The Oh-so-many Uses for Coconut Oil

I’m in love with the coco. And if you aren’t already, you should be too. Coconut oil is the holy grail for quite a number of things when it comes to health and beauty. With multiple benefits, it’s a natural source for skincare, hair care, and in moderation, healthy eating as well.

There are hundreds of uses for coconut oil – anything from a healthy popcorn topping to a natural creamer in coffee. Although all the reasons to use coconut oil are sure to be handy, we’ve narrowed it down to our top 6 uses.

1. Body Scrub

Our personal favourite use for coconut oil – the coco-sugar body scrub. Simply mix 2 tablespoons of coconut oil (melt it first, if needed), with 1 tablespoon of white sugar and mix together. Apply the mixture all over your skin liberally after using your body wash, and rinse off. Your skin will feel rich, smooth, and amazing by the time your done. You won’t be able to keep your hands off yourself!

2. Hair Mask

No extra ingredients required. All you need is 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil (depending on the length of your hair). Apply evenly throughout, paying close attention to your ends. Massage it thoroughly in your scalp with your fingertips, then leave the mask on for about 20 minutes before washing it out.

3. Healthy Cooking

A great alternative to butter or other frying oils, opt in for a bit of healthy coconut oil when you’re cooking your meals. Coconut oil can tolerate higher temperatures than other oils, which means it has a higher smoking point, as well.

Note: Coconut oil contains a high level of saturated fat (approximately 86 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams), and it’s pretty high in calories. It’s a healthy fat nonetheless, but just like everything else – take it in moderation and go easy on the intake.

4. After-Sun Moisturizer

Aloe Vera is great for burns, but coconut oil is just dope when it comes to moisturizing. We’ve all been there: a long day in the sun = burns and dry skin. After putting on your aloe, try topping it off with some coconut oil and watch how quickly your skin absorbs it. It’s a quick healer when it comes to dry and damaged skin – your epidermis will be thanking you!

5. Naturally Tinted Lip Balm

Looking to avoid those chapped winter lips? Put the boring and usual chapstick away, and try something a little different. Mix in some beetroot with coconut oil, and create your own DIY naturally tinted lip balm. Your lips will be chapped-no-more, and you’ll have a nice rouge pout to match!

6. Make-Up Remover

Removing your make-up before bed is a must, and coconut oil is just another way to get you make-up free. Warm up the solid coconut oil with you fingers until in liquefies, then dab some oil on a cotton pad and wipe away your make-up in one stroke. Or, skip the cotton pad and apply the oil directly to your face. Rinse it off with a hand towel and watch your day’s make-up glide right off.

Time to jump on the coconut oil band-wagon, so you too, can be in love with the coco.