DIY REMEDIES

Natural Home Remedies for Health & Beauty

How to use Coconut Oil to Whiten Skin

By 120 Comments

Everyone loves to have flawless and gorgeous skin but its color mainly depends on the pigments known as melanin, which is produced by melanocyte skin cells. So, the more the melanin pigment produced, the darker the skin will be.

Other than this, long exposure to sun rays, environmental pollutants, hormonal imbalances, dry skin, more usage of cosmetics, unhealthy diet and lifestyle, etc. are also some potent causes of dark coloration of the skin.

However, the usage of chemical loaded cosmetics which are harmful and might cause some serious side effects in a long run. Try some natural skin whiteners like coconut oil that are easily available at home and has many amazing properties in it which evenly tone up the uneven skin tone.

Does Coconut Oil works for Skin Whitening?

Yes, it definitely works for skin whitening. Have a look on its properties to get an idea that how it works.

  • Coconut oil moisturizes the skin and lightens up the uneven skin tone by reducing the scars and other unwanted darkness on the skin.
  • It has essential medium-chain fatty acids like lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid that exhibits antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties which boost up the immune system and fights against the bacteria, fungi and other microbes causing skin infections and irritations.
  • It has an anti-inflammatory property that soothes the irritated and damaged skin and heals it faster to get even and bright skin tone than before.
  • The vitamin E and antioxidant in coconut oil helps the skin cells to mature and become healthier which in turn makes the skin cells shed off as they should and helps for the generation of new and healthy skin cells underneath the skin.
  • It penetrates deep into the skin layers of tissue and eradicates the underlying skin infection which contributes to skin damage or uneven skin tone like psoriasis, eczema, dry skin, itching, sunburn, acne and bug bites along with scars on the skin to get even skin tone.
  • The fatty acids in coconut oil help to lock the moisture in the skin and nourish the skin to make it smooth and soft. Simply replace your regularly used moisturizer with coconut oil and have a regular massage with coconut oil to hydrate the skin.

How Coconut Oil is used for Skin Whitening:

Coconut oil can be used in many ways for brightening up your skin tone, but here we are providing you with the best of 4 coconut oil methods that widely used for clearing the uneven skin tone.

Method – 1: (Coconut Oil)

Organic coconut oil alone can works well in providing the best results of lightening your skin.

Steps to be followed…

  • Take enough of organic, cold-pressed coconut oil into your hands.
  • Apply this on the clean uneven skin tone areas at night time before going to bed.
  • Massage it gently for few minutes for the skin to absorb the oil.
  • Leave it on for overnight and rinse it off in the morning with lukewarm water.
  • Repeat the same process daily until you got even and lighten skin tone.

Coconut Oil works for Skin Whitening

Note: Or simply add a little of coconut oil in your bath water while bathing to enjoy the smoothening, lightening and soothing effect to your skin.

Method – 2: (Coconut Oil with Lemon)

Mixing few drops of fresh lemon juice to coconut oil will make the oil works more effective to lighten the dark spots. This skin whitening lotion is very effective for skin lightening, especially for face whitening and dark thighs lightening.

Steps to be followed…

  • Add few drops of freshly extracted lemon juice into 2 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil.
  • Stir it well and apply this mix on the clean face with the help of cotton ball at night before bed time.
  • Let it sit for about 15 – 20 minutes and rinse it off with lukewarm water.
  • Continue applying this lemon and coconut oil lotion regularly for skin lightening.

Note:

  • Or else mix equal quantities of lemon juice (acts as natural astringent) and coconut oil along with 1 teaspoon of flour to make a paste. Apply it as a mask on dark and uneven skin tone. Rinse off after 10 – 15 minutes with lukewarm water.
  • Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, 2 teaspoons of raw honey and 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply this mix as a thick coat on the clean skin where you have uneven skin tone. Wash the applied areas with cool after 10 – 15 minutes. Dry the skin and repeat as needed.

Coconut Oil to Whiten Skin

Method – 3: (Coconut Oil with Turmeric)

Turmeric has an excellent compound called curcumin, which regulates the production of melanin and thus provides you with an even skin tone complexion. Coconut oil moisturizes the dry and damaged skin. This combination penetrates deep into skin layers and lightens the skin tone from inside.

Steps to be followed…

  • Add 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of raw honey, 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in 2 tablespoons of flour powder.
  • Stir all these ingredients to make a fine paste.
  • Apply this paste all over the face as your face pack.
  • Wait for 20 – 25 minutes and wipe it off with warm wet cloth followed with cold water to close the skin pores.
  • Regularly apply this turmeric – coconut oil face packs to get rid of the dark discolored skin.

