Top beauty uses for coconut oil

Coconut oil isn’t just for cooking; the edible oil is also a beauty multi-tasker, which can hydrate your skin, fight frizz and reduce premature signs of aging. Follow these simple ideas to bring DIY beauty to a whole new level.

Body scrub

For a simple exfoliant, mix half a cup of sea salt, or sugar, with an equal amount of melted coconut oil. Rub in circular motions, concentrating on any rough patches, to create skin that is baby soft – then sit back and enjoy the lingering, sweet scent.

Moisturiser

Coconut oil can help to moisturise, rejuvenate and potentially prevent wrinkles: massage a small amount over the face to see instant smoothing results. The ultra-hydrating recipe also works well as a lip balm, providing a natural alternative to chemical-based formulas, which might be damaging in the long-term.

Make-up remover

Concerned with the amount of unnatural substances that are seeping into your skin on a daily basis? Add a liquefied dollop of coconut oil to the face and massage into skin to remove make-up, before rinsing with warm water. To make remover wipes: melt one teaspoon of coconut oil per round cotton pad in the microwave, and allow them to soak up the oil overnight. These can be thrown into your travel or gym bag for an easy solution on-the-go.

Face mask

Mix one teaspoon of coconut oil with two tablespoons of honey and a squeeze of lemon juice; apply a thick coat to the face and leave it to soak in for 10 minutes before rinsing off. Filled with vitamins C and E, coconut oil has anti-fungal, anti-viral and antibacterial properties, making it a useful treatment for conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.

Hair mask

After shampooing, add a generous amount of creamy coconut oil to wet strands, from root to tip. Tie hair up into a bun or wrap in a towel and leave for at least 10 minutes before rinsing out – you will be left with beautifully shiny, strong locks.

Frizz fighter

Rub a pea-sized amount of coconut oil in between your palms to warm it up, and apply to the lower half of your hair to tame frizz. This quick application will also leave hair feeling extra soft and glossy.

Consumption

Consumption of coconut oil is useful in increasing the body’s metabolic rate; its medium-chain fatty acids assist in weight loss and control. The oil can not only be used for cooking, baking and frying, but may also be added to hot or cold beverages, creating delicious flavours.

Rebekah Absalom