4 Skin Care DIYs You Should Stop Right Now (and What to Do Instead)

Coconut oil is, like, the DIY junkie's holy grail. But to be completely controversial: It doesn't actually work as well as coconut oil die hards believe it does. Now as a religious double cleanser myself, an oil-based face wash is one of my skin care musts. Pure coconut oil, however, doesn't work the same as specific oil-based cleansers.

Just like they taught you in school: Oil repels water. So, while rubbing coconut oil on your face may melt off make up and pick up dirt and grime, it doesn't really wash away too well, because coconut oil and water don't mix. Whereas, a typical oil-based cleanser is specially formulated to rinse off with water.

This also means using pure coconut oil as a moisturizer may not be the best option either. Yes, coconut oil can provide your skin moisture, the issue is that it won't help you retain that moisture, and can even prevent your skin from the hydrating benefits of other products in your routine.

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