Why coconut water is beneficial for your skin

Coconut water in cosmetics is growing in popularity. No wonder! Especially in summer, our skin becomes stressed and benefits from the water inside this tropical fruit. We'll show you how coconut water works, as well as some great products and a simple DIY.

What can coconut water do?

Coconut water is obtained from green coconuts, which have not yet matured. In addition to vitamins A, C and B, the water also contains many important trace elements, such as zinc and selenium.

Thanks to its balanced mineral complex, coconut water nourishes and provides the skin with moisture and nutrients. Also, the water from coconuts soothes skin irritations that are caused, for example, by sunburn or swelling.

Coconut water against pimples and acne

Coconuts are marvels. The contents of the coconuts are sterile. During the Second World War, coconut water was used as a blood plasma substitute.

The water from a fresh coconut can also be used to disinfect wounds. It cleans and inhibits the formation of bacteria. It is effective against all types of inflammation, including acne and pimples.

Interestingly, researchers have found a peptide in coconut water that is antifungal; that is, it is effective against fungi. This is beneficial for skin diseases caused by fungi.

Differences between coconut water, coconut milk and coconut oil

Coconut water:

Coconut water is the liquid that is found inside an immature green coconut.

Coconut milk:

Coconut milk is a mixture of the flesh of ripe coconuts and water. It has a high-fat content of around 20 per cent. Due to its natural antiseptic and moisturising properties, coconut milk is also recommended as a skin moisturiser.

Coconut oil:

Coconut oil refers to the pure, native fat from the coconut, which is obtained from the flesh of the fruit. It is popular in skin and body care as it has antibacterial and conditioning effects.

For raw and dry skin, coconut oil is tolerated well and is a particularly luxurious care alternative.

Beware if you have oily skin:

Coconut oil can have a comedogenic effect; that is, it can clog the pores of oily skin, which increases the formation of pimples and blackheads.

Pay attention to organic quality

In general, coconut water is not an ecologically friendly product because it needs to be transported long distances. For this reason, to protect the environment, we should not use it too often.

Additional notes: It's always better to buy organic products. In the conventional cultivation of coconuts, an increasing number of plants are being cultivated in small areas with an escalating use of fertilisers. Coconut plants are also being increasingly cultivated in monocultures.

How do you recognise coconut water in cosmetics?

The International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients, or INCIs for short, is a system that can help you find products containing coconut water. Such products include:

- Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Juice

- Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Water

- Cocos Nucifera Water

DIY: Coconut water as a refreshing facial toner

The Brazilian top model Adriana Lima doesn't only drink coconut water daily but also uses it as part of her face care routine. She enthusiastically uses coconut water as a facial toner for healthy and radiant skin.

She told the American website "The Cut" that on stressful days she soaks cotton pads with ice-cold coconut water and puts them on her face. Especially in the hot season, it helps refresh tired faces and makes them glow.

You'll need these items:

- Coconut water, as cold as possible

- Facial pads (preferably reusable homemade cosmetic pads)

There you go:

It couldn't be easier! Pure coconut water is an excellent tonic for your face. After cleansing in the morning and evening, the coconut water can be applied directly to skin with a cotton pad. For a refreshment à la Adriana Lima, leave the cotton pads on your face for a few minutes.

How it works:

The cotton pad removes the last residues of dirt and supplies the skin with the valuable ingredients from the water of the coconut. The cold causes the pores to contract, and the skin appears finer.

Tip: Use coconut water as a refreshing spray

In the warm season, coconut water is excellent as a refreshing spray. To do this, pour the water from the coconut into a spray bottle and store in the refrigerator. It's great for a quick cooling effect!

Links to other websites:

- coconut water as blood substitute 2nd worldwar

- benefits coconut water for your skin

- Adriana Lima Interview at “The Cut”