There’s been a lot of hype about coconut oil recently. Everyone from beauty gurus to holistic medicine enthusiasts have been raving about coconut oil’s benefits for the skin and hair. Even dermatologists suggest coconut oil to their patients as an all-natural but exceptionally effective moisturizer.
One of the best ways to moisturize the skin with coconut oil is by using it as a base ingredient in a nourishing, skin-soothing face mask. Not only are these face masks inexpensive to make, but they’re just as effective as their store-bought counterparts. Here are four homemade face mask recipes for four different skin types.
Pro Tip: If some of these recipes do not look luxurious enough for your DIY spa treatments, add some essential oils of your choosing to give them a boost of fragrance. Here is our guide to choosing the right essential oil for you.
Skin Type: Oily
The Mask: Coconut Turmeric Mask
You will need:
- 1 Tbsp Coconut Oil
- 1 Tbsp Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that’s very popular in Indian cuisine. Besides adding a delicious flavor to your meal, turmeric is a fantastic antimicrobial, which means that it fights bacteria. This coconut oil-based facemask is amazing for eliminating the bacteria and dirt that can cause acne. While some acne sufferers might wince at the idea of putting any oil on their skin, the molecules in coconut oil are too large to penetrate the pores. For this reason, you do not have to worry about the coconut oil causing your skin to break out.
Making this mask is simple. All you need to do is heat the coconut oil for five to 10 seconds in the microwave, just long enough for it to liquefy. Then add the turmeric and whip with a fork. The mask should have a vibrant yellow hue. Apply it to the skin and leave it on for 10 minutes. The mask should tingle slightly without burning. When you rinse the mask, your skin will feel tight, and your pores will look noticeably smaller.
Skin Type: Flaky and Patchy
The Mask: The Double Duty Mask and Scrub
You will need:
- 2 Tbsp Raw Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Coconut Oil
There’s nothing worse than flaky, dry skin. Not only does it look bad on its own, but also it makes makeup looks cakey. Although experts warn against over-exfoliating, a little bit of exfoliation with natural ingredients can be just what flaky and peeling skin needs to feel smooth again.
When making this mask, don’t melt the coconut oil. Instead, mash it with a fork until it’s smooth. Mix in the sugar, creating a thick paste. To use, apply to the skin evenly and allow the mask to sit for about 5 minutes. After this time has passed, rub the mask in circular motions for about thirty seconds. Rinse away to reveal hydrated and smooth skin.
Skin Type: Dry
The Mask: The Honey Coconut Mask
You will need:
- 1 Tbsp Coconut Oil
- 1 Tbsp Honey
- 1 Tbsp Plain Yogurt
This mask uses honey and yogurt in addition to coconut oil, which adds an extra dose of hydration. This mask is also perfect for sensitive skin that could use some soothing. Not only does it moisturize, but it reduces redness and calms the complexion.
To make this recipe, simply pop the coconut oil into the microwave for five seconds to allow it to liquefy. Then, mix it into the honey and yogurt, whisking until all three ingredients are thoroughly blended. Apply to the skin for ten to fifteen minutes, which will give the mask more than enough time to sufficiently hydrate your skin. Rinse away and follow up with your favorite moisturizer.
Skin Type: Dull
The Mask: The Lemon Coconut Oil Mask
You will need:
- 1 Tbsp Coconut Oil
- 1 Squeeze of Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 Tbsp Honey
Sometimes we wake up, and our skin doesn’t look as vibrant as it usually does, perhaps from lack of sleep. Or sometimes we want to give our skin an extra glow before a big event. This zesty mask will instantly brighten the skin. It’s a perfect first step before you apply makeup.
Pop the coconut oil in the microwave for 5 seconds and then mix with the honey. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the mixture, stirring it in. Five minutes is fine for this mask, as the lemon juice can become irritating if you leave it on for longer. After you rinse the mask away, your skin will instantly look brighter and more refreshed.
You don’t have to hit up a professional spa to get spa results. Instead, try any of these masks, which will instantly improve your skin thanks to the amazing moisturizing properties of coconut oil.
Guest post by Olivia Gillmore.
Olivia Gillmore is a DIY and crafts blogger who loves to comes with helpful tips for everyone. She graduated from Art Center College of Design, California and now she writes for DIYexperience.com.