We all know the benefits of including coconut oil in our diets, but do you know what happens when you use coconut oil for skin care?
About Coconut Oil
Before diving into the benefits of coconut oil for skin, let’s take a look at where it comes from and how it works.
Coconut oil comes from the coconut palm tree, which is often referred to as “The Tree of Life.”
A refined product by nature, coconut oil does not grow on a tree. Manufacturers have to extract the oil from the kernel or meat of harvested coconuts. Technically speaking, the only truly “unrefined” coconut oil people can consume is the oil still inside the meat from a fresh coconut just picked off the tree. The least refined type is virgin coconut oil.
Coconut oil is mainly made up of saturated fats. Containing a high amount of medium chain fatty acids (MCT), a good percentage of which is lauric acid, ( 1) coconut oil contains vitamin E, which is known to protect and nourish the skin. Vitamin E also contributes to silky hair and smooth, younger looking skin.
Using Coconut Oil for Skin
People use coconut oil in many natural beauty products, and for good reason.
If you suffer from acne, you may notice an increase in breakouts when first using coconut oil. This is because coconut oil draws impurities out of the skin. So give it time and keep consistent to notice results. When it comes to acne, make sure that your diet consists of loads of vitamins and nutrients, because you are what you eat!
Can I Use Coconut Oil for Face Cream?
Absolutely! If you want to keep your skin looking hydrated and healthy, try applying coconut oil to your face before bed.
If you're prone to acne, you can try adding a few drops to your normal moisturizer instead. This will amp up hydration without adding too much extra oil.
Other Ways to Use Coconut Oil for Skin:
Body Scrub
Moisturize and get rid of dead skin cells by making your own body (or facial) scrub. Just mix coconut oil with coconut sugar to reveal smoother skin. Try it a few times a week.
Cuticle Oil
Use coconut oil during your next at-home manicure. Rubbing the oil into cuticles will loosen up cuticles, making them easier to push back or cut.
Relaxing Bath
Allow your body and mind to unwind in a hot bath. Create a simple bath soak with coconut oil by adding ¼ cup of Epsom salts to ¼ cup of coconut oil into a hot bath. For added aromatherapy benefits, you could include a few drops of your favourite essential oils.
Makeup Remover
Using coconut oil for skin around the eye area will allow you to remove makeup easily. As an added bonus, you’ll give extra hydration to that sensitive area! To use, gently rub coconut oil onto lids and dab off eye makeup with a cotton pad or warm washcloth.
Conclusion
The benefits of coconut oil for your skin are extensive. Coconut oil is a superfood with a powerhouse of uses in cooking, beauty recipes, natural remedies and around the home.
So, grab yourself a tub and explore the benefits today!
P.S. Don't forget to leave a comment below letting us know how you use coconut oil for skin!
