Coconut oil is an amazing product. It is an inexpensive way to care for your skin as it has the ability to penetrate deeper than most other oils. It has anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties and can eliminate many of the toxins that can damage the delicate surface of the skin.
Here are some of our favourite ways of using it:
Body Moisturizer
Massage your skin with coconut oil immediately after a shower to lock in moisture while the pores are open and have the ability to soak up the oil. Pay particular attention to the legs, as these seem to suffer the most. (Do your legs look like snake skin?) However, before your shower, exfoliate, as those dead cells that are stuck to the surface of the skin will impede the penetration of the oil.
Heal Chapped Lips
You may notice that the skin on your lips is different from the rest of your body. This is because it is thinner than regular skin, has no hair follicles and also no oil glands. The fact that it is thinner is responsible for the red color, as the blood vessels are more visible. Another reason why our lips become more chapped and sore is that they are constantly being subjected to saliva, which dries and causes dehydration. There are many treatments for chapped lips, however, treating the lips to a dose of coconut oil throughout the day and particularly last thing at night will go a long way to keeping your lips soft and kissable.
Cuticle Oil
Many of us suffer from dry cuticles as our hands are often in water or working at the sink or in the garden. Try giving yourself a manicure and using coconut oil on your cuticles. Simply massage well and allow the oil to penetrate and soften the skin. Bonus – because of its anti-microbial properties your skin will stay healthy.
Hair Conditioner
Coconut oil has been used for centuries as a hair and scalp conditioner. If you have thick, coarse or particularly frizzy hair a small dose of coconut oil after your regular shampoo will leave your hair soft and smooth. Remember to rinse well with comfortably hot water to remove the excess. You can also massage a couple of drops into your scalp to moisturize and prevent flaking and dandruff.
Blister Treatment
Prone to painful blisters? Dabbing coconut oil on them can help speed up healing time, alleviate pain and reduce the risk of scarring or discoloration. Coconut oil contains three fatty acids —capric, caprylic and lauric acid — that possess both disinfectant and antimicrobial properties, helping to protect against as well as heal microbial infections.
Last but not least, Oil Pulling for sparkly white teeth and fresher breath!