Who would’ve known that coconut oil would be such a hit… in the beauty industry? It’s countless health and beauty uses may seem like a new trend to most, but has been around a lot longer than most know. Since ancient times, this fatty acid-rich oil has been prized for its medicinal properties. It is naturally anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and rich in antioxidants. What’s more is that many believe that it boosts energy and aids in weight loss. A recent study showed that women who consumed two tablespoons of virgin coconut oil everyday for 12 weeks had significantly reduced their abdominal fat. Not to mention its endless (yet not as sexy) household uses; as insect repellent, as furniture polish, to clean and condition leather, and even to remove chewing gum from hair.
From tooth whitener and makeup remover to intensive hair conditioner, coconut oil should be a permanent fixture in your bathroom cabinet. My personal favorite is Dr. Bronner’s Magic Fresh-Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil, which you can find at Whole Foods or The Vitamin Shoppe.
Here are eight of my favorite beauty uses for coconut oil:
1. MAKEUP REMOVER
Coconut oil can be used to gently dissolve eye makeup. Dampen a cotton pad with warm water and rub in a coin-sized blob of oil. Place on your eyes for around a minute before wiping off. The oil will break down the makeup without rubbing or stretching the eye area. Skin will be clean and moisturized.
2. INTENSIVE HAIR CONDITIONER
A warm coconut oil treatment can work wonders for dry and intensely damaged hair. Rub the oil from root to tip and leave on for a few hours before washing hair as usual. If your hair is particularly fine, avoid your scalp as the oil is rich and might weigh your roots down.
3. WHITENING TOOTH TREATMENT
It hasn’t been scientifically proven, but tradition has it that rinsing your mouth out with coconut oil, or “pulling” as it’s known, will make your pearly whites even whiter. There might however be some truth to it as a recent study confirmed that a pure form of the oil kills streptococcus bacteria in the mouth.
4. LIP BALM
A slick of tasty coconut oil on the lips will keep them smooth and the fatty acids in the oil will create a barrier on skin and lock in moisture. This is a great protective treatment for extreme weather changes, intense air conditioning or lips prone to chapping.
5. CUTICLE OIL
The emollient nature of coconut oil means it’s great for treating ragged cuticles and keeping the skin around fingers and toes super soft. It will keep nails from becoming brittle, helping them to grow strong. As an added bonus, the oil is anti-fungal and may help to keep skin protected from infection.
6. SMOOTHING BODY SCRUB
Mix half a cup of coconut oil with two tablespoons of brown sugar and you’ve got yourself a deliciously smoothing body scrub. The sugar will sweep away dead cells while the oil moisturizes and nourishes the skin.
7. HAIR DE-FRIZZER
We know all too well the havoc that humidity can wreak on hair. Coconut oil is a natural water repellent and can stop frizz. The oil prevents water from entering the hair shaft, meaning it won’t puff up and will stay smoother for longer.
8. INTENSIVE NIGHT CREAM
Using coconut oil before bed might help to treat very dry or de-hydrated skin. The fatty acids help to strengthen the skin’s natural lipid barrier that will help to withhold moisture and therefore promote hydration. The antioxidants are also effective in slowing down the signs of aging.
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