Coconut Oil Face Mask for Glowing Skin

If you’re a regular here you may be wondering why I recommend a coconut oil face mask to clear up your skin. You see, I steer clear of coconut oil in my hair and face products because it causes huge cystic acne for me. But the fact is that coconut oil does have some very beneficial attributes that can help you achieve clear, glowing skin. Crazy, right? I’ll explain.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

In this post, I’ll discuss a few coconut oil benefits for your skin, and show you how I’m still able to incorporate this miracle oil into my DIY beauty regimen without leaving any of it on my skin to wreak havoc. I’ll also share with you a few of my favorite coconut oil face mask recipes that I use depending on what my skin needs at any given time.

Benefits of Coconut Oil for Face

It’s no secret that coconut oil is a miracle oil with 101 different uses for face, hair, weight loss, and general health and wellness. Heck, you can even use this oil around your house as an organic way to keep your wooden furniture shiny amongst so many other uses. But why is it so good for your face?

Coconut oil is fat. It’s a highly saturated fat taken directly from coconuts and is made up primarily of lauric acid. It is antimicrobial and anti-fungal and has been studied and proven to be effective against the bacteria that cause acne. In fact, in that same study, lauric acid was shown to be more effective than benzoyl peroxide, another common treatment of acne.

Coconut oil may also help your skin to heal faster. This means if you’re suffering from acne scars (or any type of scar really), incorporating coconut oil in your beauty regimen can help to give you clear skin.

The problem with coconut oil, however, is that it is also highly comedogenic, which means it can block the pores of your skin. So what’s a girl to do, especially if you’re already plagued with oily skin? Read on to see how I’m still safely able to incorporate coconut oil into my facial routine.

How to Use a Coconut Oil Facial Mask for Clear Skin

Below I’ll give you 5 of my current favorite coconut oil face mask recipes but I wanted to give you some instructions for application first. I start each facial with a cleanse. If I’m wearing makeup I double cleanse, first with a face wipe and a little EVOO or with some micellar water on a cotton pad. Then I use my favorite cleanser to go in and remove everything the wipe missed.

I’ll then apply a toner to my face which is often another DIY step in my beauty regimen. This can simply be some rosewater or thyme green tea toner to remove anything the soap left on my face and get my skin ready to receive the mask. Toning here helps the face mask to sink in and do its work.

I’ll then apply my mask and leave it on for a maximum of 10 – 15 minutes and not a minute more. You don’t want the coconut oil on your face much longer than that. But here’s the most important step.

To remove the mask from my face I first rinse off with warm water then I apply a clean white washcloth soaked in the warmest water I can tolerate and place that on my face. This is essentially steaming my face, melting the oil, and opening up my pores. I leave that on my face for about a minute until the washcloth starts to cool then I gently massage my skin with the washcloth, exfoliating my face and removing any leftover oil in the process.

I apply a toner to my face here once more to remove any leftover oil as well as to hydrate my face after exfoliation and get it ready for any serums or treatments I may be applying in my next step. Read all about skincare and the products I recommend for you if you’re over 30.

Let’s get into some coconut oil facial mask recipes depending on the skin condition you’re treating.

1. Coconut Oil and Honey Mask

This coconut oil face mask is perfect if you suffer from dry skin and need some hydration. I like to use this mask once a week to help with the dry patches around my mouth. Munchkin’s eczema calms right down when I apply this coconut oil and honey mask to her skin. Honey is also detoxifying and quite beneficial for the skin that’s why it’s used in many DIY moisturizing face masks and commercial beauty treatments.

To make this mask, blend:

• one tbsp honey
• one tsp coconut oil

Add the ingredients to a small bowl and microwave for 20 seconds to melt together and make it easier to mix. Apply all over the face and allow to sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing and applying your warm towel.

2. Coconut Oil and Oatmeal Face Mask

If you’re looking for a gentle way to exfoliate your face, this mask is for you. If you’re suffering from an acne outbreak, the coconut oil will work against the bacteria that’s causing it while the oatmeal gently exfoliates dead skin and rejuvenates the cells to promote skin overturn. This mask is a great way to wake up with baby soft smooth skin.

