10 Uses for Coconut Oil

I remember the days where coconut was just the filling in a Bounty chocolate bar. But these days it seems like everyone is on the coconut bandwagon. From water to moisturiser – it’s time you learnt the amazing wonders that coconut oil holds.

Your body moisturiser

Coconut oil is refreshing and healing to skin cells, it can penetrate into your skin’s deepest layers to hydrate and moisturise. It also contains a mild SPF protection of 4-6. Although it doesn’t seem much – some is better than none (though always, always wear appropriate SPF coverage). 

You can use it on your face too, however, its not for everyone. Some people get breakouts from it, some find it a miracle worker. As it is oil based, we’d suggest regular exfoliation to slough away any build up and prevent breakouts.

How to

Instead of your regular moisturiser, use a small amount of coconut oil to rub into your body. It may feel oily at first but once absorbed by your skin it will appear smoother and healthier than it has ever been before. Apply twice a day to prevent stretch marks too.

As a hair conditioner

Natural oils that the scalp produces don’t reach the ends of your hair, which is why it’s so important to protect them. Coconut oil is able to smooth your hair by resealing the cells and holding them in place. It is especially good during extreme weather conditions where hair can become awfully dry or go wild with humidity.

Top tip 

Use a small amount on your ends or cover your entire scalp to add incredible moisture to your hair. Leave on for 30 minutes, or overnight and then wash as normal. It’s also great for managing frizzy hair. 

It can help with weight management

Coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids unlike other saturated fats, meaning, instead of storing as fat it goes to the liver to be metabolised and gives you energy. It also acts as an appetite suppressant meaning those cravings will disappear with just a spoonful of coconut oil.

To benefit from weight management

Swap your usual cooking oil and butter for coconut oil to release those healthy fats.

For treating fungal infections

As well as those healthy fats, coconut oil contains anti-fungal properties that dive straight into any fungal membrane and destroys it. It also holds lauric acid and capric acid, which both help to fight inflammation caused by any natural chemicals and soothes rashes, painful swelling and itchiness.

Top tip

Cover the area with coconut oil every day until the infection or inflammation has completely cleared. You’ll be left with soft smooth skin.

Helps to lower cholesterol and heart disease

Thanks to its lauric acid ingredient, it can not only soothe rash symptoms but can also reduce the risk of heart disease. It works by boosting the good cholesterol in our bodies that give all the bad cholesterol a kick to be broken down by the liver.

How to benefit from it

Eat ½ to 1 teaspoon a day to reduce your risk. Add it to your morning smoothies, mixing it in with your oatmeal or create a salad dressing with it to add to your lunch. 

It helps to soothe fly bites

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is able to soothe fly bites by working its way deep into the skin’s cells. The bite will be introduced to endless hydration and lauric acid that will ease your itchy pain.

How to

Apply a little bit of coconut oil directly to the bite with your fingers to instantly moisturise the swelling and ease itching.

Make your own body scrub

Coconut oil is a great ingredient to use as part of an exfoliating body scrub thanks to its endless amount of moisture.

How to make your own body scrub 

Try mixing coconut oil with 2-4 tablespoons of sugar to create a smoothing exfoliating scrub. Add used coffee granules to the mixture to make it an effective cellulite buster. 

As a makeup remover

It gently and safely removes makeup from your face by breaking down any grease and oils. Its intense moisturising factors will leave your face feeling hydrated and refreshed.

How to

As an alternative to your usual routine, scoop some coconut oil into your fingers and rub into makeup using a circular motion. Rinse with warm water and pat your face dry.

Help tackle age/sun spots

Its deep hydration and anti-inflammatory properties allows coconut oil to help heal or reduce the appearance of skin blemishes. It works by soothing and resealing cells to create younger looking skin.

Top tip

Rub coconut oil onto blemishes or sun spots daily to help them fade.

As a nail and cuticle treatment

Forever needing to repaint and shape your nails? It is a cheap and easy way to encourage healthy nail growth and helps smooth out flaws making your nails stronger.

How to

At least once a week, rub a little of coconut oil over and around your nails to create perfect nails.

Do you currently use it as part of your beauty routine too? Let us know how you use it in the comments below.