How to Use Coconut Water for Skincare

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While often used in cooking, many people have found coconut water is effective for skin care. Coconut water can be used for basic cleaning and moisturizing and in place of products like dandruff creams and face washes for acne. For best results, purchase whole coconuts and use the liquid inside, rather than buying pasteurized coconut water from the store. If you notice any skin irritation, cease use of coconut water and talk to a doctor. [1]

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Cleaning and Moisturizing Your Skin

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  1. Instead of using regular water to wash your face, splash your face with coconut water at the beginning and end of the day. Feel free to use any other regular moisturizers and washes you use. Just wash them off with coconut water. When you're done, you may notice your skin feels softer and more refreshed.
  2. Coconut water has moisturizing properties that can leave the skin feeling soft and fresh. You can use coconut water directly on your skin. Rub coconut water into patches of dry skin anywhere on your body. [2]
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  3. If you want to cut back on commercial makeup removers, coconut water can effectively remove your makeup at the end of a long day. Soak up coconut water using cotton pads. Wipe it over your skin to remove your makeup at the end of the day.
    • Be careful when removing eye makeup with coconut water. Keep your eyes closed and apply the water to one eye at a time.
  4. When traveling or on the go, keep a 2-ounce (59-ml) spray bottle of coconut water on hand. You can freshen up by simply spritzing it on your hands, elbows, and face.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Treating Specific Skin Issues

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  1. For a dry face, mix coconut water with turmeric powder until you get a fine paste. Add a small splash of coconut oil to make the paste spreadable. Apply this to your face and let it sit on for 10 minutes. Then, wash it out completely. You may notice your face feels softer after applying this mask. [3]
    • Coconut oil can sometimes make skin oily, as it is highly comedogenic. [4] If you are prone to oily skin, skip the coconut oil and stick to coconut water and turmeric.
  2. Coconut water is antimicrobial and antibacterial. Before bed, dab coconut water onto acne, acne scars, or other blemishes. Leave it on overnight and wash it off in the morning. Some people find that blemishes and acne diminish when exposed to coconut water.
    • You can also splash coconut water on breakouts to help clear them up.
    • If your doctor has advised you to follow a specific treatment plan for your acne, ask them before using coconut water to treat acne problems.
  3. Commercial skin toners may come with unwanted chemicals. Before bed, soak a washcloth in coconut water. Scrub the wash cloth all over your skin. Go to bed with the coconut water still in place. If your skin responds well to coconut water, you will be left with smoother, more even skin.
    • This also may help reduce signs of aging.
  4. If your scalp is dry and prone to dandruff, simply massage in some coconut water. This can help moisturize the scalp and reduce dandruff. Due to coconut water's antifungal and antibacterial products, it can be used in place of chemical conditioners to reduce dandruff. Then, rinse it out when you're done.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Avoiding Problems with Coconut Water

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  1. Coconut water sold in stores is pasteurized and won’t be as effective as the liquid inside whole coconuts. Rather than buying the water in stores, purchase whole coconuts, open them up and use the liquid inside. You can drink it as well as apply it to your skin.
  2. Some people have allergies to coconut when it's ingested. [5] Coconut oil has been known to affect the skin with swelling, discoloration, and redness. [6] If drinking coconut water or using coconut oil on your skin has caused reactions in the past, coconut water may have a similar effect. [7] Stop using coconut water if you notice signs of an adverse reaction.
    • If symptoms of an allergic reaction do not clear up after you stop using coconut water, talk to a doctor.
    • It's a good idea to apply coconut water to a small patch of your skin before using it all over your body.
  3. The benefits of coconut water are largely based on anecdotal evidence. While coconut water works for many, you should not neglect a doctor's recommendations to use coconut water. If you're being treated for a specific skin conditions, such as eczema, talk to your doctor before using coconut water and stick to your regular treatment.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What are the benefits of coconut water for skin?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    It is hydrating, anti-bacterial and antifungal (if raw) and helps balance the pH.
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  • Question
    Can you use coconut water on your face?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Coconut water makes a great toner and helps rebalance the skin's pH. It also fights acne.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    Can we drink coconut water in empty stomach?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, you can. Coconut water is easy to digest and very hydrating. You can drink it on an empty stomach or have it with food.
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      • Drinking coconut water may help moisturize skin. It also has anti-aging properties. [8]
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      References

      1. ↑ Joanna Kula. Skincare Specialist. Expert Interview.9 July 2019.
      2. ↑ http://www.bollywoodshaadis.com/articles/beauty-benefits-of-coconut-water-for-skin-and-hair-2115
      3. ↑ http://www.garnierusa.com/articles-tips/hair-care/ingredients/coconut-water-how-it-benefits-your-skin-hair-and-body.aspx
      4. ↑ Joanna Kula. Skincare Specialist. Expert Interview.9 July 2019.
      5. ↑ http://universityhealthnews.com/daily/nutrition/drinking-too-much-coconut-water-can-be-dangerous/
      6. ↑ http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/coconut-oil-for-face/
      7. ↑ Joanna Kula. Skincare Specialist. Expert Interview.9 July 2019.
      8. ↑ http://thegreentribe.com/2015/11/benefits-of-coconut-water/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Coconut water is a delicious and refreshing beverage, but it’s also a great cleanser and moisturizer for your skin. Try washing your face with coconut water instead of regular water to leave your skin softer and more refreshed. It’s also a great makeup remover. Soak up coconut water with cotton pads and wipe it over your face to take off your makeup without drying out your skin. To use it as a moisturizer, simply rub the coconut water into patches of dry skin anywhere on your body and leave it to air dry. You could also make a moisturizing face mask by mixing coconut water, turmeric powder, and a splash of coconut oil to form a paste. Leave the mask on your face for 10 minutes, then rinse it off to rejuvenate your skin. For tips about how to treat acne with coconut water, keep reading!

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