Coconut oil has recently come into the light for its health benefits when used for cooking. The coconut extract is different from traditional oils like butter, olive oil, and vegetable oil because of its unique saturated fat makeup.
The saturated fat in coconut oil is higher than some of the fattiest products you can think of. However, not all of that fat is bad.
More than half of the saturated fats in coconut oil come from medium-chain fatty acids, which can be extremely beneficial to our bodies. It allows the fat to be converted to fuel without being stored, giving us energy while avoiding love handles.
Weight management and energy aren’t the only things coconut oil is used for. Coconut oil has many proven benefits for the skin when it comes to beauty hacks, moisturizing, and sun care.
Benefits of Coconut Oil
Moisturizer & Face Wash
Coconut oil is oily to the touch. Users might think that it wouldn’t be the right product to rub up and down your skin. If you’re trying to find that happy medium between dry flaky skin and an oily mess, you may be hesitant. Coconut oil is, however, one of the best products for naturally hydrating your skin.
Your body temperature is high enough to melt the solid-at-room-temperature oil to allow it to seep deep into your pores and reach its full moisturizing potential rather than sitting on the surface of your skin. The oil does not clog your pores and is recommended to be used even on the most delicate areas, such as your face.
Coconut oil is a natural anti fungal and antibacterial substance and can be used to clear your face of acne or gunk built up in the pores.
One recommendation is to rub small amounts of the oil on your face before bed, massaging your skin as you go. Once completely covered, rinse the excess oil and scrub with your favourite face wash.
Coconut oil has heightened benefits when compared to other face moisturizers due to its natural composition. You can even keep it simple by using it as your everyday hand moisturizer. It’s inexpensive and all-natural.
Remove Makeup
Eye makeup can be hard to remove, but can also be tough on the sensitive area when it requires harsh scrubbing and rubbing. Traditional makeup wipes can cause a burning sensation or puffy eyes from aggressive wiping.
Coconut oil can work as an eye makeup remover by breaking down the inky substances and hydrating the area in the process. Coconut oil even works on the toughest of waterproof mascaras.
In opposition to a makeup remover, coconut oil can also be used as a cheekbone highlighter. To achieve this benefit, simply sweep a small amount of the oil on top of already applied makeup and leave it. It won’t look like your wearing a heavy product, and it will give your skin a natural glow.
Sun Screen
As discussed before, coconut oil can be used as an everyday moisturizer on rougher skin areas like your hands, as well as sensitive areas on your face. Coconut oil also has a natural SPF of 1-8 and contains antioxidants to protect your skin from the harsh radiation of the sun.
The low amount of SPF won’t protect you from a bad sunburn if you plan on spending the day basking in the sun. However, it will help long-term just strolling around on a daily basis facing minimal sun exposure. Also, considering the antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti fungal effects coconut oil has on the skin, it can provide additional benefits as a skin protectant.
When the sun’s UV rays interact with the toxins in our skin, it creates an adverse reaction that can be lessened or avoided using coconut oil as an all-natural barrier.
Beauty Hacks
Coconut oil can be crucial in the health of your skin through everyday moisturizing, sun protection, makeup remover, and an acne cleanser. With all of these benefits, there are also some non-traditional beauty hacks where coconut oil can be used as a base.
Shaving your legs can be a hassle and somewhat dangerous for the average woman while balancing on one foot in the slippery shower. Shaving cream makes things a little safer and provides a better result post-shower when it comes to razor bumps and burns, but can get expensive.
Coconut oil can be used in place of shaving cream. It will increase skin hydration and put some money back in your pocket. You can also look into making a homemade body scrub with coconut oil as the base. It is suggested that you melt the coconut oil and mix it with sand, sugar, salt (something course for the scrubbing effect). You can also add your favourite oil for scent!
Wrapping Up
With so many different skin care products on the market, sometimes it makes sense to try the inexpensive, all-natural route. Not only is coconut oil beneficial for the mind and body, but it’s also a welcome companion in bathroom vanities around the world.
Give it a try. You won’t be disappointed!