The Surprising Uses Of Coconut Oil For Healthy Skin

Discover the top uses and benefits of coconut oil for healthy skin and pick the best one to unlock the secret to radiant, youthful skin.

The benefits of using coconut oil for healthy skin are literally popping up everywhere. The wonder oil isn’t only praised by health buffs but by beauty enthusiasts as well.

Unfortunately, a lot of people still feel intimidated about using the oil topically. Some of them even cringe at the idea of slathering oil on their skin and hair.

While that’s understandable, coconut oil actually offers nothing but great benefits. The trick lies in finding the best quality coconut oil you can use on your skin.

How To Find The Best Coconut Oil

Here’s a quick guide on how you can find the best coconut oil for healthy skin:

1. Choose Virgin Coconut Oil

There’s really no difference between virgin coconut oil and extra virgin oil. Coconut oil isn’t olive oil so there’s no point in comparing the two by this criterion.

Avoid paying a higher price just because it’s marketed as more “special”.

2. Smell It

In choosing coconut oil, skip those that smell nutty or roasted. Coconut oil that has this scent can only mean that it has undergone heating which can lessen its skin and health benefits.

Ideally, coconut oil should have a scent of freshly opened coconut. It should also have the same taste.

3. Pick Cold-Pressed

As mentioned, heat can take away a large percentage of the oil’s essential nutrients and properties. This is one of the reasons why you should stay away from expeller-pressed coconut oil as this processing involved heating coconuts to get their meat.

A good choice is cold-pressed coconut oil as long as its manufacturer stays true about not using heat from the start of the processing to its final phase.

4. Stick With Unrefined Coconut Oil

If you have been in search of the best coconut oil for quite a while now then you’d know how confusing the different refining processes are.

Your best pick is unrefined coconut oil since it’s the one closely related to virgin coconut oil – without heat and high temperature.

Coconut Oil Benefits

Coconut oil poses more than just health benefits and for that same reason, it’s growing more popular through the years – especially to people looking for natural ways to boost their beauty.

It’s getting used as an ingredient in creams, lotions, and even masks. Some even take it as a supplement to boost their health and skin from within.

For topical application, here are some of the benefits you can get from coconut oil:

1. Coconut oil can give back your skin’s lost moisture.
2. It’s effective in killing off bacteria as well as viruses.
3. You can use it to get rid of a bad odor.
4. It can prevent hair breakage and make your hair grow faster.
5. Its antioxidant properties can help slow down the signs of skin aging.
6. Coconut oil can boost your skin’s collagen production to make it more supple and elastic.
7. It provides minimal sun protection.
8. It can moisturize the dry, flaky, and itchy scalp.

To cast away your uncertainty and save you from confusion, below are 10 of the best ways you can effectively and easily use coconut oil for healthy skin.

How To Use Coconut Oil For Healthy Skin

Coconut oil is a versatile and natural ingredient that can be used for various skincare routines.

Just remember, a little goes a long way with coconut oil. You don’t want to end up looking like a greased-up coconut. Unless you’re into that kind of thing.

Also, coconut oil is comedogenic which means that it can clog pores so if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you may want to use it sparingly or not at all.

And always patch test before applying on your face.

So let’s take a look over ten ingenious ideas to use coconut oil for healthy skin (on both face and body):

1. Face Wash

To use it as a face wash, simply scoop a small amount of coconut oil into the palm of your hand and massage it onto your face in circular motions. Be gentle, your face is delicate!

Let the oil sit on your skin for a minute or two to allow it to fully penetrate and moisturize.

Then, using a warm washcloth, gently wipe off the oil. Your face will be left feeling clean, soft, and moisturized.

2. Moisturizer

Simply take a small amount of coconut oil and massage it into your skin, focusing on any dry areas. The oil will absorb quickly and leave your skin feeling soft and hydrated.

Not only it moisturizes but also it has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that can help to clear up any blemishes.

Plus, you’ll smell like a tropical paradise all day long!

3. Makeup Remover

Ladies and gentlemen, put down the harsh makeup removers and step away from the cotton pads! Coconut oil is here to save the day as a natural and gentle makeup remover.

To use it, simply take a small amount of coconut oil and massage it onto your face, focusing on any areas with makeup.

The oil will break down and dissolve your makeup, leaving your skin feeling clean and moisturized. And the best part? You can even use it to remove waterproof mascara!

Just be sure to wipe it off with a warm washcloth or a cotton pad and you’ll be left with a makeup-free face and a subtle coconut scent.

Just don’t get it in your eyes or you might end up looking like a coconut with mascara running down its face.

4. Face Mask

To use it as a face mask, simply take a small amount of coconut oil and massage it onto your face in circular motions. Let it sit on your face for 10-15 minutes, and then wipe it off with a warm washcloth.

Voila! You’ll have a moisturized and refreshed face, and a subtle coconut scent that will make you feel like you’re on a tropical vacation (without leaving your bathroom!)

You can even add some honey to the coconut oil for an extra boost of hydration and antibacterial properties. Just be careful not to eat it, because it’s not quite the same as a piña colada.

