Dry skin makes you look dull and give off the impression that you are uncaring for your body. And I know you wouldn’t want to give off that impression. Dry skin feels itchy, forms flakes and can even lead to bleeding if left untreated for a long time. The use of chemical medications available in the market usually worse the situation, and that’s where natural remedies, like coconut oil for dry skin, come in.
It is the responsibility of the sebaceous glands to produce enough sebum to surround the skin like a protective layer and keep it hydrated. When the skin loses enough sebum, the moisture content gets lost, and the skin gets dry, which often happens in dry and cold weathers, frequent hot baths, dehydration and excessive exposure to sunlight.
Even though this issue can be dealt with using ointments, creams, and lotions but they don’t come without side effects. That’s why most people prefer to go with a natural solution like honey, coconut oil, and even avocado.
The effectiveness of coconut oil for dry skin
- Coconut oil is rich in triglycerides and saturated fatty acids, particularly MCFA (Medium-Chain Fatty Acids). These components reduce moisture loss through skin pores and retain the skin’s water content.
- Vitamin E, a significant element in coconut oil, helps in strengthening the connective tissues.
- Coconut oil has excellent anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties and fights against the bacteria and fungi that can cause skin infections. So, one can use coconut oil for face acne.
- As a rich source of proteins, coconut oil contributes to skin tissue repair and keep it nourished.
Different ways to use of using coconut oil for dry skin
Before using any coconut oil-based remedy, always wash the affected area of the skin with lukewarm water and pat dry it with a piece of soft cotton cloth or towel. Rest assured, you can use any remedy without any complication. Just select a method and go for it, and wait for coconut oil wonders to work.
1. Directly apply coconut oil for dry skin.
The benefits of applying coconut oil on the face overnight are enormous. Coconut oil possesses excellent penetration properties and can penetrate deep into the layers of skin to moisturize it from within. It helps prevent infections caused by bacteria and fungi on damaged and dry skin because of its potent anti-fungal and anti-bacterial capabilities.
- Wash your face with warm water using a mild cleanser to unclog the pores on the skin.
- Now, clean again using cold water to close the pores.
- Dry with a piece of soft cotton cloth or a towel.
- Apply and massage using coconut oil on the affected areas of the skin.
- Leave it untouched for about 15 minutes.
- Gently wipe off the skin with a wet cotton towel.
- Repeat the process three times every week
2. Glycerin and coconut oil
Glycerin is a viscous compound that assists in retaining the moisture in the skin when applied. It provides dry skin with a supple and soft feel by cleansing and toning it.
- Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil with 1 tablespoon of water and 1 tablespoon of glycerin in a small bottle.
- Shake well after securing the cap.
- Gently massage using this mixture for about 5 minutes in a circular pattern.
- Keep it on for another 15 minutes.
- Wash the mixture off using lukewarm water.
- Reuse this mixture at least once every two days.
3. Sugar and Coconut oil for dry skin
A sugar and coconut oil-based scrub removes the layer of dead skin cells by the process of exfoliation, thus giving your skin a smoother and softer feel.
- Take 2 tablespoons of raw sugar in a pot and add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to it.
- Continuously mix it until it gets the shape of a thick paste.
- Evenly apply this mixture to your skin and leave it on for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Gently massage in a circular pattern for about 30 seconds.
- Use lukewarm water to wash it off.
- Repeat the procedure 3 times a week.
4. Oatmeal and Coconut oil
As a natural humectant, oatmeal enables the skin to regain its moisture and retain it for more extended periods. It is rich in beneficial, healthy fats and polysaccharides. These components prevent moisture loss by forming a protective layer on the skin.
- Take some warm water in a bowl.
- To this water, add 3 tablespoons of oatmeal and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
- Mix it thoroughly until you get a paste-like texture.
- Using your fingers, gently apply this mixture and massage for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Let it steep for extra 10 minutes.
- Wash the mixture off using lukewarm water
- For better results, repeat the process 1 to 2 times every week.
