Coconut products, including coconut milk, oil and water have been all the rage in recent years as more and more people begin to include them in their healthy diets. However, coconut oil can be just as good for you topically because it is so nutrient-rich. Its lauric acid will kill off the bacteria that causes acne while its caprylic acid provides strong anti-oxidant protection against aging and skin cell damage. The Vitamin C in coconut oil promotes the production of collagen to keep your skin firm and elastic and it is also a rich source of Vitamin E which reducing the appearance of fine lines and keeps the connective tissues beneath the skin firm. When combined with other healthful ingredients in the three face mask recipes below, you will truly be nourishing and beautifying your skin.
Honey Lemon Face Mask
- 1 Tablespoon coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons raw honey
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
Combine all three ingredients in a small mixing bowl and apply a generous coat to your face. Allow to set for 10 minutes before rinsing with cool water. Pat dry.
The honey in this mask is one of the best moisturizers there are and has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Lemon juice is a natural astringent that tightens your skin and shrinks large pores.
Banana Turmeric Face Mask
- 1 Tablespoon coconut oil
- ½ ripe banana
- Pinch of turmeric
Mash ripe banana in a bowl until smooth, then add oil and turmeric and mix into a paste. Apply the mask to your face and let it set for 15 minutes, then rinse and dry.
Bananas are also excellent natural moisturizers which will also lighten the skin and reduce blemished and discolorations. The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of turmeric provide excellent relief from the acne.
Avocado-Nutmeg Mask
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ ripe avocado
In small bowl, mash avocado and smooth it into a paste. Stir in coconut oil and nutmeg until mixture is well-blended and apply to face. Let it set for 15 minutes before rinsing and patting dry.
The antioxidant properties of avocado slows free radical damage to the skin and fends off the aging process. Nutmeg acts as a gently exfoliant to leave your skin feeling smooth and polished.
Making up your own masks may sound odd or intimidating at first, but once you have gotten used to the process and are familiar with the ingredients that seem to work best for you, you will likely branch out on your own and come up with the face mask combinations that you like best and that will work for your particular skin type. You will also quickly learn to love the luxuriance of all-natural products and the way they beautify your skin.
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