The Beauty Benefits of Coconut Oil

Ahh the wonders of coconut oil. There are so many ways to use this wonderful stuff that you’ll soon be calling it your all-in-one savior. With its high amounts of saturated fatty acids, antifungal/antibacterial properties, and extra moisturizing benefits, coconut oil can help resolve many beauty issues we deal with daily. It has high amounts of Vitamin K and E and minerals like iron that our hair and skin thrive on. Proteins are the building blocks for our hair and our favorite tropical delight is packed with them! Organic raw coconut oil will provide you with the best results since it isn’t heated to a very high level damaging any of the nutrients, and also has no additives when it is raw or unrefined. Deodorized or refined coconut oil has been stripped of some of its properties which make it less beneficial to you. Let’s take a look at five ways you can incorporate coconut oil into your beauty routine.

Deep Conditioning Hair Mask: With this type of treatment you should always work from the ends up to the roots. Your ends will always be drier than near your scalp so make sure your hair is combed and work the oil through. It will start out in a solid form and melt into the hair as it’s applied. Start out with a large heaping tablespoon and if necessary add more. Allow for at least two hours for the oil to penetrate the hair and do it’s work. Because coconut oil has lots of protein in it, it acts as a anti-breakage treatment while moisturizing dried out tresses. You can do this treatment once a week or once a month depending on your hair type and condition. Make sure to rinse and shampoo with a gentle cleanser with warm water to get it all out and voila! Shiny, manageable hair.

Shaving Lotion: Because coconut oil can help keep skin supple by trapping in moisture, it’s a great to use for shaving. The oil helps your blade glide over curves and makes legs smooth and shiny after a good shave. Let’s not forget that it works great to guard against razor burn and prevent itchy or painful irritation because of its antifungal/antibacterial properties. Make sure the oil has been warmed in your hands first and slather over your legs at the end of your shower or bath. With each swipe, rinse the blade under running warm water and repeat.

Makeup Remover: Coconut oil can break down oil-based makeup easily and will help gently dissolve lingering eye makeup while nourishing the skin. Take some coconut oil and warm it into your hands until it gets liquidy and wipe all over the face and eyes (just keep your eyes closed). Massage into the skin to get every trace of makeup and take some cotton squares to wipe everything away. Wash your face if you must, but you should be able to rinse your face with warm water and let the remaining coconut oil moisturize your skin as an added benefit.

Cuticle Saver: Cuticles that easily snag and tear can benefit from a thin layer of coconut oil just before bedtime. By softening the thickened skin at the base of your nails it will allow it to be more flexible and moisturize while protecting that beautiful manicure you have.

Lip treatment: The fatty acids in coconut oil help the skin retain moisture and our lips have very thin and delicate skin to keep that moisture in. Keep a small tin with a dollop of coconut oil in it so you can slather it on whenever your lips feel dry. Already have peeling lips? Create a mini lip scrub with some granulated sugar and a small amount of coconut oil and rub your lips together for a yummy-smelling lip treatment. Your lips will feel smooth and moisturized in no time.

What do you use coconut oil for? Is there a beauty secret you’d like to share with the rest of us? Share in the comments below!

Looking for more? Make sure to check out our DIY vegan face masks and our DIY blueberry face mask!