8 Genius Ways To Use Coconut Oil For Skin Care

Coconut oil for skin? The benefits are far and wide. Here’s how you can use coconut oil to moisturize and get your best skin ever.

Who doesn’t want soft, supple and vibrant skin? It is clear that great looking skin is heavily sought after by how many skin care products you find today. Rows and rows of products ranging in price and composition all targeting the same group – people, mostly women, who desire to have a youthful and healthy glow to their skin.

The truth is, you don’t have to look very far in nature to find a number of non-toxic, non-surgical ways to keep your skin beautiful. At the top of nature’s bountiful list is the humble coconut, specifically coconut oil. Used for thousands of years by people living in the tropics, coconut oil is packed with vital nutrients that feed and soothe the skin.

Why is coconut oil so special?

Coconut oil is made from raw coconuts or dried coconut kernels. When kept at room temperature, coconut oil is solid – anything warmer than 72°F and the oil will become soft or melt into a liquid.

Here is a breakdown of the remarkable and healing composition of this highly saturated and therapeutic oil:

• Lauric acid: 49%
• Myristic acid: 18%
• Caprylic acid: 8%
• Palmitic acid: 8%
• Capric acid: 7%
• Oleic acid: 6%
• Linoleic acid: 2%
• Stearic acid: 2%

Although the majority of coconut oil is saturated fat, it does contain a small amount of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

What can coconut oil do for my skin?

Here are a few research-backed ways that coconut oil is beneficial for skin.

• Coconut oil has powerful antimicrobial properties –  A number of skin conditions such as acne, athletes foot, cellulitis, and folliculitis are all caused by harmful bacteria and fungi. Because coconut oil contains powerful antimicrobial properties, it can take on even the most stubborn of bacteria and fungi. Research supports that lauric acid ( which makes up 50% of the fatty acids in coconut oil), is one of the most effective fatty acids at tackling bacteria. One study demonstrated that lauric acid killed the bacteria associated with inflammatory acne. Coconut oil also contains the medium-chain capric fatty acid which is also an effective bacteria buster.
• Coconut is an effective anti-inflammatory agent –  If you struggle with psoriasis, eczema or dermatitis, coconut oil can ease the inflammation and reduce the pain associated with these conditions. It also improves the status of antioxidants which are powerful inflammation suppressors themselves.
• Coconut oil is the ultimate moisturizer – Your skin will drink up coconut oil any time that you apply it. In one study, participants with moderately dry skin used both coconut oil and mineral oil on their skin. At the end of the study period, coconut oil was seen as just as effective as mineral oil at keeping skin hydrated. The moisturizing properties of coconut oil are also helpful for skin conditions like eczema.. In fact, one study found that coconut oil was superior to mineral oil in helping reduce the painful symptoms of eczema.
• Coconut oil can help heal wounds – Studies show that because coconut oil has a favorable impact on antioxidants and collagen levels ( a necessary protein for healing), wound healing may be sped up. Research also validates the effectiveness of coconut oil for healing burns. Its powerful antibacterial properties allow coconut oil to help keep bacteria at bay while wounds are healing, thus decreasing the risk of infection.
• Coconut oil is unlike any other skin product – Because of its low molecular weight and the method by which it binds to proteins, coconut oil is able to penetrate the skin more deeply than other products.

8 Great Ways to use Coconut Oil For Skin Care

Now that we know some of the valuable properties of coconut oil, let’s look at some ways to use it for beautiful and healthy skin.

#1 Body scrub – Mixing a little bit of coconut oil with sugar crystals creates an exfoliating scrub that gently removes dead skin cells while moisturizing. Apply to clean skin in a circular motion. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry. Try this simple coconut oil salt scrub recipe or add fresh ground coffee to make my skin firming coffee body scrub!

#2 Body butter – Conventional body butter, like other conventional skin care products, may contain fragrances and dyes which are of no value to your skin. Try this easy coconut oil whipped body butter recipe instead! 

#3 Body oil for super dry spots – If you suffer from dry feet, elbows or knees, coconut oil is a must. For feet, rub on some coconut oil before bedtime and cover your feet with cozy socks. In the morning you will feel a tremendous difference in how soft and energized your feet are. Also, use a little on dry knees and elbows. It even works great as a moisturizer for dry lips.

#4 Cuticle oil – You only need a tiny bit of coconut oil to keep cuticles soft and healthy. In addition, rubbing a little coconut oil on cuticles will help keep bacteria away.

#5 Face wash – The combination of antimicrobial and moisturizing properties make coconut oil an excellent face wash – especially if you wear makeup. This soothing coconut oil face wash will keep your skin looking and feeling its best.

#6 Shaving gel – Shaving with a little coconut oil will leave your legs smooth and silky. Additionally, coconut oil helps ease prevent and ease razor burn and keep bacteria away.

#7 Stretch marks – Stretch marks are the result of changing elasticity in the skin and usually appear after someone has lost or gained a lot of weight. Coconut oil can help moisturize and fade stretch marks when applied daily.

#8 Sunburn relief – Spent too much time in the sun? If so, you can apply it to burned skin. It will immediately go to work, reducing inflammation and ease sore skin. Coconut oil also provides SPF 4 protection.

Shopping for the best coconut oil

Organic, unrefined coconut oil contains naturally occurring phytonutrients and polyphenols that feed and heal skin. Shop for coconut oils that are “virgin,” “raw,” or “cold pressed.”

Are you ready to feed your skin with this tropical treasure?

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