Coconut oil is an amazing health food with endless uses across natural beauty, natural medicine, cooking and so much more. It has gained in popularity for good reasons – it is a natural antibacterial, antifungal, a fantastic moisturiser and can penetrate hair better than other oils. It also happens to smell beautiful!
Across South-East Asia and particularly in the Philippines, the coconut tree is considered the “Tree of Life” due to its remarkable versatility. The tough skin of the coconut tree can be used for: making fences, decoration, landscaping; the mature flesh of the coconut can be used for cosmetics, oil or soaps; and the fruit can be cooked and made into charcoal - amazing!
With help from Love Beauty Foods we have rounded up eight of the best beauty uses for coconut oil. All you need is one thing - a jar of coconut oil! Look for one in your local supermarket that’s raw, virgin and organic.
1. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that is used to detoxify your mouth by killing bad breath, fighting tooth decay and even boosting your immune system. Oil pulling improves the health of your teeth and gums and also happens to be a natural teeth whitener. Best of all, oil pulling is super simple, to reap the many rewards and supercharge your oral care just scoop out a heaped teaspoon of coconut oil and swish it around in your mouth for between 10-20 minutes, being careful not to swallow the oil. Once finished, spit the oil into the bin and rinse your mouth with water.
2. Natural Makeup Remover
A small amount of coconut oil will quickly liquefy eye makeup, even waterproof mascara! Place some oil on a cotton ball and gently sweep over your upper and lower lids in a circular motion. Wipe off with a warm cloth. The oil breaks down waxy, inky eye makeup and leaves this delicate area hydrated and moisturised. Coconut oil will not sting or irritate eyes like most commercial eye makeup removers.
3. Natural Skin Moisturiser
Coconut oil is a fantastic body moisturiser that is effective in increasing hydration and reducing water loss in dry skin. It is absorbed quickly and is non-greasy. If your coconut oil has solidified at room temperature, simply place some in the palm of your hand and watch it quickly liquefy then apply to your face and body, rubbing in a circular motion. Let it sit for 5 minutes and then rub off any residue on your skin’s surface.
4. Cheekbone Highlighter
For beautiful, dewy cheeks apply a small amount of coconut oil on top of makeup and let it sit. Your skin will appear to give off a natural glow which is why many makeup brands use it as their base.
5. Wrinkle Reduction
Coconut oil can even reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles for a more youthful-looking appearance! It has been found that coconut oil has the ability to penetrate deep into the skin, with triglycerides in the oil attracting protein molecules and ensuring timely repair of the collagen, keeping your skin elastic and smooth - amazing!
6. Lip Balm
Coconut oil can help relieve dry and chapped lips, which can happen during any season. The healing properties of coconut oil help to nourish the lips, and it can be mixed with different essential oils or herbal extracts to suit your tastes.
7. In-grown Hair Treatment
Rub coconut oil on areas that are prone to bumps and infections or areas that you regularly shave. The oil helps to soften skin and kill bacteria so hair can easily grow from the follicle without becoming in-grown.
8. Nail Cuticle Oil
Keep your cuticles looking fantastic with coconut oil! Apply some oil at the base of your fingertips to reduce the risk of developing fungal infections and to keep the skin supple for pushing back cuticles and encouraging nail growth.
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