5. Honey and coconut oil for dry skin
Honey is a rich source of many antioxidants that help protect and repair damaged and dry skin.
- Put 2 tablespoons of raw honey in a bowl and mix 1 tablespoon coconut oil in it.
- Use a thick coat of the mixture on the affected area of the skin.
- Let it steep for about 20 minutes.
- Use fresh water to wash the mixture off.
- Repeat the process at least 3 times every week to get the expected results.
6. Yogurt, honey, and coconut oil
Yogurt contains enormous quantities of lactic acid and many essential proteins. These proteins strengthen the tissues of the skin and nourish them. Coconut oil, when used in combination with honey and yogurt, moisturizes the skin.
- Add 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of yogurt and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a pot.
- Mix them all.
- To the dry skin, apply the mixture smoothly using your fingers for about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Pat dry after washing it with fresh water.
- Use this mixture thrice a week.
7. Avocado, nutmeg and coconut oil
Avocado is rich in many natural oils that hydrate the skin and soften it by penetrating deep into the skin layers and moisten it from within. Nutmeg is a powerful exfoliator and promotes the production of new healthy skin cells.
- Take the pulp of an avocado in a bowl.
- Mash it using a fork until it gets free of lumps
- Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and half a tablespoon of nutmeg to it.
- Stir well to get a smooth paste.
- Apply the mixture in a circular pattern.
- Let it steep for 15 minutes.
- Pat your skin dry after you wash it using lukewarm water.
8. Aloe Vera gel, olive oil, and coconut oil
Olive oil helps the skin to attract moisture as it is a powerful natural humectant. On the other hand, Aloe Vera gel has incredible healing and anti-inflammatory properties because of its high gibberellins and auxins content.
- Take 2 tablespoons of Aloe Vera gel, half a cup of coconut oil and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a bowl.
- Blend it thoroughly until it attains uniform consistency.
- Store the mixture in an airtight glass jar.
- Apply this mixture of Aloe Vera, olive oil and coconut oil on the face before bed and leave it there.
- In the morning, wash it off with fresh water.
- Repeat the process every second day.
9. Coconut oil lotion bars
- Add a cup of coconut oil to a saucepan.
- Also, add a cup of pure beeswax to it.
- Place the pan on a low flame to melt the ingredients.
- Mix well after adding a few drops of vanilla and lavender oils to the mixture.
- Remove the pan from the flame.
- Pour the mixture into moulds or tins.
- Let them cool down to room temperature.
- Warm the lotion bars by rubbing them between your palms for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Apply them directly to the dry areas of the skin.
- Use these strips once every day.
10. Castor oil and coconut oil for dry skin
Despite being highly viscous, castor oil quickly penetrates the skin tissues, acts as an efficient emollient, moisturizes and nourishes the skin.
- Put 1 tablespoon of castor oil in a cup.
- Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to it and mix it thoroughly.
- Apply the mixture using your fingers and gently massage in a circular pattern for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Rinse off with fresh, cool water.
Safety precautions and tips to get best results using coconut oil for dry skin
- Ensure that you aren’t allergic to any ingredient used in a particular remedy by performing a patch test.
- As the additives in the processed coconut oil might give rise to skin allergic reactions, it is better to go for unrefined and unprocessed coconut oil.
- Always stick to the mentioned quantities of coconut oil, as excessive usage may lead to acne breakouts and clogged pores.
- Do not rub with the towel to dry your skin; instead, dab gently using a soft cotton cloth.
- Let the cuts and open wounds heal first if any are present on your skin. Never use coconut oil over wounds and cuts.
- Hot water steals away the natural oils of skin a lot quicker than cool water.
- If you want, then you can hydrate your skin using a light moisturizer after a bath.
- To get optimum results, exfoliate your skin 2 to 3 times every week using a natural scrub.
- You can also use coconut oil for face wrinkles to prevent stretch marks and treat your dry skin during pregnancy.