I’m so excited about this topic as I’ve been using coconut oil in my natural beauty routine for quite some time now, and I love it! It has such a soft and silky texture that makes skin feel amazing.

Coconut oil is a saturated fat that differs from the saturated fat from animal products, as it is a medium chain triglyceride, primarily made up of lauric acid, which means it is processed differently in the body  as it is assimilated and absorbed very quickly and used for energy metabolism (when eaten, of course)!  Here, we’re going to focus on it’s topical uses and save the coconut oil consumption for another fun time. 

COCO LOCO

Coconut oil has been shown to have antimicrobial effects, making it great for topical use and to reduce infection. It has notably been used to treat acne due to these antimicrobial properties, and has been shown to be just as effective as a moisturizer as your typical mineral oil. It’s also rich in Vitamins E and C!  All the more reason to enjoy it in a ton of ways at home. Go ahead, and create a spa at home with these many uses for coconut oil:

1.

Moisturizer

After a bath or shower, scoop out about a teaspoon worth of coconut oil and massage into skin of your face and body. I suggest doing this before bed or if you know you aren’t heading out anywhere for the night, as it can be slightly greasy. As you sleep, the moisture sets into your skin and feels refreshed and glowing in the morning.

2.

Hair Mask

This is something you want to do right before a shower and if your hair is slightly dirty. Rub the ends of your hair in about 1 tsp. of extra virgin coconut oil and tie it in a bun. To add to the spa-like feeling and if you’re feeling a bit stressed, add some lavender essential oil and breathe in the good feels. Keep in for about half an hour to an hour (or if you’re in a rush, even a few minutes will be nourishing). Rinse and shampoo normally.

3.

Foot Repair

This might be my favorite one. Take about 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and rub on feet right before bed, focusing on problem areas such as cuticles, calluses and dry patches. Place socks on your feet and wake up with the softest and deeply moisturized feet!

4.

Lip Balm

Delicious and natural lip balm without all the nasties in your typical lip balm. It’s especially great after long days in the sun to re-moisturize.

5.

Bath Buddy

Add a scoop of coconut oil to your bath to add an amazingly soft touch and come out feeling silky smooth.

6.

Make Up Remover

Coconut oil makes a great makeup remover. Take a cotton ball and gently swab some coconut oil from your container. I suggest putting some topical coconut oil  in a separate jar from your coconut oil used for cooking and baking for this reason. Make up comes off effortlessly and without all of the chemicals found in your typical make up remover cream or liquid.

I love the Trader Joe’s brand of coconut oil as it is extra virgin (meaning it comes from the first press of the coconut, containing more of it’s natural properties and enzymes) and it is unrefined and organic.

Can you name any other great uses for coconut oil? I’d love to hear!

xo Samantha