Coconut oil for the skin

The Uses of Coconut Oil For Skin Care

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Coconut oil has many useful benefits for the skin. It is made up of natural fatty acids linoleic acid, lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid. Linoleic acid is good for acne-prone skin, lauric acid has antimicrobial, antiviral, hydrating properties. Capric acid has antiviral, antibacterial properties and caprylic acid has antifungal and antibacterial properties.

The benefits of coconut oil for the skin

  1. Its antimicrobial properties- coconut oil can treat bacterial, viral or fungal skin infections due the presence of the fatty acids it contains as mentioned above.
  2. Reduction of inflammation- coconut oil can effectively treat inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
  3. Its antioxidant properties- coconut oil reduces the signs of oxidative stress and ageing of the skin.
  4. Skin hydration- coconut oil contains saturated fatty acids that aid to lock in moisture keeping the skin moist and glowing.

The uses for skin care

1. Body oil

        For very dry skin apply coconut oil to affected areas to moisturize.

2. Body scrub

        Get rid of dead skin cells and moisturize at the same time with a homemade body or facial scrub.

COCONUT OIL & SUGAR SCRUB RECIPE

Prep time: 5 minutes

Serving size: 1.5 cups

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

  1. Whip together the sugar, oil, and any optional ingredients until the mixture looks creamy.
  2. Place whipped ingredients into a food processor and allow to process for about a  minute to prevent the coconut oil from liquifying. If this happens, just put it in the freezer for a few minutes to solidify and mix again.
  3. Store in an airtight container. It can last for several weeks. If separation occurs just stir before use.

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3. Body butter

        Avoid the harsh chemical additives in the commercially made body      butter and use a homemade coconut oil body butter instead. Use daily to keep the skin moist and glowing.

COCONUT OIL BODY BUTTER RECIPE

Prep time: 1.5 hours

Serving size: 30-60

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

  1. Put shea butter, coconut oil and jojoba oil in glass bowl then place that bowl in  a sauce pan that is filled with water.
  2. Warm on medium heat on the stove and stir oils together
  3. Once mixed, place in the refrigerator for an hour or until solid
  4. Using a mixer, beat the oils until they are whipped and fluffy. Add essential oils and mix.
  5. Fill the airtight container with body butter mixture and store at room temperature.
  6. Apply to the skin daily after showering.

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4. Face wash

        Try this homemade face wash to keep your face clean, moist and     radiant. The antimicrobial properties of coconut oil are ideal for      making a face wash mixture.

COCONUT OIL FACE WASH RECIPE

Prep time: 5 minutes

Serving size: 30

INGREDIENTS

NB. Use 10 drops tea tree essential oil instead of lemon and frankincense oils if prone to acne

DIRECTIONS

  1. Using low heat melt the coconut oil in a saucepan
  2. Once the coconut oil is melted add the remaining ingredients and mix well
  3. Store the wash mixture in an airtight glass jar and store in a cool place
  4. Use daily for vibrant looking skin

        NB. Use a glass jar instead of a plastic jar because of the acidic   nature of citrus essential oils can erode or breakdown plastic over a   period of time.

5. Makeup removal

        Dab some coconut oil on a cotton ball to remove makeup. This helps to avoid commercially made makeup remover and at the same time moisturizes the skin.

6. Scalp moisturizer

                Apply some coconut oil to the scalp to prevent dandruff growth. Apply coconut oil to the end of the hair for deep                    conditioning and to prevent dry split ends.

7. Massage oil

                Make your own massage oil by combining coconut oil and any essential oil of your choice. Peppermint essential oil is a good choice as it helps to alleviate pain from sore muscles or a headache due to its soothing and calming effects.

8. Reduce stretch marks

                When there is a change in the skin’s elasticity, stretch marks can occur. Weight loss or weight gain and pregnancy can cause stretch marks. Fade these stretch marks by applying coconut oil to the affected area daily.

