Coconut oil for the face: effectiveness and subtleties of use

Coconut oil has been around for a long time. Its use began as early as 1500 BC. NS. and continues successfully today. Along with the use of coconut trees for construction and fuel, the fruits of the tree were also used as food and a source of income. Coconut oil was very common in Africa, India, Polynesia and Central America.

For cosmetic purposes, coconut oil was first used in the East. The emollient properties of this product were described in an ancient Hindu manuscript. India is still one of the main producers of the unique product, along with the Philippines and Malaysia.

This product is a vegetable fat obtained by hot pressing copra. Copra is nothing more than the flesh of a nut, which is white. It is the result of the thickening of coconut milk. It contains over 60% oil essence.

Outwardly, coconut oil is a hardened dense pearl-colored consistency, but when the temperature rises (above 26 degrees), it begins to melt, turning into a transparent liquid with an oily base. Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids, including:

• palmitic;
• myristic;
• lauric;
• oleic;
• khapra;
• caprylic.

Unrefined are not processed and contain up to 50% lauric acid. This product hardens in a cool place.

Refined oils are obtained by refining the product under pressure. The clarity of this oil is higher than that of unrefined oil.

For cosmetic procedures, an unrefined product is used, since its effect on the skin is more effective due to the presence of lauric acid. It spreads well and softens dry and aging skin. It is not suitable for oily skin: the product clogs its pores, which are most often enlarged on such skin.

Coconut oil has many beneficial properties:

• it moisturizes very dry and dehydrated skin well, protects it from the negative effects of the urban environment;
• it is used as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic drug;
• the coconut component is added in the manufacture of sunscreen lotions and anti-burn products.

The pure oil product is also used for hair care cosmetics. One of the causes of hair loss is the loss of protein during the washing process. Coconut oil stimulates the process of strengthening the hair follicles and prevents the loss of this important substance. The product improves the appearance of hair, enhances its shine and increases elasticity, preventing split ends. It is used in anti-dandruff masks and as a regenerating agent for colored hair, as well as for curls that are often heat treated.

Cold pressed coconut oil is the most natural remedy due to its high fatty acid content.

Coconut oil contains a large number of them:

• lauric acid - 39–54%;
• caproic acid - 1%;
• myristic acid - 15–23%;
• palmitic acid - 10%;
• caprylic acid - 6%;
• capric acid - 5-10%;
• oleic acid - 9% (monounsaturated acid);
• stearic acid - 5% (monounsaturated acid);
• linoleic acid - 3% (polyunsaturated fatty acid).

The composition contains polyphenols responsible for the taste of the oil, and derivatives of esters and fatty alcohols. The oil also contains vitamins K and E.

Cold pressed coconut oil is obtained from young green nuts. The quality and characteristics of such a product are significantly higher than that of ordinary oil, which is extracted from ripe nuts. The amount of oil in green fruits is less, but there are more useful components in them.

Coconut oil found application in body and face care:

• in the cosmetic industry, it has firmly taken its place and is the undoubted leader in the range of hair products;
• it is used to make detergents such as shower gels and soaps;
• the product has successfully established itself as the main product for massage;
• It is often added to moisturizers for the face, hands and feet;
• the product is recognized as one of the best in the care of lifeless hair;
• it perfectly cleanses the skin.

Thanks to vitamin E, which is an excellent antioxidant, the oil is widely used in the lines of cosmetic sunscreens, as well as in anti-burn products. Fatty acids stimulate the renewal of the epidermis of the scalp, which has a beneficial effect on the hair follicles.

Cosmetologists advise to apply oil not only to the scalp, but also to smear it on the ends of the hair, which are subject to systematic cutting.

The regenerating properties of the product manifest themselves on problem areas of the skin, stimulating cells to quickly regenerate and reduce existing wrinkles.

Coconut oil has found applications in the treatment of acne and acne. The oil is instantly absorbed even into the deepest layers of the epidermis, and the skin instantly receives all the nutrients that make up the product. However, this method of acne treatment is not suitable for every skin type.

