10 Beauty Uses for Coconut Oil
If ever there were a beauty cure-all, it’s coconut oil. Uses abound inside each jar of the sweet-smelling oil which boasts a long shelf life and a number of health benefits. You can use it for everything from healing scars to moisturising dry knees — it really is a jack-of-all-trades. The wonder oil is made up of a unique combination of natural fats, has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and helps fight the signs of ageing, so it’s no wonder ladies are going gaga for the stuff. If you’re still not sure how to incorporate it into your skincare routine, here are 10 surprising beauty uses for coconut oil!
1. Eye makeup remover:
You can remove an entire face of makeup (even stubborn waterproof makeup!) using just a teaspoon full of coconut oil. You can either soak a cotton ball in coconut oil and wipe to remove makeup or massage a dollop of the oil onto the skin and rinse with warm water. If you’re looking for a natural pre-cleanse product, this is it!
Top tip: Make your own makeup remover wipes by melting a teaspoon of coconut oil per round cotton pad in a microwave-safe container. Then, lay the cotton pads in an even layer and let them soak up the oil overnight. Store the wipes in the same container or in a zip lock bag and use them at your dressing table at night or toss them in your gym bag for removing makeup on the go.
2. Treat cold sores:
Alas, coconut oil won’t kill the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores (nothing can), but it can lessen its appearance and stop it from spreading thanks to a substance known as lauric acid. Using a cotton bud, apply a dollop of coconut oil directly to the sore several times a day and you’ll notice that the cold sore isn’t able to spread as efficiently and won’t last as long.
3. Lip balm:
Coconut oil can help to heal dry, chapped lips in no time! Dry lips don’t stand a chance against ultra-hydrating coconut oil so if your lips are taking a beating during winter then scoop some into a small round container and pop it in your purse so you can dab it on with your finger throughout the day.
4. Face mask:
Make your own face mask by mixing equal parts coconut oil and raw honey and have glowing skin. Apply the mixture directly onto your face and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water.
5. Hydrating deep conditioner | hair mask:
Forget spending a fortune on a hair mask, next time you’re in the shower take your coconut oil in with you! It will add new life to dry, lack-lustre locks. Scoop some oil into a jar or container and then while you’re in the shower melt your coconut oil by running the jar under hot water. Then after shampooing, apply a generous amount of the oil to your wet hair. Twist your hair into a bun and leave for 5 minutes before rinsing. Coconut oil is also great for de-frizzing hair — rub a pea-sized amount into your ends for frizz-free hair all day long.
6. Cuticle cream:
Soften and treat cuticles with a spot of coconut oil. Apply the oil directly to your cuticles to hydrate the delicate cuticle skin and get healthier nails at home or on the go. Just apply a small amount of the oil onto each of your cuticles and allow it to sink in. Then apply some hand cream and you’re good to go!
7. Treat Eczema, Psoriasis and reduce dandruff:
While Eczema, Psoriasis, and dandruff aren’t the same, thing they have similar symptoms and cause red, irritated, skin. You can use coconut oil to target parts of your body that are affected by Eczema, Psoriasis, or dandruff. Rub a thin layer of the oil to the affected area to moisturise the skin and keep the area healthy. For dandruff or psoriasis on the scalp use coconut oil on the scalp during washing, 2-3 times a week to help keep itching and flakes at bay.
8. Body moisturiser:
Use coconut oil to soften your skin and treat cracked heels, dry elbows and other areas where you suffer from dry skin. Apply a coin-sized amount to your body after you get out of the shower so it can sink into warm skin.
9. Shaving cream:
Run out of shaving cream? Just grab your coconut oil! Scoop some into a separate jar, run the jar under warm water while in the shower and then lather the oil onto your legs before shaving. The oil will start to moisturise your legs immediately after application and you’ll get the closest shave of your life. Just be careful not to slip in the shower — the oil can be quite slippery!
10. Under-eye cream:
Beat under-eye puffiness and dark circles at bay with coconut oil. Just rub a small amount in between your fingers to warm it up and then gently dab it under your eyes.
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