7 uses of coconut oil that will change your life!
Coconut oil is obtained by pressing the pulp of fresh coconuts. In addition to its moisturizing and nourishing effect on the skin, it also has been proven efficient against certain infections! In this article, we’ll tell you all you need to know on this oil. Coconut oil, which is 100% fat, contains over 90% saturated fatty acids, often associated with bad fats. While coconut oil has no place in your kitchen, it is still a great hydrating mask for damaged hair and is great for soothing the skin. By the way, coconut oil should not be confused with coconut milk, which has different properties and uses. Among the uses of coconut oil are all the benefits for the face. Its healing, antibacterial and cleansing properties make coconut oil an essential asset in your facial care. Because coconut oil is natural and gentle on the skin, it is safe and easy to use. Combined with baking soda, which has astringent properties that help cleanse the skin by reducing excess sebum production and the buildup of dead cells, you get a remarkable natural face cleanser.
Preparation:
- Grab a small container.
- Put 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
- Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
Use:
- Mix the coconut oil and baking soda.
- Apply the preparation to the skin.
- Massage your skin using circular movements and light pressure.
- Leave on for 10 minutes.
- Rinse your skin by massaging lightly.
Be careful not to use this facial cleanser every day, as it has exfoliating properties. However, you can vary the amounts to suit your needs of this natural and economical face wash. Consider incorporating it into your skincare routine two to three times a week, especially if you have oily skin.
Coconut Oil for Stretch Marks
Are you tired of seeing your stretch marks? You are sure to love coconut oil for soft, supple skin. It’s simple: moisturizing your skin daily will help limit the appearance of stretch marks!
How to Use:
- Daily Routine: Massage your skin with coconut oil in the morning and evening. If you don’t have much time in the morning, use a moisturizer and indulge in a coconut oil massage in the evening before going to bed.
Why Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil penetrates the skin easily and is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, which aid in repairing skin damage and improving elasticity. Many new mothers have found relief from postpartum stretch marks by using coconut oil regularly. It is not necessarily useful to buy overpriced and often ineffective stretch mark creams, because coconut oil is more than enough to fade those stretch marks out! It’s up to you.
Treat Your Acne with Coconut Oil
Known for its moisturizing, nourishing, and soothing properties, coconut oil is a natural aid for our skin and may be effective against acne pimples. This is because the saturated fatty acids in coconut oil gently fight against the germs that cause acne on your skin.
Use:
- Simply dab your pimples with coconut oil using a clean cotton swab.
Additional Tips:
- Spot Treatment: Focus on problem areas rather than applying it all over your face if you have oily skin.
- Overnight Treatment: For more persistent pimples, apply a small amount before bed, allowing the oil to work overnight.
Acne is an inflammation of the pores of the skin, mainly on the face, and is caused by increased secretion of sebum, which is characterized by the appearance of pimples. The antimicrobial properties of coconut oil can help reduce bacteria on the skin and decrease acne outbreaks over time.
Coconut Oil to Fight Yeast Infection
Coconut oil is a natural antifungal, which may be effective in treating yeast infections. This oil also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, when the yeast infection is particularly strong and resistant, coconut oil may be ineffective when used alone. Sometimes medical treatment may be necessary if the yeast infection has been established for a long time and is causing too much inflammation.
For More Effectiveness:
- Mix with Tea Tree Oil: For more effectiveness against yeast infection, some people will mix coconut oil with tea tree essential oil, which is rightly recognized for its anti-fungal properties. However, be careful with the use of essential oils if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, prone to allergy, or if you are using them on a child under 6 years old.
Application:
- External Application: Apply a thin layer of coconut oil mixed with a few drops of tea tree oil to the affected area twice a day.
- Internal Use: For topical yeast infections, such as oral thrush, you can swish coconut oil in your mouth for a few minutes before spitting it out.
Eliminate Dandruff with Coconut Oil
Are you looking for an effective dandruff remedy that is natural? Used on its own, coconut oil will help you fight dandruff while reducing itching. No magic here, coconut oil is quite simply a top-notch moisturizer, which is included in some of our shampoos.
How to Use:
- Scalp Massage: Massage your scalp with coconut oil to eliminate dandruff. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes before washing it out with a gentle shampoo.
Why It Works:
Coconut oil can only hydrate your hair and scalp, and treat the dryness caused by dandruff. However, it has no impact on the origin of the dandruff problem. That’s why an effective dandruff solution should be your preference if you want to get rid of it.
Additional Advice:
- Consistency is Key: Regular application, at least twice a week, can help manage dandruff symptoms.
- Combine with Lemon Juice: For added benefits, mix coconut oil with a few drops of lemon juice, which has natural antifungal properties.
Coconut Oil as a Lip Balm
Put to the test, especially in winter, our lips suffer from the test of time. But do not panic! To keep your lips soft and hydrated, all you need to do is adopt this healthy and natural treatment: coconut oil as a lip balm.
How to Use:
- Direct Application: Simply apply a small amount of coconut oil to your lips as needed throughout the day.
- DIY Lip Balm: Mix equal parts of beeswax and coconut oil for a longer-lasting homemade lip balm.
Benefits:
In fact, coconut oil will moisturize and protect the lips, in winter as in summer, to protect them from the sun’s rays. This natural lip balm is free from chemicals and is safe for even the most sensitive skin.
Treat a Cold Sore with Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has antiviral properties that can help your body fight off the virus that causes cold sores. Combined with Oregano essential oil, you will have a natural solution to fight cold sores. This is because Oregano essential oil has a powerful broad-spectrum purifying action. It is traditionally recommended for its fungicidal, mycobactericidal, parasiticidal, and antiviral properties.
How to Use:
- Direct Application: Apply coconut oil directly onto the cold sore several times a day to reduce inflammation and speed up healing.
- Combine with Oregano Oil: Mix a few drops of oregano oil with coconut oil for enhanced antiviral effects. Apply with a cotton swab.
Caution:
Again, be careful with essential oils. They are for example contraindicated if you are allergic, if you are pregnant, if you are breastfeeding, or if it is for a child under 6 years old.
Additional Uses and Considerations
Coconut oil is incredibly versatile, and its uses extend beyond skincare and beauty applications. Here are a few more ways you can incorporate coconut oil into your daily routine:
Natural Deodorant
Coconut oil can be used as a base for natural deodorant, thanks to its antibacterial properties. Mix it with baking soda and cornstarch for an effective, chemical-free alternative to commercial deodorants.
Insect Repellent
Combine coconut oil with essential oils like peppermint or lavender to create a natural insect repellent. This mixture can be applied to your skin to ward off bugs during outdoor activities.
Oil Pulling for Oral Health
Oil pulling is a traditional Indian folk remedy that involves swishing oil in your mouth to remove bacteria and promote oral hygiene. Use coconut oil daily for about 15 minutes before brushing your teeth to improve gum health and reduce bad breath.
Notes:
Be careful to only use coconut oil externally and avoid using it in cooking. While you can find many sites promoting the benefits of coconut oil in your diet, many studies tend to show that the saturated fatty acids it contains can be seriously harmful to your health. Also, before first use, test the products on a small area of your body (wrist, for example) to make sure you are not allergic to them.
Final Thoughts
Coconut oil is a versatile, natural product with a wide array of applications that can enhance your beauty and health routines. While it may not be suitable for every use, particularly in the kitchen, its benefits for skin, hair, and overall well-being are undeniable. Whether you’re dealing with acne, stretch marks, or cold sores, or simply want to add a natural touch to your daily care regimen, coconut oil has something to offer.
