Coconut oil has been popping up in a lot of health craze diets as being the better alternative to any kind of cooking oil out there. With good reason: It doesn’t create any harmful byproducts like other oils when heated at a high temperature. But the benefits of coconut oil go way beyond the kitchen and if you haven’t started using it for at least one of these uses, you’re sorely missing out. Virgin coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is a substance with antibacterial, antiviral and antimicrobial properties. It pretty much can combat anything. Here are 10 places to start.
Eye makeup remover
Coconut oil easily melts away waxy and inky eye makeup. It also conditions eyelashes, which can break and fall out from constant use of mascara.
Acne spot treatment
Maybe your favourite home-remedy to that zit on your nose was toothpaste. But toothpaste holds ingredients like magnesium carbonate and phosphate salts, which is very irritating to the skin. So instead, dab a little bit of coconut oil on the pimple for a more natural remedy.
Facial cleanser
Because of its consistency, it can serve as a gentle wash to remove the grime of the day while moisturizing your skin at the same time.
Face scrub
Mix coconut oil with baking soda, sugar, or cinnamon and oatmeal for the perfect face scrub and exfoliator. You may or may not eat it as well, up to you.
Blur the appearance of wrinkles
Rub into lines and creases in your skin to soften the appearance of it. Best to do as part of your nighttime ritual before bed.
Eye cream
Mix coconut oil with vitamin K gel and licorice extract. Coconut oil reduces puffiness, it hydrates and it is gentle to the delicate under eye area. Vitamin K strengthens capillary walls and reduces the visibility of blood vessels. Licorice extract is a natural whitening agent aiding in dark circles.
Lip balm
Coconut oil is extremely hydrating, perfect for dry lips. It also provides sun protection of SPF4.
Stretch marks
Because of its hydrating properties, smoothing coconut oil over your stretch marks can fade them away and leave your skin supple.
Anti-dandruff
Massage coconut oil into scalp as a weekly treatment and it will relieve and stop itching and flaking.
Highlighter
Mix coconut oil into your liquid foundation for a dewy, healthy glow. Otherwise, spread it with your finger on tops of your cheekbones as part of the highlight-contour look.
