Benefits of Coconut oil for skin

When it comes to cooking oils, coconut oil is one of the best and most preferred oils amongst other oils. About 90% of this oil is made up of saturated fats, which makes it resistant to high heat. Moreover, it can last for several months without going rancid. Apart from its culinary benefits, did you know that coconut oil is best for your skin as well? Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer and it has antimicrobial effects. Because of these properties, it is used as an important ingredient in many natural beauty products. Here are a few ways in which you can incorporate coconut oil in your beauty regime to get beautiful and smooth skin:

Coconut oil as body oil

Coconut oil has a creamy texture, which makes it an ideal moisturizer for the skin. Apply coconut oil on your skin soon after taking bath and massage it until the oil is completely absorbed into your skin. Not only does coconut oil hydrate your skin, it also provides a shine and luster. According to studies, the application of virgin coconut oil on the skin helps in increasing hydration and reducing loss of water from the body.

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Coconut oil helps remove makeup

Removing makeup can be a tough task and the makeup removers that are available in the market are costly and may contain toxic substances too. Coconut oil is not only easy on your skin but is also very effective in removing even the tough and waterproof makeup. For removing makeup, gently massage the skin with coconut oil for a few seconds until the makeup loosens. Then wipe it off using a cotton pad. Wash off the residue with warm water.

Coconut oil as shaving cream

Coconut oil is an extremely affordable and healthier alternative to many of the shaving creams available. The best and effective way to use coconut oil as a shaving cream is to use it at the end of a warm shower. The warm water will open up the pores and hair follicles, which helps in giving you a close shave. The oil will moisturize your skin and prevent it from becoming dry. It leaves your skin soft and shiny, and also helps in healing and repairing your skin.

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Coconut oil as a cleanser

Many of the cleansers and soaps available in the market nowadays contain harsh chemicals that can strip off the moisture from your skin. Coconut oil, on the other hand is great for cleansing any type of skin. Just apply the oil on your face and massage it in circular motion. Wash off the residue with a mild cleanser. Coconut oil removes all the dirt and makeup from the skin and at the same time helps in retaining the natural oils in the skin. The moisturizing and antimicrobial properties of coconut oil make it a great remedy for skin problems such as atopic dermatitis.

Coconut oil can be used as an exfoliating scrub

Coconut oil serves as a super base for face and body scrubs. To use it as a scrub, combine together coconut oil and brown sugar. Massage the scrub on your skin and then rinse off using warm water. This scrub not only exfoliates your skin but also acts as a great moisturizer. Adding a few drops of essential oil will improve the fragrance of the scrub, leaving your skin smelling wonderful.

Coconut oil as a great massage oil

Coconut oil has been long used in Ayurvedic medicine as massage oil. It has antimicrobial properties, which is beneficial in preventing infections. When applied on the skin, it destroys the infection causing bacteria and fungus. Coconut oil has antioxidant effects that help your skin look younger by preventing the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. The vitamin E in this oil provides nourishment to your skin and makes it soft and smooth. Coconut oil is easily absorbed into the skin and provides great moisturization to the skin. Unlike most oils, coconut oil does not leave any stains and it also imparts a pleasant aroma.

Coconut oil for diaper rash

With its moisturizing and soothing properties, coconut oil functions as a great remedy for diaper rash. It also has antimicrobial properties that prevent any kind of infections. Coconut oil soothes and nourishes your baby’s skin and prevents itching and irritation. Diaper rashes may be caused by a number of factors such as yeast infection, toxic substances eliminated through stools and urine, or even the material used to make diapers. Coconut oil prevents the rashes by acting as a barrier. It also keeps your baby’s skin smooth and smelling fresh.

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Coconut oil as a deodorant

Bad odor in the body is caused by bacteria on the skin that break down the proteins in sweat to acids. The antibacterial properties of coconut oil are helpful in reducing the number of odor causing bacteria. To make a natural deodorant, mix together a tablespoon of arrowroot powder with 4 tablespoons of coconut oil. If you want to thicken the product, add some beeswax to it. Adding a few drops of essential oils to the deodorant will help in enhancing its fragrance.

Coconut oil heals wounds

The strong antibacterial and antioxidant properties of coconut oil make it ideal for treating minor wounds and infections. Studies conducted on laboratory mice suggest that this oil contains certain components that have the ability to heal wounds. Coconut oil helps in increasing the production of collagen that improves the structure of the skin. To treat wounds, apply a combination of coconut oil and honey on the affected area.

Coconut oil treats dark circles around the eyes

Coconut oil is found to be effective in removing dark circles around the eyes. Apply a few drops of the oil around the eyes and gently massage it in round motion. When done regularly, this remedy can reduce dark circles and puffiness of the eyes.

Coconut oil for dry or chapped lips

As mentioned before, coconut oil is a great natural moisturizer that can heal dry or chapped lips during the cold weather. If you have dry lips, just apply coconut oil on the lips two or three times a day.

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Coconut oil lightens dark elbows and knees

A great way to lighten dark elbows and knees is to apply coconut oil over the area. The vitamin E in coconut oil not only lightens the skin tone but also provides moisture to the skin. It also helps in repairing damaged skin. Apply a mixture of coconut oil and lemon juice over the affected area and leave it on for about 20 minutes. Do this regularly and feel the difference.

Coconut oil for Athlete’s foot

Coconut oil has high levels of saturated fat that increases immune health and protects against various infections. Most of the medium chain fatty acids in the oil have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Caprylic acid found in coconut oil is considered to be as effective as the antifungal drugs available. Hence it is effective in the treatment of fungal infections such as ringworm and athlete’s foot.

Coconut oil removes stretch marks

Stretch marks are caused by the stretching and tearing of the inner layers of the skin. Studies suggest that keeping the skin moisturized can help in preventing stretch marks. Coconut oil, being a wonderful moisturizer is one of the best remedies for getting rid of these marks. It penetrates deep into the skin and its healing effects helps in repairing damaged skin. To prevent stretch marks during pregnancy, it is advised that expectant mothers massage the belly with coconut oil two or three times a day.

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Coconut oil for cracked heels

The moisturizing effects of coconut oil make it beneficial in healing cracked heels. In addition to hydrating the skin, the oil also makes it soft and smooth. It removes the dead skin cells and strengthens the tissues below the epidermis. Before applying coconut oil, first soak your feet in warm water and then scrub off the dead cells using a pumice stone. Take a little bit of the oil in your fingers and then massage it well on to the skin until it is absorbed. Repeat this twice or thrice daily.

Coconut oil as a sunscreen

The sun’s rays contain harmful ultraviolet rays that can cause damage to the skin. According to the cancer foundation, many of the commercially available sunscreen lotions contain chemical additive that can increase the risks of cancer. As a natural and safe remedy, coconut oil works wonders for the skin. It offers protection against the ultraviolet rays and prevents sun burns too. Many sunscreen lotions contain coconut oil as a primary ingredient. The antioxidant properties of coconut oil prevent oxidative damage, which is considered one of the major causes of skin cancer.

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Coconut oil is considered to be a miracle ingredient as far as skin care is concerned. It is inexpensive, has a wonderful smell and keeps your skin smooth and well nourished. Commercial moisturizers may contain chemicals that may cause damage to your skin. Coconut oil on the other hand is completely natural and goes deep into your skin to provide real moisture.

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