If you start washing your face with coconut oil, you can reduce your dry skin, improve the texture and appearance of skin, eliminate signs of aging, protect against infections, shield you from sunburn and soothe irritation, among a number of other benefits. Coconut oil is one of the most complete and effective options for washing your face, and people all over the world have been using this oil for that reason for generations.
Due to the unique composition of coconut oil face wash, particularly its medium-chain fatty acids, vitamin content, and antioxidant potential, it is able to penetrate the skin, protect it from harm, and leave you looking younger, without any of the harsh, damaging chemicals often found in other scrubs, serums and moisturizers. [1]
Coconut Oil Benefits for Skin
Let us look at some of the benefits of coconut oil for skin in detail:
Coconut oil products are very good for the skin as they have moisturizing properties. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Prevents Aging
As per the USDA, coconut oil contains vitamin E that helps improve the skin health. When you apply a coconut oil face wash, you can be confident that the antioxidant effects of vitamin E and various polyphenolic compounds will deliver impressive results. These components of coconut oil are well known to reduce oxidative stress and help prevent the negative effects of free radicals. Your face is constantly exposed to the harsh environment, as well as pollutants and irritants, which can speed cellular breakdown and lead to wrinkles, age spots and other unwanted blemishes. Washing your face with coconut oil can help you avoid many of these issues. [2] [3]
Moisturizes Skin
As a moisturizing agent, few things are better than coconut oil, as it is known to permeate the skin to deliver its nutrients to the lower skin levels, where they are needed most. By quickly seeping into the skin, you can avoid leaving an oily residue, but the face wash cill continue to lock in moisture, preventing dry skin from quickly returning, which is what often happens with normal cleansers and moisturizers. Even if you have oily skin, or are prone to acne, coconut oil can help reduce sebum production and deliver great results.
Boosts Immune System
The medium-chain fatty acids found in coconut oil make washing your face with this natural cleanser an excellent idea. These fats possess natural antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties that can keep your immune system safe and lower the chances of any pathogens on your face. Bacterial and fungal infections can often develop on broken or dry skin, particularly if you suffer from acne, so using a coconut oil face wash can keep you protected and infection-free. [4]
Protects Against Sunburn
While coconut oil does not have a high SPF rating (roughly 4-7), it does provide a small amount of daily protection, particularly if you don’t spend too much time outside. Furthermore, if you do suffer from a sunburn, this type of face wash is extremely effective in soothing the inflammation, eliminating the redness, preventing the skin from drying out, and speeding the healing/regrowth process of the skin cells. [5]
Eliminates Irritation
Dry or cracked skin, particularly under the nose, on the forehead, chin and even neck can be itchy and unsightly, but a coconut oil face wash can change all that. The anti-inflammatory properties of this substance, combined with the deep moisturizing powers, can promote blood flow and healing to these irritated areas, while also delivering vitamin E and promoting collagen cross-linking, which will reduce the appearance of these inflamed areas.
Prevents Acne
Occasionally, you need to give your face a deep cleanse, to eliminate grime and dirt that is clogging pores, causing inflammation and blocking the release of sebum, which can lead to pimples, blackheads, acne and other unwanted conditions. A coconut oil face wash seeps into pores and hair follicles to eliminate these toxins and soften the sebum that has hardened beneath the surface. This makes it much easier to exfoliate, perhaps with a coconut oil sugar scrub, and keep your complexion smooth and unblemished. [6]
How to Wash Your Face Naturally With Coconut Oil?
You can use coconut oil to wash your face by itself, but some people also combine the oil with tea tree oil, geranium oil or lavender oil, depending on the type of skin they have. Tea tree oil has added antibacterial, antiviral and anti=fungal properties, making it ideal for someone suffering from acne, while geranium oil is excellent for people with extremely dry skin. Lavender oil is appropriate for all skin types, and is primarily added to the oil to boost the fragrance, as it would in other soaps and scrubs. [7]
As you might expect, washing your face with coconut oil is quite simple. You only need a small amount of coconut oil, roughly 1 teaspoon’s worth. Begin by rubbing the coconut oil between your hands, allowing it to dissolve as a result of your body heat. Apply it to your face with both hands, firmly rubbing in small circles for at least 1 minute. Be sure to focus on crease and hard to reach areas where oil and grime usually hide, such as at the edges of your nostrils and beneath your chin.
Dampen washcloth in very warm water and then place it on your face for 30-45 seconds. Following that, wipe the remaining oil off with the washcloth. Most of the oil should have soaked into your face by that point. If your face still feels oily, wring out the washcloth, re-wet it with warm water and wipe your face down a second time.
As simple as this sounds, it is one of the most effective and powerful ways to give your face a deep, cleansing wash!