9. Wound healing

Due to the antimicrobial properties of coconut oil, applying it to an abrasion or cut promotes healing.

10. Sunburn treatment

        Coconut oil helps to reduce the inflammation and dryness of the skin after a sunburn. The antimicrobial and hydrating properties are ideal for treating sunburnt skin.

11. Shaving gel

        Apply coconut oil to the face prior to shaving for a smooth, gliding effect. Skin hydration is also achieved by using coconut oil.

12. Lip balm

        Use this homemade lip balm to avoid the harsh additives in the commercially made lip balm. No more cracked, dry and painful lips.

LIP BALM RECIPE

Prep time: 20 minutes              

Serving size: 7-9 lip balms

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

  1. Using low heat, melt beeswax, coconut oil and shea butter in a saucepan
  2. After melted, remove from the heat and add lavender and peppermint oils. Mix well with a whisk
  3. Pour into the lip balm containers and let cool until solid
  4. Use daily to maintain soft and moist lips

13. Cuticle oil

        Apply coconut oil to the cuticles to keep them healthy and loose to make them easier to cut or retract when doing a manicure.

14. Diaper rash

Apply 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to prone areas to prevent or treat diaper rash.

15. Cold sore treatment

 Coconut oil when applied to cold sores helps to promote healing and reduces the risk of discoloration or scarring due to its antimicrobial properties.

16. Detox bath

        A great way to relax and detoxify the body while having a bath. Add to warm bath water ¼ cup Epsom salts and ¼ cup coconut oil. Essential oils of your choice can also be added. Lavender essential oil is a great choice due to its aroma therapeutic and soothing effects.

17. Deodorant

        Try this coconut oil based deodorant to keep smelling fresh. This homemade coconut oil deodorant is safe and irritant free for the sensitive underarm skin.

COCONUT OIL DEODORANT RECIPE

Prep time: 5 minutes

Serving size: 40-80

INGREDIENTS

NB.   For sensitive skin, reduce the baking soda to ¼ cup and add ¼ cup arrowroot powder or ¼ cup corn starch powder.

        Essential oils for men- cedarwood, orange, frankincense

        Essential oils for women – lavender, sage, lemon

DIRECTIONS

  1. Place coconut oil in a bowl and add baking soda
  2. Mix together
  3. Add essential oil of choice
  4. Store in an airtight container and transfer amount of mixture as needed to deodorant containers.
  5. Refrigerate deodorant container to ensure deodorant solidifies.
  6. Apply a thin film of deodorant, as too much can cause a sticky feel.

18. Insect repellent

        Use this homemade insect repellent to ward of those pesky mosquitoes. No harmful toxins in this coconut oil based repellent makes it perfect for kids and adults.

COCONUT OIL INSECT REPELLENT RECIPE

Prep time: 30 minutes

Serving size: ½ cup

INGREDIENTS

        DIRECTIONS

  1. Add water to a saucepan and allow it to boil, then lower the heat to medium
  2. In a glass bowl combine shea butter and coconut
  3. Place the glass bowl in the saucepan and allow the shea butter and coconut oil to melt while whisking
  4. Add beeswax to the coconut oil/shea butter mixture and whisk until melted
  5. Allow the mixture to cool and using a metal spoon test the texture on your skin. If a firmer texture is desired add more beeswax ½ teaspoon at a time and if softer texture desired add more shea butter ½ teaspoon at a time while on medium heat.
  6. Remove the mixture from the heat and whisk in essential oils well
  7. Pour the completed mixture into an airtight glass jar
  8. Allow the mixture to cool before covering the jar
  9. Store in a cool place to allow mixture to remain solid

In conclusion, there are several uses of coconut oil for the skin along with great homemade skin care products. Hope you try making these homemade products and send me your feedback on how they work for you.

It is recommended to substitute coconut oil with jojoba oil as a face moisturizer for those with naturally oily skin, as the coconut oil can clog the pores.

As usual, I encourage you to connect with me in the comments section.

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