To prevent the product from giving a negative reaction, it is recommended to wash it off no later than 10 minutes after application to the skin.

The substances included in the oil strengthen eyelashes and nails, making them healthy and beautiful when used correctly.

Masks with coconut oil help to find beauty of hair. With their systematic use, the section of the hair is observed less often, and the shine of the hair becomes brighter.

Most often, hair masks are composed of 100% coconut oil. In this form, it is used exclusively on the hair.

This natural product is also successfully used on the driest areas of the body: elbows, knees and feet, that is, where the skin is most dehydrated. It quickly gives dry skin a beautiful appearance with instant hydration.

Since coconut oil is a product created by nature itself, it is often allergic to it, therefore, when using it directly, it is necessary to test on the inside of the elbow, applying a few drops of oil. If after 24 hours there is no reaction, then it can be used in cosmetic procedures.

The pores on such skin are often enlarged, and the oil clogs them, causing inflammation in the form of acne breakouts.

After oil masks, it is recommended to rinse your hair very well, and it is better to do this several times. Otherwise, the hair will look dirty and unkempt after applying the product.

There is a myth about another negative side of using coconut oil. Some internet users have left negative reviews stating that coconut oil dries hair and exacerbates brittle hair. In fact, this can happen only in one case: the purchased product is of poor quality (it is a fake). A high-quality and natural unrefined product has only a positive effect on the hair structure, and when using it, the likelihood of negative consequences on the hair is minimized.

Coconut oil essence - multifunctional cosmetic product because it:

• moisturizes;
• nourishes;
• cleans;
• regenerates;
• rejuvenates;
• heals.

In this regard, there are a great many cosmetic products based on coconut, but not all of them are effective and have a pronounced effect on the face. This is due to the frequent use of low-quality oils in products.

There are a lot of face and body care products on the shelves in cosmetic stores.based on coconut oil, but not a single store consultant will tell you about the quality of the oil that was used to make this or that product. Therefore, the best solution would be to buy quality coconut oil in a specialized store and use it at home. Thus, you can protect yourself from buying a fake and unpleasant consequences from its use.

It is worth buying only the cosmetic product on the label of which you can see the inscription virgin coconut oil: it is the least refined and of the highest quality.

The first step in facial treatment is cleansing. In order to cleanse your face with coconut oil, you only need 10 grams. The product must be applied with stroking movements to the skin of the face and neck. During a five-minute massage, the oil begins to remove excess fat and makeup residues from the skin. After rubbing it in, you need to put a small towel soaked in hot water on your face and thus enhance the effectiveness of the product.

After cleansing, you can tone the skin with scrubbing. A scrub with coconut oil will be the best option for toning the skin, which, in addition to exfoliating, moisturizes the epidermis.

Ingredients:

• coconut oil - 30 ml;
• sugar - 20 gr;
• olive oil - 2 drops.

To prepare a coconut scrub, you need to mix all the components in one container, and then apply the resulting product with massaging movements on the entire surface of the face and neck. Wash off the product with warm water.

Sugar perfectly exfoliates dead cells of the epidermis, renews the skin and makes it incredibly smooth. The oil ingredient moisturizes and nourishes it. Cosmetologists advise using such a product instead of a regular scrub no more than 2 times every 7 days.

The oil product is also used in the preparation of masks.

If there are rashes on the skin, then a mask with oil essence of coconut and lemon will help in the fight against this ailment.

Ingredients:

• lemon - half of the fruit;
• oil component - 40 ml.

The mask is not used on the entire face, but only on the inflamed areas.

For its preparation, mix lemon juice and oil essence. The mixture is applied to problem areas and left for 20 minutes. Wash off this mask with cold water. It is worth using this method of dealing with acne no more than 2 times a week.

If the skin is inflamed or irritated, an oil mask mixed with honey and aloe vera will help soothe it.

Ingredients:

• coconut oil - 30 gr;
• aloe vera juice - 30 gr;
• honey - 5 gr.

Aloe vera cleanses and renews the skin, while honey is a natural antiseptic.

