Coconut oil has been used for centuries to cleanse, protect and heal skin. It is rich in fatty acids that are beneficial for skin, contains many vitamins and protective elements, and is useful for so many hair and body treatments.
SPF Factor
Coconut has an SPF factor of approximately 4 which has made it popular not only as a traditional skin application in tropical parts of the world, but also for use in tanning and sunscreen products. It’s antibacterial and moisturizing properties also make coconut oil for skin one of the emerging favorites for use in the treatment of acne.
Antibacterial & Cleansing Properties
Studies show coconut not has fantastic antibacterial properties but cleanses and moisturizes skin all at the same time.
The fact that it is non greasy but highly effectiveness in removing oil and impurities like black heads on skin makes coconut oil for face masks and skincare products an increasingly popular choice of ingredient in skincare brands.
There are many acne treatments that are designed to treat oily or teenage skin. Many of these foaming or oil reducing face wash products on the market contain degreasing agents that strip skin of moisture and contain ingredients like synthetically produced salicylic acid, or chemical-based ingredients to target acne bacteria.
These ingredients can be harsh and very drying for your skin. Many people also have reactions or sensitivities to some of the preservatives and chemicals and acne washes.
Hormonal Skin
If your acne has been caused by hormonal or environmental issues and you don’t have oily teenage skin, these products may not suit your skin, especially if it is dry or mature.
This is a where coconut oil comes to the rescue. Coconut oil face masks, serums and washes are not only so easy to make, but are full of beneficial ingredients to not only rid skin of harmful acne bacteria, but also moisturize, heal and protect your skin from future breakouts, hormonal imbalances and acne scarring.
Coconut oil acne face masks combined with other antibacterial ingredients like turmeric powder, strawberries, tea tree oil, lavender oil or neem oil and honey all of which have powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial properties to fight acne at its source.
Essential Oils & Coconut Oil For Acne Recipe
Making a coconut oil face mask can be as simple as combining half a cup of pure cold pressed coconut oil melted gently at slightly above room temperature with a tablespoon of honey, a tablespoon of yogurt, half a teaspoon of turmeric powder and optionally a few drops each of Teatree and Lavender oil.
You can use lemon juice if your skin is slightly oily or a little vinegar but only a half a teaspoon is necessary.
Don’t worry if you don’t have Teatree or lavender oil, these are optional but if you want to make an extra potent coconut oil for acne mask these ingredients really boost the effectiveness of this recipe.
Teatree and Lavender oil are great to have around the house for treating cuts wounds or bites. Teatree is antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral and antimicrobial and the lavender oil soothes inflamed, red or itchy skin with added antibacterial properties.
Salycylic acid (as I mentioned earlier is used in acne washes) is very effective for acne treatments but can be found in willow bark and strawberries rather than chemical or synthetic form. Why not add some mashed strawberries or willow bark powder to a homemade coconut oil face mask instead?
Spray Cleaner
You can even make a spray cleaner by adding just a few drops of these oils to a half a cup of water in a spray bottle with a squeeze of lemon juice for an effective grease and bacteria eliminating household cleaner (you can save yourself lots of cost on chemical cleaners).
Coconut Oil For Acne Recipe Part 2
For use in the face mask mentioned above, combine all ingredients and apply to skin for ten minutes before washing off. Use this mask 2 to 5 times a week to treat acne, calm redness, and heal skin with the moisturizing and nourishing benefits of coconut oil.
Coconut oil can also be used either on its own or in combination with essential oils other base oils as a serum (or add beeswax and water /aloe vera to make a moisturizer) or if your skin is dry you can add a little evening Primrose oil to moisturize your skin and help to balance hormones.
Coconut oil for acne wash: melt a little coconut oil by rubbing a little on your hands, add a little sugar (for exfoliation if you wish), and a teaspoon of honey. Rub gently into your skin using small circular movements. If your skin is oily add a tiny squeeze of lemon or orange juice. You can prepare this recipe in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Choosing A Brand
Make sure you choose a cold pressed extra virgin variety that has not been heat treated – and that is preferably organic and Hexane free (to avoid chemical processing or pesticide contaminants). You can also use Coconut for cooking as its can be heated to a high temperature without burning and contains numerous benefits for digestion, mental acuity and many more internal health benefits.
Conclusion About Coconut Oil
These just a few ways you can use coconut oil for acne and other skin benefits. This pure natural ingredient is truly a wonderful product for all skin types and skin care routines.
Not only is coconut oil a fast absorbing moisturizer which can be combined with many other light highly nourishing oils for your skin, but can also be added to many treatment recipes to calm and inflamed acne infected skin, eczema – or simply used just as an every day ingredient in your everyday skin routine.
There are many recipes you can make that use coconut oil as one of their key ingredients to target specific goals you want to achieve whether it be to repair or just soften and rejuvenate skin. Coconut is truly one of my favorites on my list of must have natural homemade skin care and mask recipe ingredients.
Mia Gordon owner of www.naturalskincarerecipes.com and author of Natural Homemade Skin Care Recipes: Rejuvenating Renewing Masks & Treatments For Beautiful Skin shares a whole range of easy to make but highly effective natural skincare recipes including how to use Coconut Oil For Acne treatments including washes, serums and masks with a whole list of alternatives for dealing with acne and acne scars.