, we love him not only for this. Coconut oil has many skin benefits.

  • Leaves face instantly smooth and soft.

  • Removes peeling.

  • Nourishes the skin.

  • Contains antioxidants.

  • Dissolves and removes impurities.

  • Preserves beauty and youth – the appearance of the legendary oriental beauties is a confirmation of this.

  • Fantastic effect on the hair, nourishing and softening them. In the arsenal Garnier, for example, there were products for oily hair at the roots and dry hair at the ends: strengthening shampoo + balm-conditioner “Coconut balance” .

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Mechanism of action on the skin

What you read on the Internet about the magical properties of coconut oil. But the incredible wealth in the form of vitamins and trace elements that is attributed to this ingredient is just a fantasy. Almost the only vitamin it contains is E. Plus a little vitamin K.

Still, coconut oil is very beneficial for the skin. For greater clarity, we will analyze its composition. It is clear that these are pure fats, 85% saturated, that is, closer to animals than to vegetable fats, commonly referred to as “useful”. It is thanks to these fats that at temperatures below +25 ° C, coconut oil hardens, turning into a thick white mass. What are these substances?

  • Lauric acid (50%) is part of the sebum, that is, it is secreted by the human sebaceous glands, and creates a protective film on the surface of the skin. Moreover, on its basis create foaming surfactants for mild cleansers. Interesting fact: lauric acid is found in human milk.

  • Myristic acid (20%) has some antibacterial, antifungal and even antiviral activity, is part of human subcutaneous fat. Myristic acid is quite appropriate in products for skin with disturbed microflora. Also used as a softening emulsifier and “soapy” substance.

  • Caprylic acid (7%) inhibits the development of fungal infections. This makes coconut oil effective in treating dandruff and some types of dermatitis.

  • Palmitic acid (8%) creates a protective film on the surface of the skin, but, alas, makes coconut oil comedogenic.

  • Oleinovaya Chisloth (7%), or omega-9, refers to one of the three polyunsaturated (that is, very healthy) fatty acids. It is perfectly absorbed into the skin, facilitating the conduction of other beneficial substances, restores the hydrolipidic mantle and heals the epidermis. Oleic acid is also called vitamin F.

  • linoleic acid (3%) – the equally well-known omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid is also part of the hydrolipidic mantle of the skin.

  • Vitamin E – one of the most popular antioxidants in cosmetics with proven effectiveness when used externally.

  • Phytosterols contained in cell membranes. Helps restore and normal functioning of the skin’s protective barrier.

Please note: coconut oil is not a moisturizing treatment. Yes, it “repairs” the hydrolipidic mantle, preventing moisture from evaporating, but does not contribute to increasing skin hydration.

In cosmetics, coconut is valued not only for oil. During the fermentation of coconut juice, material for biocellulose is formed. It is the product of bacteria. From this natural thinnest material, scientists have created a kind of “fabric” for masks, which in itself is a valuable cosmetic component.
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Who is the coconut oil mask for?

Owners of oily and especially problematic skin should think twice before using coconut oil. But for people with dry or normal skin, it will be just right.

Unlike most vegetable oils, coconut oil solidifies at room temperature.

In what situation are coconut oil masks appropriate?

  • Dry skin up to peeling. Just don’t confuse dryness with dehydration! In the second case, the oil is not effective enough.

  • Aging skin – to improve firmness and elasticity.

  • Removing waterproof make-up, cleansing dry sensitive skin.

There is a dangerous myth about the sun protection properties of coconut oil. They are not here. Scientific studies have been carried out, and the conclusion is quite unambiguous. Thinking of a homemade coconut oil mask as an alternative to sunscreen is dangerous.

However, there may be some confusion here: fermented coconut extract (not oil!) does have anti-inflammatory activity, reducing the effect of UV exposure. But this is a completely different product – the same one that became the basis for biocellulose and is part of some cosmetics.
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What to give preference to: a homemade mask or a ready-made product

Coconut oil is convenient and beautiful in that it is already a ready-made cosmetic product in itself. Yes, and with such a pleasant aroma, as well as a set of useful qualities.

  • Cleans without water.

  • Nourishes the skin of the face and body.

  • Repairs especially dry areas of the skin.