To make this mask you will need:

• 2 tbsp oats (any kind)
• 1 tbsp coconut oil

Blend the ingredients in a personal blender or you may choose to blend just the oatmeal first so it’s more of a powdery consistency then simply mix with the melted coconut oil into a paste-like consistency. Massage this gently into your face and allow it to sit for 10 minutes before rinsing.

3. Aloe Vera and Coconut Oil for Acne

This is another exfoliating acne mask just in case you’re worried about oatmeal being a little too harsh, especially since you will also be exfoliating with your washcloth after. It’s no secret that I sing the praises high and low for aloe vera. It’s the star ingredient in my Aloe Vera Deep Conditioner for curly hair. But aloe is also super for your skin! This study confirmed that aloe vera is quite beneficial in the fight against acne so blending it with coconut oil in a face mask doubles down on your skin issues.

Of course, the real deal will always be better than any aloe vera gel on the market. Try to get your hands on an aloe leaf if possible or get yourself an aloe plant. If not, give this aloe vera and coconut oil face mask a try using this organic aloe vera gel. Watch the video below to see how I get the gel from an aloe leaf for my hair treatment.

If you’re using the gel from the leaf, you’ll need a personal blender to mix it with some coconut oil to make your face mask. Otherwise, simply mix equal parts of aloe gel and coconut oil and massage into the face.

4. Coconut Oil, Yogurt and Lemon

What a concoction, right? So this helps with your overall complexion. If you want to brighten your face and give it an even tone and texture, then this mask is for you. Try it out twice a week and see what your results are like. The lemon will help to rid your skin of dead skin cells and brighten the face. The yogurt does a little of the same but it’s also antibacterial and goes in deeper to help brighten the skin and even its tone.

You’ll need:

• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tbsp plain yogurt, no added sugar or flavor or fruit or anything
• the juice from half a lemon

Use a fork or whisk to blend all ingredients and apply to face for 10-15 minutes. By the way, this upright whisk is the best thing since sliced bread. It will help to incorporate all these ingredients better if you’re not using a blender. Continue as usual with rinse and face towel.

5. Coconut Oil and Turmeric Face Mask

You can use this face mask particularly if you want to not only brighten your skin tone, which turmeric is famous for but also to remove unwanted facial hairs. You’ll have to be diligent with applying this mask.

As with most natural beauty concoctions, they are not as potent as chemicals but they are much more gentle and beneficial to your skin. The lack of potency means if you want them to work, you gotta be diligent. Apply this mask once a week to gradually thin the hairs on your face until they are no more. They won’t grow back! So obviously you want to be careful around your eyebrows with this mask but bye-bye mustache!

You will need:

• 1 tsp organic turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp coconut oil

If you want to even your skin tone too then add honey and lemon to this mix for one super coconut oil face mask. Mix all ingredients and apply as usual.

Have fun while manifesting! Take my 21-Day Law of Attraction Manifestation Challenge: #ManifestWithMo and manifest something you desire in three weeks! I’ve lovingly put together this challenge for you using the tools that work for me time and time again. Check it out here!

Should You Leave Coconut Oil on Your Face Overnight?

For me, this is a huge no. However, I would say to try it for yourself and see what your results are. When it comes to using a coconut oil face mask for glowing skin, the theory behind leaving coconut oil on your face overnight is to help lighten the skin in general. But I fear that in the pursuit of a more even skin tone, this is not the best product to choose, especially if you already have oily skin.

Remember, coconut oil can clog your pores. Leaving it on overnight is just a recipe for disaster for me but I recognize that I may be in the minority of people who react negatively to using coconut oil products on skin and hair. This is why I advise you to try it yourself and see what the results are for you. However, I strongly recommend you wait at least a week after your initial trial to truly judge the results.

If you want to try this out, use any of the above DIY face masks depending on what you want to achieve then use coconut oil as your final step in your usual face routine as a moisturizer. Leave it on overnight but cleanse your face again in the morning! Not just with water, actually cleanse your face to get rid of the coconut oil.