To prepare the mask, you need to mix the oil component, aloe vera and honey in one bowl. You need to apply such a mask pointwise in places of irritation. The duration of the mask on the face is 30 minutes. Then it is removed from the face with a damp cloth, washed and gently dabbed with a towel.

Undoubtedly, there is also a classic recipe for a cold-pressed coconut oil essence mask. There are no additional ingredients in such a product. It is used in its pure form, therefore, the result of its use directly depends on the quality of the product.

In order not to infect an infection, it is necessary to wash your hands thoroughly each time before the procedure.

First you need to cleanse your face of all impurities and cosmetics. After that, the product is applied to dry and clean skin, spreading it over the face with massaging movements.

Before using this mask, it is worth conducting a tolerance test for the oil used.

For combination and oily skin, 10 minutes is enough. Wash it off with warm water. If the residues of the product on the face are embarrassing, then you can use a special gel for washing.

Moisturizing the skin is the final step in facial care. A face cream with an oily component like no other moisturizes and nourishes the skin from the inside. You can cook it yourself.

A versatile cream that is suitable for both young and aging skin, contains the following ingredients:

• coconut oil essence - 5 tablespoons;
• almond oil essence - 2 tablespoons;
• rose water - 2.5 tablespoons;
• lavender essential oil - 10 drops.

To prepare the cream, it is necessary to heat the oil essences to a fluid state and stir. In another container, heat rose water and pour it into the mixture of oils, whisking everything with a blender. Once the mixture has reached a creamy state, lavender ether can be added, which has beneficial effects on skin of all types and ages. This nourishing cream is stored in the refrigerator for a short time - only 2 weeks.

The most sensitive skin on the face is the area around the eyes. This is where the first wrinkles appear. To avoid this and delay the appearance of "crow's feet", it is recommended to use a coconut mask.

To prepare it, you will need 1 capsule of vitamin E and 5 g of an oil product. By combining these ingredients, the resulting mixture is applied with light stroking movements to the area around the eyes. In the morning, remove the remnants of the mask with a damp cloth. This mask can also replace lip balm, which moisturizes and nourishes the lips well.

Also, massage of the skin using oil components helps to fight wrinkles around the eyes. The course of this massage is 15 days.

Every day before going to bed or late in the evening, apply coconut oil to the cleansed skin of the eyelids and under the eyes and massage with patting movements of the fingers for 5 minutes (2 and a half minutes for each eye). The direction of the tapping movement should be from the nose to the periphery.

If a woman seriously decided to enter into an unequal struggle to maintain her beauty after 40 years, then there is a recipe for an anti-aging cream with a coconut scent.

Ingredients:

• coconut oil - 3 tablespoons;
• olive oil - 6 tablespoons;
• beeswax - 10 g;
• distilled water - 85 g;
• vitamin E, A, C powder - 1.8 g;
• ylang-ylang ether - 15 drops.

After the mixture reaches a homogeneous consistency, remove from heat and mix thoroughly. In another container, mix distilled water with vitamins using a blender and, without turning off the device, pour the oil mixture into the water. Add ylang-ylang ether to the resulting cream at the end of cooking. It is recommended to store your own cream in the refrigerator.

Moisturizing is required not only for the face, but also for the body. Coconut oil is also used in the preparation of this cosmetic product.

To make a body cream, you will need:

• coconut oil - 10 gr;
• shea butter - 1 tablespoon;
• wax - 5 g;
• avocado oil - 5 g;
• sesame oil - 10 gr;
• olive oil - 10 gr;
• wheat oil - 1 teaspoon;
• chamomile hydrolat - 10 g;
• mineral water - 3 tablespoons;
• chamomile essential oil - 7 drops;
• essential oil of palmarosa - 15 drops.

Melt hard oils and wax in the microwave. Having achieved uniformity, add avocado, sesame, olive and wheat oils to the mixture. Then beat the butter mass with a blender. At the same time, chamomile hydrolat and mineral water are mixed and heated on the stove to 40 degrees. When the desired temperature is reached, the liquid is poured into the oil mixture. Mix everything well and add the ether components. At the end, transfer the cream to a storage container. The cream should be kept in the refrigerator.