Perhaps this is where the cosmetic uses of coconut oil end. And for owners of oily skin, it is generally not recommended to use it in its pure form. It is much safer to use cosmetics that include balanced and carefully selected oils that will not harm oily skin.

There is no doubt that a homemade coconut oil mask will benefit dry skin at any age. But why give up antioxidants, peptides, vitamins in ready-made high-tech cosmetics, which not only restore the hydrolipidic mantle of the skin, but also energize it from the inside?

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Coconut oil face mask: choosing recipes and remedies

Usually the main argument of supporters of home cosmetics is the naturalness of the composition and the minimum of ingredients. But if its chemical composition were written on the coveted bottle of coconut oil, it would resemble the list of ingredients on the package of cream produced at the factory.

If you have a bottle of coconut oil in your makeup cabinet and you can’t wait to apply it, prepare a mask based on it. And make your own choice.

Making cosmetics can be a lot of fun, but it’s not safe.

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Scrub masks with coconut oil

Home cosmetics gurus often recommend scrubs with coconut oil to owners of normal and combination skin to get rid of acne. Although no cosmetologist will recommend a comedogenic ingredient if the skin has blackheads and rashes.

Purifying mask with coconut oil and oatmeal

Application result: cleanses and soothes the skin, evens out its relief.

Ingredients:

  1. 1 tablespoon of coconut oil;

  2. 3 tablespoons of oatmeal;

  3. warm water.

How to cook:

  1. soak oatmeal in warm water to the consistency of a thick gruel;

  2. Pour in a spoonful of coconut oil and mix thoroughly.

How to use:

  1. apply the mass on cleansed skin and rub it in circular motions, avoiding the area around the eyes and lips;

  2. hold the mask on your face for 15 minutes;

  3. rinse with cool water;

  4. pat your face dry with a clean towel.

Coconut oil scrub mask with baking soda

Application result: pore cleansing, skin softening.

Ingredients:

  1. 1 tablespoon of coconut oil;

  2. 1 teaspoon of soda.

How to cook:

carefully mix soda with oil.

How to apply:

  1. Gently rub the resulting slurry into the skin for 5 minutes in a circular motion, focusing on the wings of the nose, the chin – the places where black dots form;

  2. wash off the mask with cool water;

  3. wipe your face with tonic;

  4. apply moisturizer.

Editorial opinion. It’s weird to use comedogenic oil to cleanse your pores. In these recipes, it is better to replace it with any other. In any case, in relation to normal and dry skin, we prefer a sugar nourishing scrub – it also contains coconut oil and is even suitable for lips.
Nourishing Sugar Facial Scrub, L’Oréal Paris has a very appetizing composition: 3 types of sugar and ground fruits of the cupuaçu tree as exfoliants, coconut and cocoa butter to soften and nourish the skin.

Cleansing gel care for washing Toleriane Caring Wash, La Roche-Posay Addressed to sensitive skin, it gently removes impurities thanks to cocobetaine, a foaming substance based on coconut oil. Enriched with vitamin E, also found in coconut oil, vitamin B3 and valuable ceramides.

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Coconut oil mask with turmeric and yogurt

Application result: even tone, soft, supple skin.
Ingredients:

  1. ½ tablespoon of coconut oil;

  2. 1 tablespoon of kefir (yogurt);

  3. ½ teaspoon of turmeric.

How to cook:

mix all ingredients thoroughly.

How to use:

  1. apply the mask on cleansed skin;

  2. leave for 20 minutes;

  3. rinse thoroughly with cool water.

Editorial opinion. Turmeric has antioxidant, cleansing and toning properties, while coconut oil nourishes. But how effectively the mask will even out skin tone is a question. It is much more convenient and effective to apply a specially designed cosmetic product with coconut oil.

Liquid highlighter “Glow Mon Amour”, L’Oréal Paris – Coconut oil makes the texture of the product pleasant and provides nourishment to the skin. The product gives the face radiance and a light refreshing shade.

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Coconut oil masks for dry skin

Coconut oil and avocado mask

Application result: mega portion of nutrition for dry, very dry, sensitive, dull, aging skin.

Ingredients:

  1. 1 tablespoon of coconut oil;

  2. ¼ very ripe avocado

  3. ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg.

