Coconut oil, that delicious dry drupe - what is it? That’s actually what it is, a dry drupe. But for the rest of us everyday people, it’s kind of a mixture of fruits, nuts, and seeds. Yes! This fabulous edible is a superfood that works wonders internally and externally. From curing infections to taking makeup off, this stuff needs to make its way into your life. I cook, clean (myself), eat and moisturize with it. It’s truly one of the most multifaceted fruits I know of.
Now, let’s get into why I wrote this post. First, not only does coconut oil work on your insides as I mentioned, it’s also amazingly amazing for your skin. The medium-chain fatty acids found in the nut contain antioxidants and antimicrobial properties that balance the fungal sources which cause many skin conditions. This makes it an ideal fighter of acne, eczema, dandruff, burns, dermatitis, and psoriasis. Coconut oil can also aid in reducing inflammation, healing wounds, and moisturizing skin by holding in hydration. I personally keep a little pot of it in my pocketbook as a chapstick or hand moisturizer for on-the-go.
Second, coconut oil is very handy for removing stubborn-eye makeup. It also leaves the eye area nice and soft. It can also be used on the body as a daily moisturizer. It feels and smells great while warding off germs. Here are a few easy and beneficial recipes for your skin:
Coconut Oil Face Scrub: This is a great way to clean, hydrate and exfoliate those dead skin cells. Mix coconut oil and raw sugar in a bowl. Once mixed, apply to your face with your hands and rub in a circular motion. The oil will liquefy with the warmth of your skin. Do this for 2-3 minutes and rinse. The oil may leave a little residue but you’ll feel the benefits right away. Feel free to do your daily/nightly skincare regiment after rinsing.
Ingredients:
1-2 Tablespoon of Virgin-Unfiltered Coconut Oil
1 Teaspoon of Raw or Brown Sugar
CocoNOT Anymore Pimple Pack: Here is a good, on-the-spot acne or blackhead treatment. Simply mix the coconut oil with baking soda and apply to problematic or congested areas. Rub in a circular motion and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Rinse and gently towel dry. Use your daily, but preferably sensitive, skincare regiment after.
Ingredients:
1 Tablespoon of Coconut Oil
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
COCO Glow Go Hydrating Mask: With this powerful skin care combo you will get your daily does of anti-oxidants, detoxifying the skin all while adding a glow of radiance. Mix ingredients in a bowl, you may have to warm up the coconut oil if its not mixing easily (pop in microwave or stove top for about 5-10 seconds). Apply all over your face and let sit for about 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water and continue with your skincare regiment. Now grab your green tea, coconut oil, lemon juice and honey if you’re ready!
Ingredients:
1 Tablespoon of Coconut Oil -
½ a Green Tea bag OR 1 Tablespoon of loose Green Tea Leaves
2 Tablespoons of Honey-
2 Tablespoons of Lemon Juice
Makeup Remover, Lip Balm, Moisturizer:
Ingredients:
Virgin- Unfiltered Coconut Oil
Cotton Pads
Small Container
Daily Use: Use coconut oil directly on areas that need hydration: lips, under eye area, body, etc. As mentioned, I reuse little jars and pots for travel. I throw one in my bag so I have on hand daily or when traveling. If using for makeup cleanser, simply rub into your hands and apply in a gentle, circular motion. Use cotton or a gentle cloth to remove any unwanted makeup. Repeat and rinse until clean.
So in a coconut shell, I love this stuff. Coconut oil is, like seriously, a lady’s best friend! I’ve only mentioned a few but the list of benefits goes on and on. Those mentioned were the ones that I think hold a ton of practical and useful info for us gals. Why run to the doctor every time we have an “issue”, and why run to the salon every time we have a split end? These are just a handful of great ways to do it yourself, save a few bucks, and of course sound really smart next time you have that compelling conversation over cocktails with the crew. Read below for even more benefits of our tropical friend:
Hair Care. Coconut oil is also a great remedy for dandruff because of its super-rich hydrating properties. So, midwinter when everything is super dry, you should pretty much bathe in it and rub it into your roots. You can also add some of your favorite-natural oils to enhance the scent and you’ll have yourself a new conditioner.
Pulling. Pulling coconut oil between your birds (aka teeth) will brighten your smile and help with gum disease and tooth decay. Aggressively swish in your mouth 3x a week for about 20 minutes to help pull out the nasty bacteria in your mouth. This will also help your immune system.
Weight Loss. Great skin and a skinny waist? Say what!? Remember those fatty acids mentioned earlier? Well, those fatty acids also improve thyroid function, help lower resting heart rate, and assist your body in burning fat for energy. Coconut oil also helps in breaking down fats and mimics how your body reacts when you fast. It can also help in building muscle! Who knew?
