You may have noticed that a significant number of people have made a switch in the kitchen to using coconut oil, as their base cooking agent. Though there are many benefits to cooking with coconut oil, it also has many natural beauty uses. For starters it has antibacterial and antifungal agents, it acts as an excellent moisturizer and it smells good.
The oil is made up of saturated fats which is why it is smooth to touch, and keeps the moisture content of the skin. The capric, caprylic, and lauric acid contained in the oil contribute to usable energy quickly, which is why the oil is so beneficial at the beginning of your day or before a workout.
Here are five ways to use coconut oil that you may not have thought of:
1. Hair Mask
Putting a product in your hair that you also use to cook with may sound bizarre, but there are many benefits of treating your hair with coconut oil. Try applying coconut oil to your scalp, combing it through, leaving it in overnight and washing it out in the morning. This type of use has been known to contribute to the following benefits:
- Stimulates hair growth while it gets deep into the follicles
- Helps fight off insect bites, lice, and dandruff
- Moisturizes dry hair
- Prevents split ends
- Slows down hair loss
2. Shaving Cream
Shaving cream can be expensive and most popular brands also contain many chemicals that are unhealthy when seeped into your skin on a regular basis. As we mentioned before coconut oil is inexpensive, natural, and it smells good. If you haven’t tried applying it as a substitute for shaving cream, try and see how it feels. Using it in this way has been known to sooth skin and contribute to a longer lasting shave.
3. Makeup Remover
Instead of buying makeup removers, that are costly and contain irritating chemicals, you can always try coconut oil. When it comes to removing eye make up, coconut oil, can break it down without irritating your skin because; it’s natural. Your skin feels hydrated afterwards and you can wash your face as usual once you are done.
4. Body Scrub
Some people use body scrubs once a week to exfoliate their skin. In a few easy steps, you can make your own body scrub with coconut oil. First melt ½ cup of coconut oil at a very low heat, then pour it over 1 cup of brown sugar or salt and stir until mixed. Your body scrub is done. And if you have a favorite fragrant oil, add some drops into the mixture for a scent of your choosing.
5. Energy
Instead of reaching for an energy drink or another cup of coffee, in the afternoon when you need a boost try taking one teaspoon of coconut oil. It can give you that burst of energy you need without any harmful chemicals, sugars and almost a tenth of the calories.
Side note: Try to buy the oil in a jar with a larger opening so it is easily accessible for these various applications. In cold temperatures the oil will be a solid, while in warm temperatures it will be a liquid – either way there are many ways of using it.
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