DIY Coconut Oil Face Masks

In the past few years, coconut oil has exploded onto the DIY scene as a natural emollient with multifuncional purposes. Coconut oil can be used in beauty, ayurvedic medicine, cooking, and cleaning – its uses are seemingly endless!

With relentless claims of its multiple benefits, it isn’t irrational to question exactly how versatile coconut oil really is. More importantly – specifically when it comes to beauty – is coconut oil really for everyone?

We’ll go over the basics of coconut oil, how it affects different skin types, and how to make coconut oil work for you. Read to the end to learn a few coconut oil mask recipes for all skin types!

The Benefits of Coconut Oil

As a natural emollient and humectant, coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer with numerous nutritional benefits. An anti-aging fatty acid complex nourishes the lipid barrier and battles wrinkles, and enhances moisture retention and hydration. Antibacterial properties keep acne at bay, by preventing acne-causing bacteria while reducing the effects of current acne breakouts.

Furthermore, coconut oil is anti-inflammatory; great for soothing and preventing acne, but especially beneficial for those who occasionally experience hormonal breakouts. This factor also makes it ideal for those who suffer from eczema flare-ups by cooling down the hot rashes, soothing the skin, and helping prevent infections.

Since coconut oil is such a versatile ingredient, we’ve incorporated it into our Nopal Cactus Cleanser and Seaberry Moisturizer! We use only organic extra virgin coconut oil, which help these products keep your skin soft and fresh.

Is Coconut Oil Safe for Everyone?

Now, the truth is that some skin care ingredients – yes, even gentle and natural ones – simply might not work for everyone. While coconut oil offers a wealth of undeniable benefits, there is some evidence that coconut oil can clog pores. And yet, it can also be used to treat acne. Don’t worry, we’ll unpack this coconut conundrum for you!

To prevent any possible breakouts for coconut oil, it may help to incorporate an occasional exfoliant into your regimen. Exfoliating will prevent the buildup of sebum and bacteria, which is what binds to the coconut oil, and increases its chance of getting stuck in your pores. Natural exfoliants to use with a coconut oil face mask includes rice powder, rolled oats, and crushed green tea leaves.

That being said, if you’re known to have sensitive or acne-prone skin and are new to coconut oil, it’s always recommended to perform a skin test beforehand. Some may find it comedogenic, while others can use it regularly without issue.

DIY Coconut Oil Face Masks for Your Skin Type

Here are some user-friendly DIY masks for all skin types! Each of these recipes include a gentle exfoliant, honey (an antibacterial that acts as a natural binding agent and preservative), and of course, coconut oil. Ingredients can be switched and interchanged based on your personal preferences.

Prep and Follow-Up:

1. To reap maximum benefits from your coconut oil face mask, you’ll need a clean and clear face. Begin your prep with a hydrating formula like the Nopal Cactus Cleanser.

2. After keeping the mask on for 10-20 minutes, rinse thoroughly with warm water.

3. Finish with our Seaberry Moisturizer to seal in moisture and hydrating nutrients from your DIY ingredients.

For Dry Skin:

Aside from coconut oil, avocado is also incredibly nourishing to the skin and hair. Meanwhile, apple cider vinegar is naturally packed with alpha hydroxy acids, of AHAs, which work as chemical exfoliants by uprooting and sloughing off dead skin.

2 tbsp. coconut oil
1 tbsp. avocado flesh or avocado oil
1 tbsp. honey
1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar

For Combination Skin:

Rice flour is an exfoliant that also helps to soak up excess moisture while brightening the skin. Meanwhile, lavender is known for its relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties, making this a versatile face mask for soothing and calming skin.

2 tbsp. coconut oil
2 tsp. rice flour
2-3 drops lavender essential oil
1 tbsp. honey

For Oily Skin:

Yogurt is a fantastic face mask ingredient, because lactic acid helps tighten the skin while clearing out sebum. Those same sebum-shedding alpha hydroxy acids are also featured in apple cider vinegar, in the form of malic acid.

2 tbsp. coconut oil
1 tbsp. yogurt
1 tbsp. honey
1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar

For Dull or Tired Skin:

Green tea and matcha are high in antioxidants, and go great with humectant honey. This simple-yet-effective mask is a great boost for when your skin that’s looking lackluster or dull.

2 tbsp. coconut oil
½ green tea bag, or 2 tsp matcha powder
1 tbsp honey

While coconut oil might not be the best fit for some individuals, it is overall a highly beneficial, versatile skin care ingredient. Go ahead – try incorporating it into a variety of skin care masks and other DIY recipes!