Five Beauty Uses in Coconut Oil

While the delicious and fragrant virgin coconut oil can be used in all sorts of dishes and recipes in the culinary world, did you know about the uses for coconut oil in hair and on skin? This versatile product has many health benefits if you know how to use it. From moisturizing to healing, the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil can help rejuvenate your body and give you that soft, luxurious hair and skin you desire. Here are five uses for coconut oil in hair and on skin that may surprise you.

Conditioner

Coconut oil has uses as a leave-in treatment for deep conditioning your hair. Not to mention, it’ll add a lovely coconutty aroma to your locks. The coconut oil helps to repair damage from the sun, hair dye, and excessive heat. It will also help soothe a dry, scaly scalp and reduce dandruff because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Massage it into your hair and scalp and let it sit for about an hour before you shampoo so it can soak in. Do you have a baby that’s got cradle cap? Coconut oil is safe for uses in hair and on skin with babies and children. Rub some on your baby's scalp about 15 min before their bath and shampoo it out to help relieve cradle cap. You can even use coconut oil to protect the ends of your hair before headed into a chlorinated pool.

Skin Moisturizer

The uses for coconut oil in your hair and scalp also extend on your body’s skin. From regular dry skin to eczema, coconut oil can help revitalize your skin to a softer, more youthful appearance. And when you use virgin coconut oil, you’ll get the bonus of an island paradise coconut smell on your skin. While it’s no cure for eczema, the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties will help to relieve the symptoms of eczema. Studies have shown that coconut oil may be better at soothing eczema than mineral oil. Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids that help create a barrier for holding in moisture when used in hair and on skin. Though, dermatologists don’t recommend using coconut oil on your face because it may cause breakouts. You can, however, use it on your body and your chapped lips to seal in moisture. Since coconut oil is semi solid when at room temperature, it's easy to pack into a little jar and apply to your lips anywhere you go.

Makeup Remover

Yes, one of the many uses for coconut oil besides in hair includes removing makeup on your skin or makeup brushes. This is because coconut oil breaks down lipid-soluble impurities like makeup. When using it on your skin, be sure to use a facial cleanser afterwards to avoid any breakouts caused by the coconut oil. To use it as a brush cleaner, apply coconut oil to your brushes and then dab it off well before washing them with soap and water. If you don’t dab off the coconut oil first, the detergent and oil will compete with each other and your brushes won’t get as clean.

Exfoliator Base

One of the most popular uses for coconut oil in hair and on skin includes creating your own DIY exfoliating body scrubs. You can make scrubs that smell amazing and have only a few ingredients. These types of body exfoliators can be packed into cute little mason jars and given as gifts to friends and family. The most simple versions of this are made from coconut oil and sugar (white sugar, brown sugar, or coconut sugar), or coconut oil and salt (table salt or pink himalayan salt). You can also add a few drops of any type of essential oil to give it a luxurious scent.

Healing Ointment

Some of the fatty acids in coconut oil, like lauric acid, have anit-microbial properties that help fight bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens. Because of this, coconut oil can be used as a healing salve to speed the regeneration process and fight off infection. Apply coconut oil on minor cuts in the skin or use it for cracked cuticles. Use it several times a day to keep a barrier present. If your wounds worsen, be sure to consult a doctor right away.

Wonderful coconut oil has so many uses for beauty in hair and on our skin. Plus, it can help raise your good cholesterol, fight against heart disease and high blood pressure, boost energy, and aid in digestion. It’s definitely something you want on your shelf to promote a healthy body from the inside out. Visit Wildly Organic today to learn about the different types of coconut oil and which is best for your applications. You’ll also find a ton of vegan and gluten-free recipes that incorporate coconut oil and our other organic, all-natural food products.