As always, please use high-quality organic extra virgin coconut oil for any of these face treatments.

Can I Apply Coconut Oil Directly to My Face Daily?

Yes, you can apply coconut oil to your face daily. If you want to skip making a facial mask with coconut oil and just use the oil itself, you can. But with some caveats.

Coconut oil is a natural and versatile product that has gained popularity in skincare routines due to its potential benefits. However, we’ve discussed some important considerations to keep in mind when using coconut oil on your face.

Coconut oil is known for its moisturizing properties, making it suitable for individuals with dry or sensitive skin. It can help lock in moisture and create a protective barrier on the skin’s surface. Additionally, coconut oil contains antioxidants and fatty acids that may provide some anti-aging benefits and help improve the skin’s texture.

To apply coconut oil to your face daily:

Choose the Right Type: Opt for organic, virgin coconut oil as it is less processed and contains more beneficial compounds.

Patch Test: Before applying it all over your face, do a patch test on a small area of your skin to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions or allergies.

Cleanse Your Face: Start with a clean face. Gently wash your face with a mild cleanser to remove dirt and makeup.

Apply Sparingly: Use a small amount of coconut oil. A little goes a long way. You don’t want to overdo it, as it can feel greasy.

Massage In: Gently massage the oil into your skin using upward and outward motions. This can help improve blood circulation and absorption.

Leave On or Rinse Off: You can leave the coconut oil on your skin or choose to rinse it off after a few minutes, depending on your preference.

Use as a Moisturizer: You can use coconut oil as a moisturizer, especially at night. It may be too heavy for some people to use under makeup during the day.

Be Cautious with Acne-Prone Skin: If you have acne-prone skin, be cautious. Coconut oil is comedogenic for some, meaning it may clog pores and worsen acne in some individuals.

Sun Protection: Coconut oil has a low SPF (sun protection factor), so it’s not a substitute for sunscreen. Always use sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Personal Preference: Remember that skincare is highly personal. What works for one person may not work for another. Listen to your skin and adjust your routine as needed.

In summary, yes, you can use coconut oil on your face daily, but it’s important to be mindful of your skin type and how it reacts to the oil. Personally, I choose avocado oil for my face for it’s benefits. It’s a good idea to consult with a dermatologist if you have specific skin concerns or if you’re unsure about using coconut oil on your face regularly.

How Often Should You Use a Coconut Oil Face Mask?

When it comes to using a coconut oil face mask, it’s advisable to incorporate it into your skincare routine no more than once or twice a week. Coconut oil is renowned for its moisturizing properties, making it particularly beneficial for individuals with dry or sensitive skin. By applying a coconut oil face mask on this frequency, you can effectively hydrate and nourish your skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple.

However, it’s essential to exercise caution with the frequency of use. Overusing coconut oil masks, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin, can lead to unwanted consequences. Coconut oil has the potential to clog pores and may contribute to breakouts in some individuals. Before applying a coconut oil mask to your entire face, it’s a good practice to perform a patch test to check for any adverse reactions or skin sensitivity.

Finding the right balance in your skincare routine is crucial. Those with oilier or acne-prone skin may want to reduce the frequency of coconut oil mask use or consider using it as a spot treatment on dry patches rather than covering their entire face. Additionally, keep in mind that coconut oil masks can leave a slightly greasy feeling, so using them before bedtime allows your skin to absorb the oil overnight.

Be sure to rinse off the mask thoroughly with warm water, and if you use it during the day, follow up with sunscreen, as coconut oil offers minimal sun protection.

In conclusion, the recommended frequency of using a coconut oil face mask varies depending on your skin type and its reactions, but generally, limiting usage to once or twice a week is a good guideline. Always pay attention to your skin’s needs and consult a dermatologist if you experience adverse effects or uncertainty in your skincare routine.

Will you be trying coconut oil in your beauty regimen? If you already do please share with us the results in the comments so we can see firsthand how it helps you! Check out my further reading if you want to see what are my must-haves in my at-home facial kit.