Coconut oil is widely recognized as the ultimate saviour, a versatile commodity we cannot live without. Coconut oil may be used for everything from moisturizing your skin to treating hair problems. But did you know that it’s also used to remove makeup by many people around the world? If you’re looking for a natural makeup remover, coconut oil is the way to go. But, given the differing opinions on its potential to clog pores, does it truly work? Is it also secure? An expert was consulted…
Dr. Aparna Santhanam, a skin expert and dermatologist, spoke with us about the safety of using coconut oil as a makeup remover, which she described as “very safe.”
“The only caveat is that oil remnants should be removed with a dry tissue.” After removal, wash with a mild cleanser and moisturize with a moisturizer that is suited for your skin type.”
Dermatologists recommend this natural makeup remover! So, add makeup removal to your list of things to do with coconut oil, and we’re confident you won’t be disappointed.
Coconut oil isn’t just a great body moisturizer and defrizzes; it works wonders as a makeup remover. It doesn’t just imply that it’ll suffice when you’re out of ordinary makeup remover.
This is why: According to cosmetic chemist Joseph Cincotta, “coconut oil solubilizes or breaks up water-resistant compounds used in eye shadow and mascara, freeing them from the skin and lashes.” It’ll also leave your skin softer and younger-looking, unlike many traditional eye-makeup removers: “It’s fantastic for your skin because it moisturizes and smooths,” Cincotta explains.
Because coconut oil is solid at room temperature, first take a small amount and warm it between your fingers. Smooth it over your skin with your fingers, then wipe it away with a dry cotton ball, removing your makeup in the process. (However, Cincotta warns, “avoid getting oil in your eyes, since it will temporarily distort your vision.”) Repeat until you’ve removed all of your makeup—and then maybe once or twice more, because that vacation smell is incredible.
Coconut oil is recognized for penetrating your skin’s deepest layers and moisturizing it. At the same time, its oily texture guarantees that it glides across your skin and dissolves any water-resistant ingredients included in makeup. Imagine a lotion that does double duty as a moisturizer and a makeup remover. Who wouldn’t want something like that?
When coconut oil is warmed, it works best as a makeup remover since the heat helps the makeup melt faster. You may either rub it between your palms and apply it to your face, or you can warm it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before using it. When it comes to makeup removal, it’s best to avoid using coconut oil in its solid-state.
Depending on your skin type, post-makeup removal care is essential. Some makeup removers, mainly those containing alcohol, can be harsh on the skin. Coconut oil, on the other hand, is gentle and suitable for all types of skin. Because it clogs pores in some skin types, it’s best to use organic, cold-pressed coconut oil.
We all have a jar in our cupboard at this point, and we’ve undoubtedly tried at least a few of its many “wonder” uses. Coconut oil is the trendiest and most flexible oil to have, according to some. It can whiten our teeth and help us cook a little healthier. However, the most common application is on the skin. Coconut oil is a natural and easy substance that we frequently use because of its affordability and efficacy in washing and moisturizing the skin.
However, conflicting findings have us questioning if the super oil is safe for our skin. While many people praise coconut oil for its numerous advantages, others caution that it tends to clog pores (some consider it to be moderately comedogenic and believe it could encourage the formation of blackheads). Given these opposing viewpoints, we were hesitant to continue using this seemingly innocuous chemical on our delicate skin. To assuage our anxieties about clogged pores, we reached out to Anthony Youn, MD, America’s Holistic Plastic Surgeon, and Carl Thornfeldt, MD, founder of Epionce Skincare.
Let’s start with the basics: Is using coconut oil as a makeup remover a good idea? The answer is a resounding yes, as we’re glad to report. Coconut oil, according to Youn and Thornfeldt, is not only safe to use when cleansing your face, but it’s also quite effective and has several skin benefits. “Coconut oil is anti-yeast, and an amazing first-aid cream,” says the author. It also works well as a makeup remover because of its deterrent effect,” Thornfeldt explains.
How to Remove Makeup with Coconut Oil-
- No abrasive washcloths or cotton pads are required when using coconut oil as a cleansing oil.
- When the coconut oil is in its stable condition, liquefy it in your palms. Then, gently rub into dry skin, paying specific attention to areas where heavy eye makeup is present.
- Rinse your face with warm water and wipe dry once your makeup has gone away completely.
Is Coconut Oil Suitable For Any Skin Type?
Coconut oil, on the other hand, may not be the panacea we’ve come to expect. Youn supports the ingredient’s research and believes it is a good alternative for people with sensitive skin. Youn and Thornfeldt both believe in the coconut oil frenzy, but with concerns. Users should exercise caution and care when incorporating coconut oil into their beauty routine, according to Youn. Because not all skin types are compatible with the oil, start with a small amount to avoid breakouts.
However, according to Thornfeldt, coconut oil should not be your go-to skin product because it does not hydrate skin, does not supply proteins to defend the skin barrier, and does not cater to all three barrier lipid groups.
Possible Side Effects-
There’s still a stigma linked to putting oil on your skin, and studies on whether or not coconut oil is comedogenic are typically contradictory. Pore blockage and breakouts are the main adverse effects to be concerned about. Both Youn and Thornfeldt agree that coconut oil has the potential to block pores.
Is it good for acne-prone skin?