How to cook:

  1. peel the avocado and mash with a fork or spoon into a puree;

  2. add nutmeg;

  3. Pour in the coconut oil and mix everything thoroughly.

How to use:

  1. on cleansed, slightly damp skin, apply the mixture in an even layer;

  2. leave for 15 minutes;

  3. Rinse with water at a comfortable temperature and pat your skin dry with a clean towel.

Picking coconuts is great fitness.

Coconut oil and honey mask

Application result: hydrated, fresh, smooth and soft skin.
Ingredients:

  1. 1 teaspoon coconut oil;

  2. 1 teaspoon of honey;

  3. 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice;

  4. 1 teaspoon brewed green tea leaves.

How to cook:

  1. grind green tea leaves;

  2. mix all the ingredients;

  3. lightly beat them with a fork or whisk until a homogeneous consistency is obtained.

How to use:

  1. apply the mixture on cleansed skin with a sponge (cotton pad);

  2. leave for 15 minutes;

  3. Rinse with cool water, pat your face dry with a clean towel.

Editorial opinion. The ingredients, needless to say, are wonderful. The mega-nourishing mask combines both saturated fatty acids of coconut and polyunsaturated fats of avocado. But it is still better to eat a ripe avocado whole – from the inside, its fatty acids will bring no less benefit, including to the skin. We propose not to waste time and achieve freshness and hydration of the skin much faster with the help of a cosmetic mask, which, in addition to many other oils and interesting ingredients, also contains our favorite coconut.
Instant Renewal Concentrate Mask, Kiehl’s – you can’t prepare such a mixture in the kitchen: it includes coconut extract, carrageenan (algae extract), allantoin, copay resin, andiroba oil and castor oil, extracts of blueberries, blackberries, aloe, pomegranate. The hydrogel mask is easy to use and gives a visible result after 10 minutes.

Mask-milk with coconut milk “Nutrition Bomb”, Garnier provides dry skin with intensive nutrition and hydration due to serum with coconut milk and hyaluronic acid. Gives a pleasant feeling of comfort.

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Classic coconut oil mask

Application result: soft, smooth, soothed skin, without peeling.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon of coconut oil.

How to use:

  1. apply oil gently along the massage lines, avoiding the area around the eyes;

  2. oil your lips thoroughly;

  3. leave for 10 minutes;

  4. Gently remove the remaining oil from the skin with a cotton pad.

Editorial opinion. Undoubtedly, this is the simplest of all possible homemade masks. And owners of dry skin (and not all types, as they like to say) will surely benefit from it. On the skin of the lips, especially in the cold season, coconut oil can also be applied. But as a prevention and getting rid of sunburn in its pure form, it is not suitable. At the same time, manufacturers willingly include it in the composition of ready-made after-sun products, but only as one of the many components.

Lotion after sun «Sublime Sun. Perfect radiance, L’Oréal Paris has moisturizing and soothing properties, gives the skin radiance, contains shea and coconut oils, vitamin E, as well as a unique extract of Tahitian gardenia.

Lip balm Butterstick Lip Treatment, SPF 25, Kiehl’s cares for delicate skin, making it smooth, nourishes with coconut oil and lemon peel oil, rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

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Terms of Use

For most recipes, coconut oil should be melted without heating it above 30°C. This can be done in the following ways:

  • in a water bath;

  • by simply placing the jar in a container of hot water;

  • putting a jar of oil on the battery.

If you use the oil in its pure form, it is not necessary to warm it up – it will melt by itself under the influence of body temperature.

We will give some general tips for use.

  • It is better to do a homemade nourishing mask in the evening in order to leave the skin alone after it. At night, the recovery processes are more intense.

  • After the mask, which is washed off with water, it is necessary to use a tonic and moisturizing care.

  • If you have used only part of the homemade mask, be sure to discard the rest. The shelf life of cosmetics prepared at home is several hours.

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Safety measures

  1. First, remember that coconut oil can cause breakouts – the dense fatty acids clog pores.

  2. Secondly, store the oil in a dark place protected from light. Under normal conditions, even without a refrigerator and preservatives, it is stored for 6 months.

  3. Thirdly, in no case do not use the oil if it has changed color (turned yellow) or smell – during the entire shelf life it should be sweet, characteristic of coconut.

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