I cannot live without coconut oil. Aside from Apple Cider Vinegar, it is my go to miracle product for everything from dry skin to brittle hair.
I have recently been eliminating products from my personal beauty routine that contain unnecessary chemicals. Unfortunately this has not left me with much to work with, especially in terms of lotions and shampoo/conditioners. Luckily, I had a large bottle of coconut oil in my kitchen which has been my lifesaver!
There are so many uses for coconut oil, it would be impossible to cover them all. Here are the top ways to incorporate this amazing product in your beauty routine:
Brittle Hair
Before bed, apply a quarter size scoop of coconut oil in damp hair and brush it through. Roll your hair into a bun and put on a shower cap, or protect your pillow with an old towel. In the morning, shampoo as normal. Coconut oil helps aid in preventing protein loss and nourishes dry, damaged hair like a charm.
Dry Skin
You can apply coconut oil just as you would any other lotion. It works best on slightly damp skin, so applying after your shower is ideal. Massage it into your skin day or night. Many also use it to treat psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis.
I recently got home from a trip to Peru, where the climate was extremely humid. Aside from horrible hair days, the humidity was awesome for my skin, I didn’t put lotion on once! Since I’ve returned, my skin has been twice as dry as it normally is..so dry that it’s actually flaking. It’s gross. Every morning when I get out of the shower, when my skin is still wet, I apply coconut oil on my entire body. It’s not only extremely moisturizing but it leaves skin with a really nice glow that lasts for hours. It has completely healed my dry skin.
Moisturizer
Coconut oil has anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties, and works great as a night-time moisturizer. I combine it with several other oils and let it soak in as I sleep. If you’re prone to acne, test a little bit on a small part of your face before you go all out and slather yourself down. It does not make me break out at all, in fact I feel like it helps clear up my skin. However, it’s always best to test it on yourself since everyone is different.
Eat It!
Coconut oil has even more benefits when you ingest it! Use it when you cook, or even just eat a tablespoon of it to capitalize on the benefits. You will also start to notice it working from the inside out in terms of shinier hair and smooth skin!
It is an oil so naturally it contains fat, but it’s packed with good fats! Dr. Oz recently ran a two episode special on his show, called Coconut Oil Superpowers. He listed the benefits as cholesterol reducing, thyroid balancing, blood sugar controlling, and immune enhancing. It also helps with digestion, prevents heart disease and high blood pressure, supports kidney and gall bladder functions and even aids in weight loss.
Alzheimer’s
Coconut Oil has recently been in the spotlight for it’s miraculous progress in reversing Alzheimer’s. Read about that on the Alliance for Natural Health’s website here
And if you don’t believe me…
Victoria’s Secret models swear by it
Miranda Kerr has been a long time advocate for coconut oil. She’s been taking it since she was 14 years old and has been quoted to say, “I will not go a day without coconut oil. I personally take four tablespoons per day, either on my salads, in my cooking or in my cups of green tea.”
Candice Swanepoel tweeted a photo of coconut oil with the caption “My no1 beauty secret :)”
Doutzen Kroes told Modelina, “I put coconut oil in my hair, it keeps it soft and shiny. Put a bit in before you go to sleep at night and wash it out in the morning.”
Giselle Bundchen has her own line of organic skin care whose main ingredient is Coconut oil. She has also said, “use coconut oil on your body at night. it will help sooth and hydrate the skin if you’ve stayed in the sun too long”
What should I look for in my coconut oil?
When purchasing Coconut Oil it’s important to buy Cold Pressed, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. If you have the choice always pick the organic, GMO (Genetically Modified) free kind to ensure your coconut oil is in it’s purest form. You can buy coconut oil at any health food store (Whole Foods, Sprouts, Mother’s etc) or Amazon has great prices. Considering how much you receive in a tub, it’s super economical!
If my coconut oil turns to liquid, is it still good?
Coconut oil does not need to be refrigerated. However, it warm temperatures it will melt and turn to liquid. It’s still perfectly good and will go back to solid form when the weather cools down.
