We’ve discussed on previous blogs how virgin coconut oil promotes skin and coat health in pets. But did you know that coconut oil is also a great beauty staple for humans that's perfect for everyday use?
As you probably know, CocoTherapy was founded by women whose heritage is steeped in 3 generations of all things coconuts and coconut oil. Coconut oil has formed part of our diet for generations as a healthy food staple. Not only that, the women in our family have also used coconut oil in their personal and beauty routines for countless years.
In this post, we'll share 17 ways to add coconut oil to your beauty routine. We hope this post helps you find more ways to make use of our favorite tropical oil!
1) As a Face Cleanser and Makeup Remover
Coconut oil is great for deep-cleaning pores and removing makeup, especially when your skin is going haywire, and you want to avoid multi-ingredient formulas.
If your coconut oil is in solid form, liquefy the oil using the heat of your fingers. Then, gently rub it on your face for several minutes to clean your skin and remove the day’s makeup. Follow up with a gentle wipe from a cotton pad.
You can repeat this process until all traces of dirt and make-up are gone. Lastly, remove any excess oil with a warm washcloth. Voila, done!
2) As a Face Moisturizer for Glowing, Dewy Skin
A little goes a long way, here.
After cleansing your face and while you skin is still moist, apply a small amount of coconut oil by dabbing it on your cheekbones for an overall youthful glow.
You can also tap some coconut oil lightly around your eyes as a gentle eye cream substitute. This will bring a nice glow to your face without a whole lot of fuss.
3) For Teeth and Gum Health
As we’ve discussed before, coconut oil has some great antibacterial properties. So why not put it to work killing mouth bacteria that causes tooth decay?
Simply mix a small amount of coconut oil with baking soda and some peppermint oil to make your own homemade toothpaste.
It’ll also soothe red, swollen gums! Just rub the paste on using your finger and rinse with warm water when done.
4) For Oil Pulling
Another way to put coconut oil to work for better oral hygiene! It’s been done for hundreds of years and have shown to have multiple benefits, so why not give it a try?
Take a tablespoon and swish it around your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes, being sure to move it around as much as possible. This process will remove harmful bacteria, reduce plaque and gingivitis, and even fight bad breath! Watch co-founders, Charisa Antigua and Carmina O’Connor demonstrate the basics of oil pulling: https://youtu.be/KpkMG01tYUE
5) For Improved Hair Health
Use coconut oil as a hot oil treatment for better, healthier hair. Heat the oil until it is warm and melted, but not scalding hot. You don’t want to burn yourself!
Massage the coconut oil into your hair, starting at the scalp and really concentrate on any dry ends. Then, put on a shower cap and wrap a warm towel around your head. Wait and then wash your hair with gentle, moisturizing shampoo.
6) As a Hair-Styling Serum
Suffering from flyaway hairs or frizzing from humid conditions? Coconut oil can help smooth those troubles away!
After styling, rub a small amount of oil in the palms of your hands. Then, run your hands over the middle to ends of your hair, concentrating on the dry ends. This will give your hair a sheen and shine, while keeping it manageable.
7) As a Body Scrub
Coconut oil combined with sugar, sea salt, or fresh ground coffee makes for an excellent body scrub! Create a scrub with the ratios below and apply it in the shower. Rinse off with warm water.
For sugar and sea salt, use a 2:1 ratio of those ingredients to coconut oil. For freshly ground coffee, you’ll want to do a 1:1 ratio. Save leftovers in an airtight container.
8) As a Moisturizer for Dry Skin and Eczema
Applied immediately after a shower on damp skin, coconut oil will prevent water loss by providing essential fatty lipids that are otherwise removed throughout the day. Coconut oil helps to soothe dry, itchy skin. In fact, it is a great natural remedy for eczema (1). Virgin coconut oil contains heathy fatty acids that can decrease irritation and itching. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to protect the skin by reducing inflammation and improving the skin barrier (2).
It works best on hands, knees, and arms to deliver that great, moisturized feeling. For eczema, apply coconut oil directly to skin after bathing and up to several times a day, especially during flare-ups. Use it before bedtime to moisturize the skin overnight.
9) In a Bath
Using coconut oil as a part of a relaxing bath with Epsom salts and you favorite essential oils is a great way to unwind, ease tense muscles, and reap the moisturizing benefits.
Just add a generous teaspoon or two into your warm bath water as you’re running it to get a good, even mix.
10) During Your Mani Pedi
Dry, cracked nails and angry cuticles can all be tamed with a little coconut oil love.
To properly moisturize cuticles and repair your nails, spend some time really rubbing the oil in to ensure it penetrates properly. You’ll soon have much happier hands and feet.
11) For Improved Foot Health
Foot odor an issue? How about toenail fungus?
The fatty acids in coconut oil are a natural fungicide that work to attack fungal membranes to break them down and clear up any issues.
Meanwhile, coconut oil will also do a number on odor-causing bacteria, eliminating unpleasant smells so you can feel confident being barefoot around friends and family.
12) As an Ear Cleaner
Because coconut oil has antiseptic properties, a few drops can go a long way to clearing up a mild earache.
It can also help to gently clean out earwax without the harmful effects of other commercial options that may use more potent ingredients to get the job done.
13) As a Natural Deodorant
Body odor is caused by bacterial growth that happens when your sweat gets trapped against your skin. While it won’t stop you from sweating, coconut oil will work to kill these bacteria and thus eliminate the smell.
It can also be used prior to applying commercial anti-perspirants and deodorants that may cause irritation because it helps soothe sensitive under arms, protecting it in the process.
Rub a small amount of oil to your clean under arms, ideally after bathing or showering. Let the oil absorb before you dress or apply other products.
14) For Better Lip Health and Appearance
Coconut oil will make an excellent lip balm. A few dabs throughout the day and you’re all set. Or combine it with beeswax or shea butter for a thicker application.
Likewise, you can make a lip scrub using a 1:1 ratio with sugar.
And it even helps alleviate cold sores thanks to its natural antiviral, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties!
15) To Soothe Razor Burn
Applying coconut oil after shaving to your underarms or legs is a good way to prevent razor bumps and soothe any cuts, knicks, or chafing.
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, you’ll also be helping to prevent potential infections from setting in.
16) As a Massage Oil
Coconut oil makes for a wonderful, gentle massage oil. It protects skin while helping to soothe and relax muscles.
It is also known to help with inflammation and may even reduce cellulite and stretch marks, which make it an even better choice as a massage oil.
17) As a Personal Lubricant
Coconut oil is antibacterial, anti-yeast, and kills harmful pathogens. Need we say more…?
We hope you enjoyed today’s post and discovered some new ways to use our favorite oil! Do you use coconut oil as part of your beauty routine? Let us know in the comments!
References
(1) Mara Therese Padilla Evangelista MD et al., 2013, The effect of topical virgin coconut oil on SCORAD index, transepidermal water loss, and skin capacitance in mild to moderate pediatric atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double‐blind, clinical trial.
International Journal of Dermatology, 2014 Jan;53(1):100-8. doi: 10.1111/ijd.12339. Epub 2013 Dec 10.PMID: 24320105 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.12339
(2) Sandeep R. Varma et al., 2019, In vitro anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of Virgin coconut oil. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, Vol 9, Issue 1, pg.5-14
