10 Uses For Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is incredibly popular and for a good reason. It offers many health benefits, has a refined taste, and is widely available. It’s also an extremely versatile oil with several uses you may not be aware of. By reputation, people use coconut in both the kitchen and for skincare/haircare. Below are some ways in which you can incorporate coconut oil into your beauty or self-care routine. 

What Skin Type Is It Good for?

Remember that applying coconut oil to the face can possibly clog your pores. So here’s which skin type it is good for:

Sensitive- Coconut oil has natural soothing properties, so it is a perfect choice for those with sensitive skin. In addition, it can relieve temporary irritation and redness.

Dry- Coconut oil has exceptional hydrating properties, which is why it’s great for people with dry skin. It will help your skin retain moisture. 

Mature- Coconut oil can help minimize wrinkles & fine lines, making your skin look more youthful.

Oily or combination skin- If your skin overproduces oil, coconut oil may not be the best choice for you. Coconut oil can cause your skin to become more oily or cause breakouts. But, if coconut oil is just an ingredient in one of your skincare products, it probably won’t cause any issues. 

Body Scrub

You can use coconut oil to make up a DIY body scrub to exfoliate for softer and brighter skin. In addition, coconut oil may help prevent irritation from exfoliation. Adding it to your routine could be a suitable option for sensitive skin. However, do it no more than once a week to ensure your skin can handle it.

Makeup Brush Cleaner

Also, you can use coconut oil as a double cleansing routine for your makeup brushes. First, apply coconut oil to your brushes to break down the makeup, and then dab them off to remove excess oil before rinsing them with soap and water. Because mixing soap and oil ties up the surfactant in the detergent solution, it competes with the dirt on the makeup brush, so it wouldn’t get the brushes as clean if you combine them.

Body Moisturizer

Because of its comedogenic properties, dermatologists don’t recommend it for use on the face, especially if you have acne-prone or oily skin. However, using it to moisturize your face can cause breakouts. On the other hand, you can use it as a moisturizer for the body as it’s rich in fatty acids and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Fatty acids in coconut oil nourish the skin and help protect in two main ways: providing good barrier control and holding on to the moisture, which is great because it helps prevent and treat dryness.

Makeup Remover

Omega-3 fatty acids in coconut oil make it a powerful lubricant that can dislodge makeup particles. However, it is extremely comedogenic; use it following a gentle cleanser to wash away the remaining oily residue. In other words, the waxiness of coconut oil could cause breakouts for oily and acne-prone skin, so if you have that skin type, be sure to cleanse after using.

For Hair

Deep Condition

Coconut oil penetrates the hair strands easily and can even prevent loss of protein, and that is why many hair conditioners often contain coconut oil. First, apply some oil to your hair. Next, sleep in a shower cap, put a soft towel on your pillow, and then rinse with your shampoo the next day.

Add Shine

If you have dark hair, put a tiny amount of coconut oil over the ends to add a little shine to your hair. Remember that bit of oil will work perfectly, but any more than that makes your hair appear greasy.

Use It As A Hair Protectant

You can protect your hair from exposure to the sun and chlorine by applying coconut oil before going for a swim. It acts as a protectant and provides a barrier so that your hair absorbs the least amount of salt and chemicals. Plus, it leaves the hair strands silky smooth after a swim instead of that dreaded frizziness.

As A Hair Mask 

Coconut oil turns into a cream at room temperature and turns into a liquid when heated to 76 degrees of temperature. So when you’re in the shower, melt the oil under the warm water. Then, after shampoo, use the required amount of oil to wet strands, leave for at least five minutes, and rinse. It adds moisture and shine back to your hair.

Frizz Fighter And Curl Tamer

Coconut oil is a natural anti-humectant or anti-humidity oil. The benefits are amazing as the molecules are small to penetrate the hair shaft. First, warm the oil a bit in your hands, and apply it onto the ends.

Final Words

Using coconut oil as an overnight moisturizer and hair protectant can be beneficial for people. But remember, coconut oil can clog pores and isn’t a suitable overnight treatment for some people with oily skin. But to look on the plus side, it’s easy and relatively inexpensive to use. Coconut oil is a multifunctional oil that you can use as a staple in many different areas of your house. Buy some today and reap the benefits!