Note:

  • Or mix 1 – 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder in sufficient amount of coconut oil to make a fine paste and apply this paste on the black and uneven skin tone areas. Leave it for few minutes to overnight and wash with lukewarm water.
  • Also, add 1/2 mashed ripe banana and a pinch of turmeric in 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Stir well and apply this on the clean face as a face mask. Rinse it off with cool water after waiting for 15 – 20 minutes.

Method – 4: (Coconut Oil with Baking Soda)

Baking soda exfoliates the skin to remove the cellular damage and also prevents the build up from clogged pores. Coconut oil prevents the irritation caused by exfoliation. Lemon juice with its citric acid content treats irregular pigmentation, fine lines, and enlarged pores. Tea tree oil clears the skin infections. So, this combination is very effective in lightening the uneven and dark skin tone.

Steps to be followed…

  • Combine 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1/2 tablespoon of freshly extracted lemon juice, 2 – 4 drops of tea tree oil and 1/8 tablespoon of organic coconut oil in a bowl.
  • Stir well to make a fine paste and apply this paste on the dark discolored skin areas.
  • Let it sit for 3 – 4 minutes and then start scrubbing the paste applied areas with your clean fingers.
  • Rinse it thoroughly and dry the skin.
  • Do the same process for once or twice a week till you achieved whiter skin tone.

Note: Always remember to apply sunscreen before going out in the sun.

Best Time to Apply Coconut Oil for Skin Lightening:

It is recommended for you to stay at home if you applied coconut oil on the dark spots why because it turns the skin into black or dark. The reason is that when the skin is exposed to harmful UV rays then the composition residing in oil along with melanin will darken the skin color. Or it might be due to the dust or dirt that gets attracted by the oil into the skin.

So, prefer to apply coconut oil at night time for gaining more benefits of skin whitening. Use sunscreen while you go out in the sun and coconut oil at night time as a perfect night cream for getting whiter skin tone.

Tips and Precautions:

  1. Use unrefined, organic, cold pressed virgin coconut oil instead of refined coconut oil to get rid of many health and skin problems including skin whitening.
  2. Include coconut oil in your daily diet to nourish your skin from inside. You can simply consume 1 tablespoon of organic coconut oil daily by mouth or mix it in your coffee or teas or smoothies.
  3. Even coconut water and coconut milk will help to lighten up your skin tone.
  4. Although coconut oil suits for everyone but it’s better to check once by doing skin patch test to know whether it is allergic or not for you and then continue using it regularly.

Have you ever used coconut oil for your skin whitening? If not, then it’s time to start using it for attaining a natural whiter skin. Do you know any other coconut methods or queries for skin whitening? Then share it with us.

 

Disclaimer

The information contained on DIY Remedies is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Consult your doctor or health care expert before you try.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Hey there!! Thanks for the amazing tips.. I would be glad if you could share ways to use coconut milk for body fairness as well. Thanks a bunch!!

    Reply

    • Fresh Coconut milk naturally cleanses, moisturizes and nourish the skin. Here are few coconut milk uses for skin.

      Coconut milk as a moisturizer – Mix equal parts of fresh coconut milk and honey with some almond oil. Apply on clean face and rinse with cold water after 10 – 20 minutes.

      Coconut milk as a facial cleanser – mix creamy yogurt in coconut milk and apply it on the face and neck. Wipe it off with cotton after few minutes.

      Coconut milk as face pack for glowing skin – mix enough coconut milk in 1 teaspoon of sandalwood powder along with few saffron strands and honey. Apply it on the face as a pack.

      Reply

    • When i get my desired light completion skin and then stopped using organic pressed coconut oil with lemon will I get dark again? or can I stay at my desired completion.

      Reply

  2. I once had a burnt skin got it when i was cooking our dinner.i checked on some websites about home remedies and found one and its a coconut oil.i immediately grabbed my jar of virgin coconut oil and applied some on the affected area time by time for one hour and it really eases the hot burning feeling on my skin and turned out later that i dont feel the pain of the burnt skin anymore.and to my surprise also, the redness gradually faded until its very light already and you will hardly notice the burnt skin.im so grateful that ive tried this on this situation coz i found a new natural remedy for times like this.

    Reply

    • Refined coconut oil is extracted through the process of refining, bleaching, and deodorization. It means the chemical and mechanical processes that make it odorless, nutritional-less and colorless.

      So, using refined or impure coconut oil will not make your skin white (as done by using virgin coconut oil) and in certain cases, it may darken your skin tone. Choose pure coconut oil and use it to brighten your skin tone.

