Coconut oil is loaded with many benefits that can help us internally and externally. Coconut oil is a “do-everything” type of oil with little no downside. As we already know, there are many harmful chemicals and toxins that plague our beauty and skin care products. Using coconut oil on our skin as an all-natural method can help eliminate our exposure to these toxins. And, it’s more cost effective with the same benefits.
Coconut oil has a low molecular weight. This means, it is able to penetrate our skin on a deeper level than other oils or products. This is great for those of us that suffer from dry skin and dry hair. Here are different ways to use coconut oil for beauty.
What Is Coconut Oil
Coconut oil comes from the fruit of the coconut palm. The oil is extracted from the kernel or meat of mature coconuts. Depending on its surrounding temperatures, coconut oil can be in solid form (colder temperature), liquid form (warmer temperature) or anywhere in between. It is odorless and tasteless (for the most part).
Many people use it to cook with, for it is a healthier alternative than a lot of other oils on the market (and has a longer shelf life too). You don’t only have to cook with the oil however. You can use the water from the coconut and use the meat for several other cooking needs such as coconut flour or coconut milk.
Coconut oil can also be used for beauty purposes as you will discover in this post.
Coconut Oil for Beauty
Makeup Remover
Here’s a natural alternative to removing makeup. Coconut oil. Use coconut oil on your skin and around the eyes will allow you to remove makeup easily and without the worry of irritating your eyes. Not only will it help remove the makeup, but it will also give your skin some added moisture. Gently rub the oil onto your eye lids and dab the makeup off the eye with a cotton pad or warm washcloth.
Face Wash
Coconut oil contains anti-microbial properties along with moisturizing properties. It is great for cleaning your face. It will kill any bacteria (great for reducing pimples) while also keeping your skin hydrated and radiant.
Lip Balm
Instead of ingesting unknown ingredients from traditional lip balm products, use coconut oil instead. It will protect lips from pollutants and lock in moisture while adding a nice shine.
Night Cream
Who says you can’t stop hydrating because you’re asleep? Nighttime is the most active time for cell regeneration. Why not give your skin some extra help with coconut oil? It will keep your skin hydrated and help with the repairing process.
If you are prone to acne or have oily skin, add a few drops of coconut oil to your usual day or night cream to spice up the hydration without adding too much excess oil.
If you want to use coconut oil as a day cream, add a few drops to your sunblock. You can reap the benefits of added moisture without risking sun damage.
Body Scrub
Exfoliating is one of the most important part of skin care. Why not combine exfoliating with moisturizing. Gently scrubbing away dead skin cells on a regular basis allows for beneficial ingredients, say from coconut oil, to penetrate your skin. This will leave your skin smooth and hydrated.
Simply mix coconut oil with sugar and gently rub in circular motions. Do this a few times a week, and you’re on you way to smoother and brighter skin.
Self Verve’s body scrubs incorporate coconut oil into their blends. Our body scrubs turn to lotion when water hits it. You exfoliate your skin, rinse off, pat dry and your skin stays nice and hydrated.
Shaving Cream
Instead of using store bought, expensive, chemical having shaving creams, use coconut oil instead. You will still get a close, smooth shave while also preventing ingrown hair and razor burns. Just rub into your skin, shave and pat dry.
Body Butter
If you want healthy, smooth and an even skin tone, use coconut oil with shea butter to make a body butter. You can add other carrier oils such as jojoba oil to meet your specific skin needs. Thanks to the saturated fats in this oil, your skin will stay moisturized and prevent moisture loss from the pores.
Body Oil
Similar to the way the body butter works, mix coconut oil with other carrier oils, or just use on its own. This is best for those who have seriously dry skin, or during those harsh winter months. Simply rub coconut oil in the palm of your hands to warm it up and rub it into your skin. This creates a barrier to block out natural pollutants and lock in moisture at the same time. It’s best to do this after a shower or bath.
If you don’t want to do a full body application, you can still focus on the elbows, knees and the heels of your feet. These places on the body seem to be drier than others.
Bonus Tip: The use of essential oils can give you added skin benefits.
Massage Oil
Instead of paying extra money for massage oil, use coconut oil instead. Mix a few essential oils in with the oil and rub the tension away.
Cuticle Oil
Before giving yourself a manicure, rub some coconut oil on your cuticles. This will help keep germs at bay while softening your cuticles, making it easier to push back or cut.
Dry Hands
Suffering from dry hands from washing dishes or using harsh, drying soap on a regular basis? Keep a jar of coconut oil near the sink. When ever you wash your hands, replenish the moisture with a little bit of coconut oil.
Bonus Tip: If you want softer hands in a rush, apply coconut oil on hands and then cover hands with gloves. The heat from your body will warm the oil up and the gloves will help the oil stay in place. You can also do this for our feet. I do it all the time. Works like a charm.
Skin Conditions
Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help sooth skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Using coconut oil on the affected area on a regular basis may help alleviate their symptoms.
Stretch Marks
Stretch marks can occur during weight loss/gain or during pregnancy as the skin’s elasticity changes. Applying coconut oil on a regular basis or when skin feels dry can help them fade more quickly. If you are pregnant, applying coconut oil early in your pregnancy can also help prevent stretch marks from appearing.
Sunburn Relief
Out in the sun for too long and now feeling the burn? Literally. Apply some coconut oil to your skin to help soothe the skin, reduce redness and rehydrate the skin. Your skin will thank you later.
Coconut Oil Precautions
This oil is generally safe to use on a regular basis. If you have medical conditions or are unsure if it is safe to use coconut oil, ask your physician first. It is also advised to preform a patch test before full application if it’s your first time using coconut oil. A patch test will ensure you have no skin reactions.
Summing It Up
Coconut oil is a tasteless and odorless oil that has an abundance of benefits internally and externally. It has been used to aid in skin care and beauty for decades. It makes for an excellent carrier oil for your essential oils while providing benefits of its own.
What have you used coconut oil for? Let us know in the comments!
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. Neither Self Verve nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. Be sure to contact your physician before trying any of the items stated in the above article.
