This article explores coconut oil’s potential as a natural skin lightener as well as any possible side effects. There is a reason why it is a regular inclusion in many of the best selling skin lightening products sold today.
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Lightening Your Skin With Coconut Oil – Does It Really Work?
Most women want to have flawless, lighter skin.
Getting it however can be fraught with problems, using cosmetics laden with chemical based ingredients and laser skin lightening procedures can be risky, carrying potential side effects.
Nature however can offer some safe and effective plant based ingredients with licorice extract and in particular Coconut oil being the most widely used.
There are many factors responsible for those unwanted dark patches on the skin.
Sun exposure, pollutants from the environment, dry skin, hormonal imbalances and lifestyle can all contribute to pigmentation problems on the skin.
The use of natural products on the skin offers many benefits, it’s healthier, less harsh and yet it’s quite effective at making it lighter.
Coconut oil is a popular natural ingredient. It is commonly found in many hair products, and skin moisturizers, but what about its potential as a lightening agent?
Let’s look at its benefits and how it can effect and boost the skins appearance, tone and texture.
“It is Very Effective At Lightening Unwanted Dark Spots and Patches”
Coconut Oil is a very effective natural moisturising agent, but its uses as a skin lightener are not as widely known. It is one of Zeta White’s main ingredients.
The fact is that it is actually very effective at lightening those unwanted dark patches. it is a great natural sunscreen, it softens, moisturises and lightens the skin naturally.
Coconut oil has natural antibacterial, anti inflammatory properties as well as its ability to effectively moistures the skin. It provides the skin with a light glow.
It can help to control the appearances of certain skin conditions including acne, rosacea and other problems caused by infections.
The oil can help to reduce dark spots, and other pigmentation issues without causing any adverse reactions or side effects.
Recommended: Latest reviews for natural skin lighteners. Which whitening cream is best?
Other Benefits Of Using Coconut Oil On The Skin
Coconut oil has been shown to help improve the skins health and appearance. It can also:
- Reduce appearance of varicose veins
- Soften, hard rough patches
- Moisturises skin and cuticles
- Act as a natural sunscreen
- Lighten hyperpigmentation
- Brighten the natural complexion
Potential Side Effects
As an all natural ingredient, it’s very unlikely to cause any adverse reactions, however, you do need to take care when using it for the first time.
It has a high comedogenic rating which means that it can ( if used to excess) cause clogging of the pores which may lead to acne breakouts.
Experts recommend that if you are using pure coconut oil that you try a patch test first.
Apply a small amount to your jawline or wrist and leave overnight. If you experience no ill effects, (itching, burning or rashes etc) after 2 days, you are safe to use it on your skin.
One thing to bear in mind too, when choosing coconut oil to use on your skin, make sure that you choose a product that contains 100% cold pressed, raw and preferably organic coconut oil.
Remember that any product with any preservatives, additives or other low quality ingredients could potentially irritate the skin, particularly if using it on the face.
How To Use Coconut Oil For Skin Lightening
You can add organic Coconut oil to the water when you bathe, this is great for basic overall skin lightening.
To take things further, we look at a number of methods to get the best lightening effect from coconut oil.
1. On Its Own
Coconut Oil is great at lightening the skin when used on its own, follow these easy steps:
Place a small amount of cold pressed coconut oil in your palms, rub hands together to warm the oil.
Gently rub the warned oil into the required areas – massage in until fully absorbed.
Leave on overnight, then rinse off any residual oil in the morning with lukewarm water
Repeat for 30 days or until you have reach your desired lightened results.
2. Coconut Oil And Lemon Juice
A highly effective combination that really works well to whiten dark skin patches.
It’s particular effective on the face, but care should be taken when using as it can in some cases irritate sensitive skin.
Do not apply if your skin is very dry.
Mix two tablespoons of organic coconut oil and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Mix well.
Apply to the affected areas of skin. Its best applied using a cotton wool ball, and allow to stay on the skin for 15 minutes.
Rinse off with warm water
Repeat twice a week until you reach desired lightening results
3. Coconut Oil, Lemon And Flour
Add a teaspoon of plain white flour to a tablespoon of lemon juice and the oil to make a paste.
Apply it as a mask on your darker skin patches and leave for 10-15 minutes.
Rinse off with lukewarm water
4. Coconut Oil, Honey And Lemon
Honey is a great addition, it acts as a natural skin scrubbing agent, it can also soften the skin. Just be sure to use organic honey as its free from any additives.
Apply as a thick mask onto any darker ares of the skin and leave for 12-15 minutes
Rinse off with cool water and pat dry the skin
Repeat several times a week until desired results are obtained.
5. Coconut Oil And Grapeseed Or Sandalwood oil
This is particularly great to use on sensitive areas of the face including under and around the eyes.
Take a tablespoon of each of the oils together and mix well.
Wash the face and the apply the oil mixture by hand, gently rub into the affected area in circular motion. Leave for 15 minutes or until it dries.
Rinse off with lukewarm water
6. Lemon Juice, Coconut Oil, Tea Tree Oil And Baking Soda
A fantastic combination, Baking Soda is a great exfoliator of the skin, it clears clogged pores and help to reduce cellular damage.
Lemon juice helps to lighten the skin, and shrinks large pores.
Coconut oil helps to soothe the skin, boosting the lightening effect as well as moisturising the skin.
Tea tree oil helps to treat any skin infections.
Blend 3-4 drops of tea tree oil with 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice, and a dash of coconut oil
Stir until it forms a dense paste and the apply as a mask to the dark, discoloured patches.
Allow to sit on the face for 2-4 minutes and then massage into the skin with clean finger tips.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water and the pat the skin dry
Repeat twice a week until you reach your desired lighter shade of skin
When To Apply Masks and Treatments
Most of these masks can be applied at any time of the day as the process only takes around 15 minutes.
The only exception is when using it on its own as it works best when left on the skin overnight.
Can Coconut Oil Lighten Skin ? – Conclusion
Coconut Oil is an effective skin lightening treatment that also hydrates and moisturises the skin.
Just take note that it may not be suitable for everybody as some people do have an allergy to coconut.
If you have never used it before, apply a small amount to your wrist or jawline and check for any reactions before proceeding with any lightening treatments.
Its oil is very rich in skin boosting nutrients, it is an effective skin lightener and moisturising agent that nurtures and cares for the skin.
To get best results, mix with lemon juice, baking soda or honey.