      Reply

  5. Thanks for this tip. But its so difficult getting virgin coconut oil in our local markets and shops around. Can you help with where to get original coconut oil? The virgin coconut oil. Thank you.

    Reply

  6. Hi..I m Gabby, I used massage oil from korea to apply my whole body as a body lotion every night. But I found out my skin is getting darker every morning when I wake up. And I don’t know why even the sales girl can’t give me the answer. Can I apply coconut oil to lighten my whole body ?;

    Reply

  7. Hi just wondering what you meant by “applied coconut oil on the dark spots why because it turns the skin into black or dark” will the dark spots turn darker if I get exposed to sun? And if not how long would it take if I’m trying to get rid of an eczema scar?

    Reply

    • Most people use coconut oil to tan their skin and to grab the vitamin D from the sun rays. So, in this article, we mentioned that for best results, you have to apply it at night time and also apply sunscreen while stepping out in the morning.
      Coming to your eczema scars, it depends on the level of healing capacity of your body. Regular application of coconut oil and include coconut oil and vitamins (A, D & E) and zinc rich foods along with drinking plenty of water will give effective results.

      Reply

  8. Thanks for this innovative idea. However, I wish to know how long or fast does coconut oil work for acne and lighter skin?

    Reply

    • It is difficult to say the exact time as everyone is different. For best and quick results, you have to follow these remedies regularly.

      Reply

    • No, it’s not suggested to mix coconut oil to one’s cream and use it for skin lightening. The best way is to apply virgin coconut oil at night time and rinse off in the morning. Be sure to apply sunscreen while going out in the morning.

      Reply

  10. I have a question I fell asleep with a acne treatment face wash on to help my acne marks and acne but the next morning I woke up an rinsed It out an I had dark dry patches were the ance treatment had been on my face ,will this coconutoil treatment work to remove the dark spots ?

    Reply

    • Yes you can try virgin coconut oil at night time and aloe vera gel or honey in the day time for treating your dark spots caused by acne.

      Reply

    • A sunscreen will help to block the harmful sun’s UV rays into the body and thus prevent you from getting a tan or any other harm to the skin. You can prepare it by following the below steps.
      1. Melt 1 oz coconut oil, 0.8 oz shea butter, and 0.1 oz jojoba or sesame oil in a double boiler.
      2. Turn off and let it cool down for few minutes.
      3. Then add 0.1 oz vitamin E oil, some zinc oxide and few drops of essential oils in it.
      4. Stir well and store it to use as your natural sunscreen.

      Reply

    • You can Prepare a Sunscreen by simply mixing 10 drops of carrot seed or lavender oil, 1 tablespoon of red raspberry seed oil and 2 tablespoons of non-nana zinc oxide in 1/2 cup of virgin coconut oil. Stir well and pour it into a glass jar. Use it as your organic sunscreen lotion.

      Reply

    • Yes, you can use it after 24 hours as coconut oil. Refrigerate the oil to use it regularly. But be sure in the steps of preparing Coconut oil from coconut milk.

      Reply

  15. I was using coconut oil only on my brown spots on my face. Now I have white patches. Is this permanent?

    Reply

  16. I just got a concealed function of coconut oil for the skin. I know it is very nutritional and therapeutic but not to this extent. I will give a try.

    Reply

  17. Hello and thank you for this helpful information. Question i purchased organic unrefined expeller pressed coconut oil can i use this to help lighten my suntan and uneven skin tone?

    Reply

    • Yes, you can use homemade coconut oil. Apply it at night before bedtime by massaging it all over the skin and leave it for overnight.

      Reply

  19. thanks for ur information but can I used home made coconut oil to remove long scar on my legs,will it work

    Reply

    • Yes, of course, but you need to be sure that it is prepared in the correct way and it is organic before using it on the skin for treating scars.

      Reply

    • Yes, you can use lime juice instead of lemon juice for mixing in coconut oil and apply it on the skin. Make sure that not to go out in the sun for at least 30 minutes.

      Reply

    • Yes, you can use coconut oil (in small quantities) on your oily skin. It penetrates quickly into the skin and gets well absorbed without making you feel oily or greasy on the skin. It enables the proper functioning of the sebum glands to prevent the excess production of oil and prevent clogging and thereby pimples on the skin.

      Reply

  22. can I mix coconut oil and almond together with baking soda for my daily cream to treat my damaged skin?

    Reply

    • You can mix either baking soda with coconut oil (or) baking soda with almond oil and apply the paste on the skin but not as your daily cream. You can apply it on the skin and rinse off thoroughly with water after few minutes.

