In 2015 it is reported that the popularity of coconut oil and its many benefits and areas of uses, from baking to cosmetics and medicinal, caused demand to increase by 500 percent. What follows are some of the most popular trends for the use of coconut oil.
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- Moisturiser
Kate Hudson has posted pictures to her Instagram account of her face slathered in coconut oil, and Gwyneth Paltrow raved about the benefits during an interview with E! Online. Coconut oil works well as a moisturizer as it penetrates the skin, so it’s especially valuable if you have dry skin. It can also be used as an excellent make-up remover, and is particularly effective at removing eye make-up—including notoriously stubborn waterproof mascara. [Source: E!, Instagram]
- After-sun
Prolonged exposure to the sun can damage and dry our skin. It’s important to nourish the skin and repair this damage. Coconut oil is rich in a number of proteins, which help to keep skin revitalized from the inside out. Proteins contribute to tissue repair, so any damaged cells on or near the skin require a healthy flow of proteins in order to heal sun-damaged skin quicker.
- Oil pulling
Using coconut oil as a mouthwash, known as ‘oil pulling’, is thought to help kill harmful bacteria in the mouth, improving dental health and reducing bad breath. Place two tsps. of coconut oil in your mouth and let it melt. Swish around your teeth for around 20 minutes, and then spit out the oil. Rinse thoroughly with warm water before brushing your teeth as normal.
- Hair mask
If your hair is dry, coconut oil can provide a luxurious deep-conditioning treatment as hair easily absorbs the moisturising properties, as the smaller particles penetrate the shaft. Try massaging coconut oil into the mid to ends of your hair, and leave for 20 minutes. Then shampoo twice, or until no residue remains.
- Shaving cream/after-shave balm
Shaving can be pretty rough on the skin and can cause dry skin and rashes. Coconut oil is perfect as a shaving cream as it’s soothing and leaves skin silky smooth. After a hot shower or bath, apply coconut oil to desired area and shave, then rinse. The coconut oil is so moisuturing that it will remain on your skin leaving it nourished for days. It’s also recommended to exfoliate the skin a few days after shaving to reduce the chance of ingrown hairs. Mix two tsps. with one tsp. sugar for a homemade, all-natural exfoliator.
- Lip balm
Sore, cracked lips are not only unsightly but also quite painful. Coconut oil can help to restore the condition of your lips whilst providing a soothing salve to chapped lips.
Recommended …
Always chose organic virgin coconut oil as opposed to the refined versions.
Try:
Neal’s Yard Organic Virgin Coconut Oil £9, 300g nealsyardremedies.com
Vita Coco prices vary, vitacoco.com
Groovy Food Coconut Oil £6, 283ml groovyfood.co.uk
Remember!
Coconut oil changes consistency according to temperature. Coconut oil will become solid in temperatures lower than 24°C; warmer temperatures will melt the coconut oil into a thick liquid.
Did you know?
Coconut oil contains three unique fatty acids: lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, which are quite uncommon in nature. These acids have disinfectant and antimicrobial properties, and are also easily broken down by the body during digestion, meaning they contribute to usable energy in a fast and efficient way.
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See also: Cooking with Coconut Oil
