Coconut Oil in Skincare & Selfcare
Coconut oil took the dietary world by storm a couple of years ago. While some experts swear by its beneficial values, others argue that it should not be overused as an element of a healthy diet. One thing is for sure: it can be very beneficial for your skin. Let’s learn how to use coconut oil in your skincare routine.
How to use coconut oil as part of your skincare routine?
- to remove eye makeup
Although it’s not recommended to use coconut oil as a main makeup removing product, it might be a good idea to use it for your eyes. It will remove the stubborn, waterproof mascara, while moisturizing and nourishing the skin and eyelashes. It shouldn’t cause an unpleasant burning sensation and irritation, so it is an ideal product for removing makeup from a very sensitive area around your eyes. The only side effect would be the foggy residue that coconut oil will leave on your eyes, but it can be easily removed with a cotton pad moisten with warm water.
- to soothe irritation
Coconut oil might help you soothe skin irritation, especially after tanning or shaving. It also could work to boost healing of small wounds, cuts and burns. You can also use it on insect bites to minimize the itching. Due to its organic nature, you can safely use coconut oil even for kids and infants.
- as a lip balm
Another great way of utilizing coconut oil in your skincare, is using it as a lip balm. It protects the skin from environmental factors, dryness and chapping and can be used both in the summer and winter. It will make your lips smooth, soft and well nourished.
- for face oiling
Coconut oil can be used as a face moisturizer, especially by people with skin prone to dryness. It will bring relief to irritated, itchy skin, reducing redness and smoothing the rough spots. It also works against bacteria and inflammation, while also neutralizing the activity of free radicals. Before you make coconut oil a permanent part of your skincare routine, make sure it’s suitable for your skin. Due to its heavy structure, coconut oil might clog your pores, so it may not be the best idea to use it on a complexion that already struggles with that issue.
Coconut oil & selfcare
Beneficial qualities of coconut oil make it a perfect product to use not only on your face, but also as a part of different selfcare rituals. Here are some of them.
- oral hygiene
You can use the antibacterial properties of coconut oil for oral hygiene and prepare a natural toothpaste based on it. Apart from the coconut oil, you will need baking soda, xylitol and peppermint oil. This paste has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. A lot of people also use coconut oil to rinse their mouth, as it helps to whiten the teeth and reduce the risk of tooth decay. It’s also said to cleanse the body of toxins.
- hair oiling
If you’ve ever been interested in natural ways to take care of your hair, I’m sure you’ve heard about hair oiling. Coconut oil is one of the substances that will work great for that hair treatment. It takes an active part in naturally repairing damaged hair structures, nourishes them and protects against harmful environmental factors. It makes the hair soft, smooth and shiny. It also boosts their strength and elasticity. It may also be helpful if you struggle with split ends. Used on the scalp, coconut oil strengthens the hair roots, nourishes the skin, prevents skin itching and hair loss.
- keeping your nails strong and cuticles smooth
It is recommended to use coconut oil on your nails to decrease their fragility and strengthen them. If you use it regularly, your nails will become less susceptible to breaking and splitting. Your cuticles will also become softer, smoother and more nourished.
- home-made body scrub
If you like DIY cosmetics, you can use coconut oil as a base for the homemade scrubs. You can mix it with sugar, coffee, oats or cinnamon, depending on what you like. That kind of scrub will make your skin smoother and firmer. In addition, it’ll smell amazing!
To learn more about natural ingredients in skincare, check out my article.
