Coconut Oil has been getting more attention lately and is rapidly becoming a true “do almost everything” product. You may have heard about the different ways coconut oil can be used in the kitchen. It’s a great alternative to other cooking oils when sautéing, baking, roasting, frying, stir-frying and even just as a substitute for butter on toast and bagels or melted over veggies.
What is not as commonly known is that it can be used a number of ways for health and beauty. Coconut oil can be used a variety of ways from head to toe as an all-natural and inexpensive product.
Hair and Scalp Treatments
Conditioner and Scalp
Coconut oil is able to moisturize both your hair and scalp. For best results, use weekly with a hot towel. Simply apply to scalp and comb through, then wrap in a towel that has been dampened with hot water. Leave hair wrapped for 5 minutes then rinse.
The humid warmth helps open the pores in the scalp, letting the oil penetrate even deeper and the antibacterial properties of the oil can also aid the healing of scalp infections and dandruff.
Hot tap water should be sufficient to use when preparing the towel, please take care to avoid scalding. Regular use will help keep fizziness under control while letting hair appear shiny and healthy.
Lice Remedy
If you have kids, keep this one handy. Start by rinsing the hair and scalp thoroughly with apple cider vinegar and then let the hair air dry.
Apply some coconut oil to the scalp and hair. Let sit for at least 12 hours then run through hair with a nit comb and shampoo. Complete this process every 7 days for 4-6 weeks to completely rid the head of lice and nits.
On the Face
Face Cleanser
Coconut oil works wonderfully to remove dirt and makeup from the face. For makeup removal, apply the oil over the entire face and let sit for a minute. Wipe off with a damp cotton ball or facial sponge and voila!. Wash your face afterward in your usual manner.
Night Cream for Face and Eyes
Once the make-up is gone and your face is nicely scrubbed, you can take it a step further. To reduce the effects of aging naturally, apply a thin layer of coconut oil on the face and massage in. The antioxidant compounds in coconut oil aid in the reduction of under-eye bags and wrinkles, plus is firms sagging skin and restores your complexions natural glow.
Lip Balm
Since coconut oil is free of chemicals and nourishes all types of skin, it works well for dry, chapped lips. Keep a dab in a decorative pill box or small jar to take with you.
Related Article: 4 Downright Impressive Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
Before, During and After…
DIY Body Scrub
Mix some coconut oil with approximately equal amounts of sea salt, sugar or baking soda for a mild to maximum scrub. Used daily before taking a bath or shower will help exfoliate and clean your face, body, hands, and feet.
Shaving Cream Substitute
Coconut oil does triple duty when used for shaving. It’s a great lubricant for the razor to glide over, it doesn’t dry out the skin, and it has antimicrobial properties that will protect and heal the skin post-shave.
Moisturizing Body Oil
Apply after a bath or shower for a deeply penetrating moisturizer that will heal dry skin and restore your natural glow.
Cuticle Softener
When applying as a body oil, add a little extra to your cuticles to strengthen and hydrate them and prevent peeling.
And there you have it, ways to use coconut oil from head to toe!
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