5. Lip Balm

Say goodbye to dry, cracked lips and hello to soft, moisturized lips with coconut oil!

To use it as a lip balm, simply take a small amount of coconut oil and apply it directly to your lips. The oil will absorb quickly, leaving your lips feeling soft and hydrated.

Plus, it’s completely natural and free of any harsh chemicals found in some lip balms.

You can even add a drop of peppermint or vanilla extract for a refreshing and tasty twist. Just be careful not to lick it off, because while it may taste delicious, it’s not meant to be eaten.

Coconut oil can be solid at room temperature so you can keep it in a small container or jar and apply it as needed.

You can also mix it with other natural ingredients such as beeswax, Shea butter, or cocoa butter to make your own DIY lip balm.

And don’t worry if your lips look a little shiny, you’ll be the envy of all your friends with the softest and most moisturized lips around.

6. Body Scrub

To use it as a body scrub, you can mix coconut oil with a natural exfoliant such as sugar, coffee grounds, or sea salt.

Then, gently massage the mixture onto your skin in circular motions, focusing on areas that need extra attention like your elbows, knees, and heels.

The exfoliant will help to remove dead skin cells while the coconut oil will moisturize and nourish your skin.

You can even add some essential oils to the mixture for a relaxing and refreshing experience. Just be careful not to slip in the shower, because you’ll be too relaxed to notice.

After exfoliating, rinse off the mixture with warm water and pat dry. You’ll be left with soft, smooth, and glowing skin that smells like a tropical paradise.

But remember, exfoliating too often or too aggressively can cause irritation or dryness. So it’s best to use it once or twice a week, and always be gentle when you’re scrubbing.

7. Shaving Cream

Ditch the chemical-laden shaving cream and switch to coconut oil for a smooth and moisturized shave.

To use it as a shaving cream, simply apply a small amount of coconut oil onto the area you want to shave, and then shave as normal. The oil will provide a barrier between your skin and the razor, helping to reduce irritation and nicks.

Plus, it’s naturally hydrating, so it will leave your skin feeling moisturized, not dry and tight.

You can even add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for a pleasant aroma and extra soothing properties. Just be careful not to confuse it with your cooking oil, because that would be a bit of a surprise (and not a pleasant one).

After shaving, rinse off the remaining oil with warm water and pat dry.

But remember, coconut oil can clog the razor so make sure to clean it thoroughly after using it and always patch test before using it on your skin.

8. Stretch Mark Cream

To use it as a stretch mark cream, simply massage a small amount of coconut oil onto the affected area in circular motions.

The oil’s natural hydrating properties will help to moisturize the skin and improve its elasticity, while also helping to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

You can even add a few drops of essential oils like lavender or chamomile to the coconut oil for extra soothing properties. Just be careful not to apply it to your clothes, because it may leave an oil stain.

You can use it on the affected area daily, but be mindful that although coconut oil can help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, it can’t completely remove them.

And don’t worry, you’ll be rocking your stretch marks with pride because they are a testament to the amazing things your body can do.

9. Body Butter

To make coconut oil body butter, you will need to melt coconut oil in a double boiler and add any other ingredients you want such as shea butter, cocoa butter, vitamin E oil, and essential oils. Then, let it cool and solidify.

To use it, simply scoop out a small amount and massage it onto your skin, focusing on areas that are particularly dry like your elbows, knees, and heels.

The coconut oil will help to moisturize and nourish your skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. Plus, it’s completely natural and free of any harsh chemicals found in some commercial body butters.

Just be careful not to apply it right before going out, because it will make you smell so good, everyone will want to know your secret.

And don’t worry, with this body butter, you’ll be leaving your dry skin in the past, and embracing a new, smooth and soft you.

10. Diaper Cream

To use it as a diaper cream, simply apply a small amount of coconut oil to the affected area after each diaper change.

Coconut oil’s natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can help to soothe and protect your baby’s delicate skin, while also keeping it moisturized.

You can also add a few drops of essential oils like tea tree or lavender to the coconut oil for extra soothing properties.

Just be careful not to apply too much, because a little goes a long way when it comes to babies’ bottoms.

You can use it as often as needed, but always make sure to clean the area before applying the cream.

And don’t worry, with coconut oil as a diaper cream, you’ll be giving your baby’s bottom the best care, and you’ll also have one less thing to worry about.

Final Words

In conclusion, coconut oil is a versatile and natural product that can be used for various purposes, such as:

1. Face wash;
2. Moisturizer;
3. Makeup remover;
4. Face mask;
5. Lip balm;
6. Body scrub;
7. Shaving cream;
8. Stretch mark cream;
9. Body butter;
10. And diaper cream.

Its natural hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties make it a great choice for skin care. It’s easy to use, inexpensive, and can be found at most health food stores.

Remember to always use a small amount and be mindful of any allergic reactions you may have to coconut oil before using it.

Have fun experimenting with coconut oil and discovering all the benefits it has to offer!