      Reply

  24. Thanks so much for this
    can I use coconut oil for my dry flaky skin and lips and my dark acne spots face

    Reply

    • Yes, you can use coconut oil for treating your dry skin, chapped lips and dark acne spots.

      Here is the link for using coconut oil to treat dry skin http://diyremedies.org/coconut-oil-for-dry-skin/

      For Treating Dry or Chapped lips and acne scars, you have to apply organic coconut oil on the affected areas of the skin and massage gently for few minutes. Leave for overnight and rinse off in the morning. Repeat regularly for best and quick results.

      Reply

    • You can apply organic, cold pressed coconut oil on uneven skin tone at night before bedtime by massaging gently. Rinse your skin in the morning.
      Using Lemon juice or Turmeric or baking soda along with coconut oil will add extra benefits and lighten your skin quickly.

      Reply

  26. Plz suggest me best virgin ,cold compressed coconut oil …Im confused which is best and safe and really it will help to light the skin tone….

    Reply

    • You can use any brand that labeled as organic virgin coconut oil for lightening your skin. I prefer some brands like Now Foods or Nature’s Way

      Reply

    • Yes, you can use this coconut oil if it is 100% pure and natural and extracted in a correct way to lighten your skin and stretch marks.

      Reply

    • It’s difficult to tell the exact time why because everyone’s skin type is different. So, use it regularly for at least 2 – 3 months to get an even toned skin.

      Reply

  29. can i use home made coconut oil to tone my skin, does it have any side effect? and can i stop using it once i get my desired complexion?

    Reply

    • Yes, you can use homemade coconut oil (pure and organic without chemical content) to apply it on your skin to tone up your skin without any side effects. Once you achieved your desired complexion, you can use it occasionally to maintain the even skin glow. Never go outside in the sun for at least 2 hours after applying coconut oil on the skin.

      Reply

  30. I just finish preparing my homemade coconut oil, can I use it to Whitten both my face and body with lemon?and how do i achieve this

    Reply

    • Yes, you can use this combination of lemon and coconut oil but make sure to moisturize your skin after usage, if you have dry or sensitive skin.
      Always remember to prepare the mix freshly before application and apply it on the skin.

      Reply

    • Yes, you can but prefer to mix flour powder instead of lemon juice, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. You can check out the method – 3 in this article.

      Reply

  33. how do I recognize unrefined coconut oil?
    I am a black girl with stretch marks and dark spots, can coconut oil help me ?

    Reply

    • Both coconut oil and shea butter will act as a skin moisturizers. This combination doesn’t work best for skin lightening or treating uneven skin tone.

      Reply

  37. Hello,

    Please I need some help for a few questions.

    I have a light skin complexion and I want to be lighter and maintain my complexion. If I use the mixture of lemon and organic coconut oil at night before bed time, and don’t rinse it off after 30 mins, can I go to bed with it to rinse off in the morning?

    Can I use only Shea butter as my daily sun screen, and also serve as my daily moisturizer?

    Can I also apply this on my newly born baby, or at what age is best to apply it on babies? What’s the best to lighten or maintain a light skin baby?

    When is the best time of the day to apply Shea butter mix with coconut oil and is it a good combination?

    Reply

    • yes, you can use the combination of coconut oil and lemon juice to lighten your skin complexion but make sure to rinse the area after 10 – 15 minutes. If you left the mix for overnight then it causes irritation and skin dryness.

      Using Shea butter as your sunscreen and moisturizer – Shea butter has SPF 6 – 10. It contains a compound called cinnamic acid that exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and mild sun protective qualities. This will prevent the skin from harmful UV rays and premature aging signs.

      Avoid using shea butter alone as your sunscreen and you should use shea butter with any other natural SPF containing ingredients like zinc oxide or jojoba oil.

      Applying to Newly born baby – No, you should not apply it to your newly born baby until they reach 1 year of age why because it may cause some discomforts or darken the skin.

      Best Time – Night before bedtime and leave for overnight. If you have oily skin then rinse after 30 – 45 minutes (without leaving for overnight).

      Reply

    • It is not suggested to apply it on the child’s skin, as the skin is sensitive. Or simply do a skin patch test and see how this mix reacts on the skin and then use it (if it’s required).

      Reply

  39. Hi,

    I have started applying freshly made coconut and lemon mixture on my whole body for 20 minutes and then rinsing it all off.

    Do I need to wash my whole body before applying this mixture, also when i rinse it off, is it okay to apply shower gel. And should I apply moisturiser as soon as I rinse off the mixture?