Acne is a widespread skin disorder that affects up to 50 million people in the United States every year. It affects teenagers the most, although it can also impact people of all ages. Some people have begun to use coconut oil to cure acne due to its numerous health benefits. This entails both applying and eating coconut oil directly to the skin. While coconut oil has been explored for various health advantages, there has been relatively little scientific research on its capacity to treat acne.
What causes acne?
Acne develops when oil and dead skin cells clog hair follicles, resulting in closed pores. Pores, also known as hair follicles, are tiny openings in your skin. Each hair follicle is linked to a sebaceous gland, which secretes sebum, an oily material. When too much sebum is produced, the hair follicle might become clogged. This encourages the growth of bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes or P. acnes. After then, the bacteria become trapped in the blocked follicle. Acne can develop as a result of skin irritation. Whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples characterize acne. Certain cases are more severe than others.
Acne is caused by the clogging of skin pores by oil and dead skin cells, resulting in irritation. A variety of circumstances causes this syndrome. Coconut oil’s fatty acids aid in the killing of acne-causing bacteria. Coconut oil is primarily made up of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA).
MCFAs have potent antibacterial properties, meaning they can kill disease-causing bacteria. More than half of the fatty acids in coconut oil are medium-chain fatty acids like lauric acid. In the body, lauric acid may aid in the killing of dangerous bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Lauric acid has been found to kill acne on its own. In one study, lauric acid eradicated these bacteria, outperformed benzoyl peroxide, and a standard acne treatment. It also showed promise as a treatment for bacterial-caused inflammation.
Lauric acid was coupled with retinoic acid in another investigation. They suppressed the growth of acne-causing skin germs when used together. Capric, caproic, and caprylic MCFAs are also found in coconut oil. While not as potent as lauric acid, some of these are useful against the bacteria that cause acne. Because acne-causing bacteria are located on the skin, this property only works when coconut oil is applied directly to the skin. Medium-chain fatty acids found in coconut oil have been demonstrated to kill the acne-causing bacteria Propionibacterium acnes.
Cosmetic companies have produced disposable makeup wipes that are packed with harsh chemicals that can harm the skin over time. Apart from the negative impacts on our skin, they also threaten the environment by contributing to landfills. Instead, remove the most stubborn makeup, including waterproof mascara, using a few drops of organic coconut oil. While water rolls off the skin, coconut oil penetrates deeply and loosens it, allowing it to be lifted.
What’s even better? Your skin will be fed with natural essential fatty acids and soaked in lauric acid, which has antifungal, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties.
How To Use Coconut Oil To Remove Stubborn Makeup- Even Waterproof Mascara-
Step 1: Take a tiny bit of coconut oil from the jar (a pea-size amount is a plenty). If the oil has formed into a solid, rub it between your fingers until it becomes liquid and lightly coats all of your fingertips.
Step 2: Close your eyes and gently massage the oil into your eyelids, lashes, and the surrounding region. Just enough oil should be there to allow you to move your fingers freely without tugging at your skin. Eyeshadow and concealer will come off almost instantly. You may need to open your eyes and apply a small amount of oil straight to the underside of your bottom lashes and the underside of your top lashes for long-wear mascara. If a speck of oil gets into your eye, don’t freak out! It isn’t painful and washes away easily.
Step 3: To remove other makeup, massage the oil into your skin in a circular motion all over your face.
Step 4: Wipe away any extra coconut oil with a warm, damp washcloth (it should come off quickly without any tugging or rubbing), then splash your face with warm water. And there you have it! You’ve completed the task.
Your skin should immediately feel fresh and nourished. Try it for a few weeks to discover what else it has to offer (less noticeable wrinkles, luminous lashes). Coconut oil is becoming well-known for its use in natural cosmetic products. One excellent application is the removal of makeup, particularly eye makeup. Use a cotton ball to apply coconut oil to your lashes and around your eyes and a cotton swab to remove any excess from the lash line.
It removes waterproof makeup and has a nourishing effect on the lashes and the delicate skin around the eyes. Coconut oil is also naturally antibacterial, which reduces the risk of infection from cosmetics that has remained a little too long. If you don’t have any coconut oil on hand, look for the bottle of olive oil in the pantry.
Coconut oil is becoming well-known for its use in natural cosmetic products. One excellent application is the removal of makeup, particularly eye makeup. Use a cotton ball to apply coconut oil to your lashes and around your eyes and a cotton swab to remove any excess from the lash line.
You can’t apply Vatika coconut hair oil or Parachute coconut hair oil on your face. Hair oils are designed for a portion of the body that doesn’t have the same sensitivity as your face, so makers don’t have to care about what goes into them. Furthermore, most pharmacy coconut oils, even those that may be used to cook with, may contain fillers that are harmful to the skin, even though they are okay to eat.
Granted, food-grade, extra virgin coconut oil, obtained by cold pressing coconut flesh, protects the purity of the beneficial compounds in coconut oil, making it far safer. This makes it more suitable for direct skin application. However, if you want to use coconut oil on your face, you won’t find many products created for facial skin that contain this oil because it’s not suited for the look in its purest form.
Finally, we can state that coconut oil is one of the best makeup remover substitutes. It thoroughly cleanses your face, leaving no trace of grime behind. Coconut oil moisturizes, nourishes, and restores your skin’s damaged cells, in addition to providing you with a clear face. Place a few drops of oil on a cotton swab and gently apply it to your face, allowing your makeup to melt away. Don’t forget about your neck. Wipe your face clean with a moist cotton pad once you’re finished. Cheers!
edited and proofread by nikita sharma
