Coconut oil has made the headlines for its many health and beauty benefits for the past few years. Although at one time it was largely overlooked due to high levels of saturated fats, it has become one of the most popular cooking oils due to research demonstrating health benefits, including weight loss, cardiovascular health, Alzheimer’s prevention, and more. Ingesting it is not the only way to gain from this versatile nut; it also imparts several beauty benefits when you apply it directly to the skin. If you are unsure of how to add coconut to your beauty routine, try one of the following ways.
Coconut oil provides numerous health and beauty benefits
Remove Makeup
For the healthiest skin, you need to remove your makeup every day. However, some makeup is difficult to remove even with makeup remover. When you use harsh chemicals to remove the stubborn makeup, you end up hurting your skin even more. Alternatively, coconut oil can remove even the toughest makeup while also healing and helping your skin. Simply use it as an oil cleanser or apply with a cotton pad, according to Allure.
Body Scrub
Exfoliating is an essential component of any beauty regiment. It removes the dead skin that can clog pores and lead to older looking skin. Coconut oil is the perfect ingredient to add to a body scrub, because it moistens the skin while also helping to remove the dead skin and initiate skin cell renewal for a more rejuvenated appearance. For the best scrubs, add some coarse salt or sugar for more exfoliating power.
Massage Oil
Use it as your massage oil for its soothing and moisturizing properties
When it comes time for a massage, the last thing you want is to use massage oil with harsh ingredients, especially chemicals and other unnatural ones. For a natural, moisturizing, and soothing choice, heat up coconut oil and add in a few drops of essential oils. Essential oils not only add a pleasant aroma, but they have healing powers of their own.
Body Lotion
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizing agent for your skin, which is why it works so well as a moisturizer. It smells great and you do not have to worry about any added ingredients that can end up irritating skin, such as parabans. Simply apply the oil directly to your skin after a shower or bath.
Leave in Conditioner
Get healthy hair by conditioning with coconut oil
It is not just your skin that can be soothed by coconut oil; it can benefit your hair as well. Instead of buying a leave in condition, apply coconut oil to wet hair and leave it in for extra moisturize. If you are looking for an even deeper moisturizing treatment, heat up the coconut oil and apply it before you shampoo as a deep oil treatment.
Deodorant
Many people are turning to natural deodorants as a way to avoid chemicals and reduce the risk of some cancers. It can be difficult to find one that works, but coconut oil has been found to keep you smelling fresh for a long period of time. To make your own natural deodorant, add some cornstarch, baking soda, arrowroot powder, and an essential oil to the coconut oil.
Lip Balm
Maintain a kissable pout with coconut oil rather than lip balms
When you experience chapped lips, instead of reaching for chapstick or lip-gloss, apply some coconut oil right out of the jar. This not only will soothe and moisturize your lips, but as an added bonus anything you ingest will provide health benefits, rather than the potential hazards of chemicals and other harmful ingredients that may be in other balms.
Soothing Relief
Coconut oil does not just work to moisturize already health skin; it also can help to soothe skin that has been hurt. You can apply it to burns, bruises, bug bites, and other skin problems to help heal, soothe, and find some relief from any itching. It can also help to ward off stretch marks and scars when applied onto the affected area over a period of time.
Coconut oil is worth purchasing from your local health store. It is an all-in-one wellness powerhouse that can be incorporated into your beauty routine and be used for cooking and baking.
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