By Siobhan O'Connor
With one $10 bottle, you can solve 10 of your beauty problems—naturally
Let's work backwards. When you think about the health benefits of
coconut oil, we're going to guess that the last thing that comes to mind is
rubbing the edible plant grease all over your face. Or your arms. Or your hair.
But a growing body of research, countless experts, and an army of
natural-beauty devotees swear by the stuff for just about everything. Are they
onto something?
Yes, according to our experts. Coconut oil is used in many natural
beauty products, and for good reason: It's naturally antibacterial and
antifungal, it's an excellent moisturizer, it can penetrate hair better than
other oils, and, well, it smells like cookies.
"Yum," says Tieraona Low Dog, MD, director of the fellowship
program at the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine. "Is there anything
more luscious than coconut oil?"
We can't think of anything. But we can think of 10 amazing uses for it
in your very own home that don't require spending a fortune on store-bought
products. In fact, all you need is one thing: Raw (and preferably organic)
virgin coconut oil.
Here, count on two hands our completely natural DIY beauty tricks with
coconut oil.
1. To soothe dry hands
This won't work for dry digits when you're on the go, but at home,
coconut oil can work wonders on your dishwashing-parched hands. "I keep a
jar of organic extra virgin coconut oil by the kitchen sink and put a little on
after washing my hands to keep them soft and moist," says Dr. Low Dog. And
if you cook with coconut oil—you can sub it for butter in baking recipes
because it’s solid at room temperature—scoop out a little extra for your hands,
too. "Whenever I cook with coconut oil, I make sure to moisturize my hands
with it too," says Katrine van Wyk, a holistic health and nutrition coach
based in New York.
2. As a cheekbone highlighter
Nothing perks up a tired face like a little highlighter, but you don't
need store-bought products to achieve the same effect. Simply sweep a small
amount of coconut oil on top of makeup and leave it alone. It looks like your
skin but glowier, which is why many natural makeup brands use it as a base
ingredient in their formulas. If you're looking for a more portable option, try
the cult favorite Living Luminizer by RMS Beauty, which has a coconut-oil base
and light reflecting pigment.
3. To shave your legs
Conventional shaving cream is an expensive cocktail of chemicals that
you don't need to get a nice clean shave on your legs or underarms. Coconut
oil, on the other hand, is inexpensive, naturally antimicrobial, and smells
divine. Plus, its skin-soothing properties will leave your legs looking
hydrated (but never greasy).
4. As a deep-conditioner
There's a reason many conditioners contain coconut oil: It's better
able to penetrate hair (and prevent protein loss) than mineral and sunflower
oil, according to research. "I use it in my hair and on my skin for deep
conditioning," says Tasneen Bhatia, MD, an integrative doctor and owner of
the Atlanta Center for Holistic and Integrative Medicine. Apply a quarter-size
dollop to your hair, comb it, and then pile it into a loose bun. You'll want to
place a soft towel over your pillow or sleep in a shower cap. In the morning,
shampoo as usual with a gentle cleanser.
5. To remove eye makeup
Yes, coconut oil even works on waterproof mascara! Put a little on a
cotton ball and gently sweep it over your eyes, paying attention to your
under-eyes as well. The oil does a great job breaking down waxy, inky eye
makeup, and leaves the delicate area hydrated, too. Once you're done, wash your
face as usual.
6. As a body moisturizer
A recent animal study found that when applied topically, virgin coconut
oil can speed up wound healing, and a human study found it to be effective in
increasing hydration and reducing water loss in seriously dry skin. Sounds like
a recipe for a really good lotion to us! It's a health-expert favorite, too.
Says Wyk: "It smells delicious, is very affordable, and leaves my skin
feeling nourished and smooth."
7. To clean your face
Because coconut oil is naturally antibacterial, antifungal,
moisturizing and, according to research, great for atopic dermatitis, many
women swear by its use as a nighttime moisturizer for their face, too. Try the
double-cleansing method: Simply rub the oil in circular motions all over your
face and neck, giving yourself a gentle massage as you go. When you're done,
wash off the residue with your favorite cleanser. (If you're adult-acne prone,
avoid this technique unless you know your skin tolerates coconut oil.)
8. To add shine
Smooth a tiny amount of coconut oil onto your ends to add a little
shine, or on flyaways if you have dark hair. Remember that a dab will do you:
Any more and your hair might appear greasy.
9. In a luscious body scrub
Here's a little DIY beauty secret: That store-bought body scrub you
save for special occasions? It's a waste of money. That's because you can make
one yourself with ingredients you already have in your kitchen. Dr. Low Dog
agrees. "I love to do this. It's wonderfully moisturizing, great for the
skin, inexpensive, and blissfully absent of chemicals you can't
pronounce!" To make your own, Dr. Low Dog suggests melting 1/2 c of coconut
oil at very low heat. Pour it over 1 c of brown sugar or salt and stir well. If
you have some on hand, add in five drops of your favorite essential oil or some
pure vanilla extract for a scrub so fragrant you'll want to eat it.
10. For a little rubdown
Many store-bought massage oils have either coconut or jojoba oil as
their base. Cut out the middleman and go straight to the bottle. It's slippery,
skin-friendly, and moisturizing, too.
Source: http://www.prevention.com/beauty/beauty/10-amazing-beauty-tricks-coconut-oil#ixzz2betqLSFU
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