    Thank you

    Reply

    • To get faster results, rinse your skin before applying this mix. Coconut oil itself acts as a moisturizer. So, there is no need to apply moisturizer after rinsing the skin. This skin whitening lotion is very effective for skin lightening, especially for face whitening and dark thighs lightening.

      Reply

    • Parachute coconut oil may contain chemicals that darken your skin. SO, always use virgin cold pressed coconut oil to grab its benefits. Regular usage of this virgin coconut oil will help to lighten your skin effectively but don’t apply it in the morning before stepping out in the sun why because it helps to grab the tan.

      Reply

  41. Hi my name is Ruchi my face color is yellow tone n my hands fair comparison to my face so only coconut oil is apply or any other ingredient should also include to fair skin

    Reply

  42. Hi

    Thank you for your useful advice.

    Using:
    Method – 2: (Coconut Oil with Lemon)

    After rinsing off, would you recommend a overnight moisturiser?

    Reply

  43. Will this have noticeable effects on dark skin tones as well? How many shades lighter can I achieve by relying solely on pure coconut oil, or does it work only on dark spots and marks? (I am aiming to achieve a lighter complexion all over my face)

    Reply

    • Following some proper skincare routine along with using coconut oil will help you in achieving the desired skin complexion. So, it depends.

      Reply

  44. Is it proper to apply coconut oil and lemon juice in between my thighs, in order to clear stretch marks and dark thighs

    Reply

  45. am using tropical coconut oil and I apply twice a day,at night before going to bed and in the morning as a body lotion before going to work

    Reply

  48. I have a very dark lichen planus lesion on my chin. Do you think coconut oil will help get rid of that. How?

    Reply

    • Yes, you can use coconut oil for lichen planus. Wash the affected area with clean water. Pat dry and apply some coconut oil on it. Leave it until the coconut oil dries completely. Repeat the process daily for few times until it clears off.

      Reply

  49. I made coconut oil at home, but I used d boiling process, can I usd it on my skin cuz I have dark spots on my body n stretch marks on my arms. Or maybe u can help me with d cold pressed method. Thanks

    Reply

  50. Hello Admin,
    Pls I have question; Can I mix coconut oil, turmeric and lemon juice. And apply on my whole skin, after washing it off apply my normal cream?

    Reply

    • Yes, you can mix coconut oil, lemon juice and turmeric and apply it on the skin. It helps in whitening the skin as well as provides necessary nourishment to the skin. Do not apply any cream immediately because coconut oil acts as moisturizer and remains back on skin even after washing.

      Reply

  52. Hi,
    Thank you for the help.
    Can i mix coconut oil and lemon oil together and apply on my body as cream overnight and also in the morning?
    Will this lighten the skin?

    Thank You.

    Best Regards.

    Reply

    • Do not use it twice a day either apply it overnight or use it in the morning. You can get the desired results by applying it just for one time in a day. Yes, the mixture of lemon and coconut helps in lightening the skin.

      Reply

  53. Hi,
    Can I use PARACHUTE COCONUT OIL(blue color bottle) which is 100% pure to whiten my hands and legs.
    Thanks in advance

    Reply

    • Parachute oil acts as a moisturiser, which can be used on hands and legs. But remember parachute oil is not safe to use on face.

      Reply

    • Yes, virgin coconut oil has beneficial properties that are helpful in lightening the skin. So, you can use it on your feet.

      Reply

    • Darkness of the feet might be due to frequent exposure to sunlight, dryness of skin etc. So, coconut oil is capable of moisturizing the feet and helps you to get rid of those dark feet.

      Reply

    • Yes, coconut oil can be mixed with olive oil for a lighter shade of skin. Olive oil has hypoallergenic properties, which helps in keeping skin moisturised.

      Reply

    • Vitamin-E capsule is enriched with antioxidant and moisturizing properties. So, combining it with coconut oil helps in healing the skin and repair damaged tissue.

      Reply

    • Coconut oil has various beneficial properties that are helpful for whitening the skin. So, you can start using coconut oil without any worries.

      Reply

    • Coconut oil moisturizes and provides nourishment to the skin. So, you can use it on your baby without any doubt but as the baby skin is very sensitive go for patch test before using it on baby.

      Reply

    • Yes, you can mix coconut oil in your body cream and use it. Do not combine coconut oil and almond oil both because both of them are moisturizer so using either of one is better.

      Reply

    • Yes, you can use coconut directly on the skin by blending it with small amount of water instead of coconut oil.

      Reply

    • No, do not leave coconut oil and lemon overnight on your face because lemon has acidic nature which may harm your skin.

      Reply

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