The oil product, as noted above, is great at fighting dry areas on the feet. Preparing a foot cream based on it will not be difficult.

Ingredients:

• coconut oil - 5 g;
• cocoa butter - 5 g;
• shea butter - 5 g;
• olive oil - 5 gr;
• jojoba oil - 5 g;
• oil solution of vitamin E - 5 g;
• beeswax - 5 gr.

Melt the hard oil ingredients and combine with the rest. After the mixture turns white, you need to add a few drops of orange tree ether to it. The mask is applied to the rough areas of the feet, the legs are wrapped in plastic wrap, wearing warm socks. It is recommended to remove the mask after 1 hour. The result will not be long in coming, since from the very first application the skin on the feet will become much softer.

Coconut oil essence plays a special role in hair care. Fatty acids, which are included in its composition, well restore damaged hair structure. If the hair suffers from excessive fragility, then the coconut oil is initially heated in the microwave to a liquid consistency, and then evenly distributed over the hair from roots to ends.

It is allowed to go to bed in this form and take off the mask only in the morning. After the procedure, the hair is thoroughly washed several times with shampoo.

Dry hair that needs constant moisture is recommended to be combed with a comb, after dropping a couple of drops of the oil component on it. This procedure is not applicable to oily hair: excessive moisture will make it look messy.

Fermented milk products are often used in the care of oily hair.Coconut oil, when combined with these ingredients, has an amazing effect on hair.

To do this, heat 1 tablespoon of oil essence, mix it in one container with 4 tablespoons of kefir or sour cream and apply a mask along the entire length of the hair. Then wrap the hair with a warm cloth and wait 1 hour. Then wash off the mask with warm water using shampoo.

An oil mask with pepper helps with hair loss.

Ingredients:

• coconut oil - 10 gr;
• garlic - 1 clove;
• hot pepper - 2 gr.

First you need to warm up the oil. Then the remaining ingredients are added to it and everything is mixed well. This mixture is applied directly to the hair roots and rubbed in with massage movements. A burning sensation is a normal reaction of the epidermis to pepper. If possible, such a mask should be kept for at least half an hour or at least 15 minutes.

To speed up hair growth, you can prepare a mask based on coconut oil and sea salt.

Ingredients:

• sea ​​salt - 1 teaspoon;
• egg yolk - 1 pc .;
• coconut oil - 3 tablespoons.

A mask is prepared by mixing heated oil with salt and yolk, and then it is applied to the entire length of the hair and left for 20 minutes. To prevent your hair from looking dirty after applying the oil mask, it is recommended to rinse it well with shampoo.

The mask of coconut oil, milk and oatmeal restores healthy shine to the hair.

Ingredients:

• milk - 1 tablespoon;
• coconut oil - 2 tablespoons;
• ground oatmeal - 1 tablespoon.

In one container, mix all the ingredients and apply the mixture to the hair, covering it with a towel. After half an hour, the mask can be washed off with warm water and shampoo.

A rosemary and chamomile mask will also help to make your hair shine.

Ingredients:

• cold pressed coconut oil - 100 gr;
• sprigs of rosemary - 10 gr;
• chamomile flowers - 10 gr.

Leave the oil and collection mixture on the fire for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then the oil solution is poured into a dark glass bottle and placed in a closet or bedside table for a week. After the time has elapsed, the oil infusion should be heated again and passed through a fine sieve. This infusion is distributed over the hair and left for 30 minutes.

For the most part, cosmetologists and doctors have a positive attitude towards this product and recognize its benefits. True, they warn that the result from using a natural product is achieved more slowly than when applying synthetic products. Before using the oil, experts recommend checking the body's response to the product by applying a little oil on the wrist or inner surface of the forearm.

Cosmetologists advise against using coconut oil during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, because if the oil was previously well tolerated, then during pregnancy the body can give a negative reaction to any natural cosmetic product.

In any case, coconut oil is widely used in cosmetology and most often has positive reviews among buyers.

For detailed ways to use coconut oil for your face, see the following video.