By now, we're all aware of the powerful health benefits of the mighty Coconut Oil. Not only is Coconut Oil a chemical-free natural superfood, it also contains powerful fatty acids that can help burn fat, kill harmful bacteria, reduce hunger, and restore dental health.
The benefits of Coconut Oil are wide ranging, but did you know that Coconut Oil has just as many beauty benefits as it does health? That's right. This miracle ingredient can restore moisture and shine to your hair, give you smooth, silky skin, treat those dry lips during the winter, and more.
By the way, when using Coconut Oil for beauty, we highly recommend to use a beauty grade Coconut Oil rather than the regular stuff you cook with. Click here to learn the differences between these and why beauty grade Coconut Oil is the way to go when applying it on your skin and hair.
Here are 10 ways you can incorporate Coconut Oil into your beauty routine and say goodbye to expensive treatments, creams, and masks.
1. Coconut Oil For Hair
Coconut Oil works wonders for dry, damaged, and frizzy hair. The fatty acids soften your hair, and trap moisture inside, resulting in soft, silky, shiny, frizz-free hair. The best way to apply it is to rub a small amount between your hands then apply it to your hair from roots to ends (skip the roots if they're oily). Apply the Coconut Oil one section at a time, and comb through. The longer you can leave it in, the better! Wrap your hair in a towel or shower cap for at least 15 minutes and then follow with a gentle shampoo. If you are feeling bold, consider sleeping with it in (cover your head with a shower cap to avoid getting the oil all over your pillow) and wake up with unbelievably silky hair.
2. Coconut Oil As A Makeup Remover
Coconut Oil is a great way to break down any waterproof mascara or heavy eye makeup. Use a cosmetic cotton pad and rub some Coconut Oil into it. Then, continue to use it as a makeup remover, getting at any waterproof eyeliner or mascara. You can also use your fingers to rub the oil into your face to dissolve tough makeup. After you’ve softened everything up with the oil, wash your face with a gentle face wash to get the remainders of the oil out.
Bonus: Coconut Oil acts as a lash growth serum so you can apply a tiny bit after washing your face to the base of your lashes for thicker lashes.
3. Coconut Oil For Body
Combine a tablespoon of Coconut Oil with a tablespoon of ground coffee, and you’ve got a great body scrubbing mix! Keep with that ratio when creating bigger batches. Some alternatives to exfoliants other than ground coffee are ground sea salt or brown sugar. The Coconut Oil acts as a skin smoother and moisturizer, while the rough coffee grounds or brown sugar scrub dead skin away, resulting in baby smooth skin.
4. Coconut Oil As A Moisturizer
Say hello to your new body lotion. When you hop out of the shower, ditch the chemical filled lotion that just ends up drying out your skin after an hour. Instead, apply a thin layer of Coconut Oil to lock the moisture in.
Bonus: you smell like tropical coconuts!
5. Coconut Oil For Shaving
Take a warm shower to soften your hair and open up the hair follicles. Then, smoothen about a teaspoon of Coconut Oil onto your legs before shaving. The oil will moisturize your skin as you shave, which most shaving creams do not do, and keep your legs feeling silky smooth hours later.
6. Coconut Oil Face Mask
Looking for a simple and quick face mask for a night in? Combine 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of melted Coconut Oil, and let the mixture set for 15-20 minutes. Make sure your face is dry and clean, and apply the mask. Wait about 10 minutes and remove it all with a warm, damp washcloth for bright and smooth skin.
7. Coconut Oil Lip Scrub
Can't seem to get rid of those dry, chapped lips? Combine 1 teaspoon of Coconut Oil with 1 teaspoon of organic, raw sugar. Be sure that the Coconut Oil is at room temperature and not too warm, otherwise it will melt the sugar. Apply the mixture to your lips and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to soften dead skin cells. Then, scrub at your lips in a circular motion, rinse off the mask, and enjoy smooth, soft lips.
8. Coconut Oil As A Highlighter
Natural, dewy skin is in, and nothing brightens up a tired face like the right highlighter. Many makeup brands use Coconut Oil as a base ingredient, because of its ability to give the skin that beautiful, natural glow. To use Coconut Oil as a highlighter, apply your regular makeup, then dab a small amount of Coconut Oil on your cheekbones and areas where you would like that extra glow.
9. Coconut Oil For Dental Care
Most whitening toothpastes use questionable chemicals and sweeteners that erode the enamel of your teeth. Instead of using these, create your own natural toothpaste by mixing equal parts Coconut Oil and baking soda (add a few drops of peppermint essential oil for flavour). Let the mixture harden at room temperature and say hello to a brighter, whiter smile with no chemicals needed.
Oil Pulling is another way to use Coconut Oil for dental care and oral health. Take a tablespoon of Coconut Oil in the morning, swish it around your mouth for 20 minutes, and spit it out in the garbage (not the sink, as it may harden and clog up your pipes). Oil Pulling can lead to improved oral health, whiter teeth, improved skin, and even help with hangovers.
10. Coconut Oil For Wrinkles
As we age, fat cells under the skin begin to diminish, and the layers of your skin begin to thin, causing wrinkles. Massage a layer of Coconut Oil onto your face every night before bed, to help reduce the appearance of these fine lines, as well as combat premature aging.
Do you use Coconut Oil in your beauty routine? We'd love to hear how in the comments below.