Although every beauty guru, article, website and blog has promoted coconut oil in the past, I've never truly understood all of it's wonder as a multifunctional saving grace. Time and time again, I've passed these tidbits up-- thinking to myself 'just how many uses can there actually be?' Apparently there over a hundred more than I thought.
In case you're a skeptic like I was, here are my favorites topical uses for coconut oil:
Starting at the top, coconut oil can be used to make sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. I'm always careful about the brands that I buy because I have sensitive skin. I have already used coconut oil as a leave-in conditioner and now I don't use anything else. However, I did not know that it could also be used as a de-tangler. This is great knowledge because I have adventurous and strong minded little girls with beautifully long hair in my life. Another interesting use for coconut oil is it can be used as a treatment for dandruff or a flaky scalp.
As well as being used as a remedy for your hair, it can be used as a styling-aid. For the men out there, it can be used to condition and shape your beard or mustache. Coconut oil can also replace styling-gel. Another great option for the ladies (and some men, because you never know) is eyelash conditioner. This adds nutrients directly to the desired area, just like the leave-in conditioner. Warm it up and apply with an eyelash brush before bed.
When you come home from a long day and want to relax, the first thing you need to do is take off your make-up. Warm some coconut oil and use a tissue or cotton to remove eye and face make-up. It completely removes all your makeup and feels great too. Add a little sugar and some essential oils to the already warmed oil, and you have gentle facial scrub. Coconut oil helps fight acne and takes care of dry skin. A lot of lotion out there is too aqueous to actually help when used regularly. Another great quality of using it on your face is that coconut oil can be used as a natural highlighter and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
Coconut oil is used in the production of natural homemade body scrubs and soaps. I jumped on the body scrubs right away. With my sensitive skin, I can't handle too many chemicals, physically or morally. I no longer have to worry about harsh scents or whether it's tested on animals because I made it myself. Applying coconut oil right after a shower helps keep moisture locked into your skin as well. With spring break approaching and summer not too far behind, it can also be used to help heal sunburns.
If you have used it in the past, you've most likely noticed how great coconut oil can be for your nails and cuticles. Soft hands with firm, yet conditioned nails is never a flaw. My hands can get so dry that they will crack. I keep coconut oil in a bottle with a pump in the bathroom so I won't forget to use it after I wash my hands. Unlike lotions, it doesn't leave a nasty chemical taste in my mouth after licking the nacho cheese I caught falling from my chip.
For all of you with babies and fur-babies, it's 100% safe for them as well. For women who are breast feeding, it is safe to use without worrying about your child swallowing chemicals or anything questionable that might be in some nipple creams and children with diaper rash, coconut oil is great to use for that too. If your baby has fur, a small amount for cats can help reduce hair balls. For dogs, add a little peanut butter and coconut oil together, freeze and use as treats. Giving your pets coconut oil helps with allergies as well as conditions their coat.
So many great things can come out of the addition of coconut oil into your daily routine. Eliminating any questionable chemicals or preservatives as well as ruling out animal cruelty, getting on board with the coconut oil craze is easy. A little bit can go a long way, but it's never a bad idea to stock up on something this versatile.
