Coconut oil has become incredibly trendy in the beauty industry. There is no denying the fact that this oil is all the rage for natural beauty. Variety of beauty products, whether it’s creams, lotions, shampoos, lipsticks or face packs– all are infused with coconut oil. But these products also contain harmful chemicals in their ingredients list which can damage your skin in the long run. So, leave these commercial products behind and grab a jar of coconut oil. In this post, I will share coconut oil benefits that can enhance the beauty of your skin and hair.
Coconut oil, extracted from the meat of mature coconuts is naturally antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and loaded with antioxidants like vitamin E, and moisturizing fatty acids. All these properties help prevent aging and damage to your skin and hair. It’s no wonder, coconut oil is a jack-of-all-trades! Before buying a bottle, just check the label to make sure it’s extra virgin, organic and sustainably harvested. It should not be hydrogenated, bleached or refined in any way with fragrances or dyes.
Let’s see how you can incorporate coconut oil into your beauty routine.
Coconut Oil Benefits- HAIR CONDITIONER
Put down that fancy chemical based conditioner! Use coconut oil instead. Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids that strengthen the hair shaft and prevent breakage. Regular use of coconut oil nourishes and moisturizes the scalp and hair. It gradually improves hair texture, eases dryness, and reduces frizz.
Scoop a small amount of coconut oil (as per your hair length) into the smaller bowl. Place this bowl in the larger bowl with hot water. Once it is completely melted, use your fingers to gently massage the oil onto your scalp and throughout your hair. This will increase the blood circulation. Now comb your hair to distribute the coconut oil evenly. If your scalp is oily, apply the oil mid-shaft, a few inches from your scalp. Tuck all of your hair inside the shower cap and leave on for overnight or at least for 30 minutes. Wash off with shampoo. Style your hair as normal. Do this twice a week.
You can also mix few drops of your favorite essential oil (jasmine, chamomile or lavender oil) into the coconut oil before putting it into your hair. This will give the oil a pleasant scent and also add extra shine and softness.
MAKE-UP REMOVER
Do you have sensitive skin? If yes, avoid store-bought wipes and makeup removers (especially the alcohol based ones). These may contain harsh ingredients that can strip the skin of the natural oils it needs to stay hydrated. I rely on coconut oil on removing my makeup as I don’t have to worry about moisturizing afterward. It solubilizes and removes even hard to remove makeup without causing a rash or damage to sensitive areas of the skin.
Simply liquify the coconut oil (if it is in solid state) and gently smooth that over your eyelids, lashes, and skin with your fingers. Make sure to take just a few drops as a little goes a long way. If you use too much, you’ll turn out too oily. Gently massage the oil into your skin in a circular motion. Once your makeup has been sufficiently melted away, wipe it off with a dry cotton ball or a warm, wet washcloth. Splash face with warm water. And voila! You’re done.
Coconut oil works as a moisturizer while removing your makeup. It penetrates into the deepest layer of your skin and takes off even eyeshadow and mascara smoothly, leaving lashes moisturized and luminous. I am pretty sure once you use coconut oil, you will never buy a regular makeup remover again.
ALSO READ: Best Natural Makeup Removers For Beautiful Clear Skin
FACE MASK
Coconut oil never leaves any greasy residue on the skin as it is light in texture and deeply absorbed by the skin pores. Using coconut oil as a face mask prevent premature aging as it contains essential vitamins and minerals. It treats several skin issues including dark spots, scars, fine lines around eyes, acne, and eczema.
Mix 1 tablespoon of honey with 1 tablespoon of melted coconut oil and 1 teaspoon coffee powder. Apply this to your clean face. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Then wash the mask off with normal water and pat your face dry with a clean towel. Repeat 2-3 times a week to get clear skin.
Honey when mixed with coconut oil, keeps your face hydrated, nourished, and glowing. Coffee, being rich in antioxidants, boost collagen production and make your skin glow!
LIP BALM
The moisturizing effects of coconut oil are best suited for dry, chapped lips. The coconut oil is antibacterial and prevents the growth of bacteria and other germs on cracked lips. It soothes and treats chapped lips by reducing inflammation.
ALSO READ: Homemade Lip Scrubs For Soft And Pink Lips
Coconut oil lip balm is one of the easiest beauty products you can make. All you have to do is just melt 2 tablespoons beeswax in a saucepan. Once fully melted, stir in 2 tablespoons coconut oil, & 1 tablespoon, raw honey. Let it cool for a few minutes. While mixture is still liquid, stir in jojoba oil to the mixture for some extra hydration. Pour into an individual container and your lip balm is ready!
BODY SCRUB
A body scrub is a must-have beauty product for those who have dull and lifeless skin. But the scrubs you buy from market contain harsh exfoliating agents that may damage your skin while scrubbing. And what is the need of buying when you can make your own at home? Make your scrub with coconut oil! Not only does it help exfoliate your skin, but also makes the skin brighter, firmer, and smoother.
I am a die-hard coffee lover! So in my coconut oil scrub, I add coffee also. It gives soothing fragrance and makes my skin rejuvenated and fresh. Take 1 Cup ground organic coffee, 1 Cup organic brown sugar, and 1/2 Cup organic coconut oil. Mix them well and apply the mixture to your body. Exfoliate your skin by gently rubbing in a circular motion. You can use this generously in the shower (twice a week) to get your legs and arms ready for that perfect glow!!
This recipe is my go-to favorite. This makes an amazing all-natural firming and skin softening scrub which also helps in reducing the appearance of cellulite.
ALSO READ: 10 Tips To Get Younger Looking Skin Naturally
BODY MOISTURISER
Ditch the commercial brands of moisturizers. Those chemical filled body lotions have petroleum-based ingredients in them which can harm your skin in the long run. Coconut oil is the most natural and safe medium of making the skin soft and supple. Since it is predominantly medium chain fatty acids, it seeps deep into the skin pores and moisturizes the skin.
Coconut oil works best on damp skin. So, slather it on after the shower to lock in moisture. Focus on spots like elbows and knees as they tend to get even drier than other spots.
Are you ready to give this wonder oil a try?