25 Ways You Can Use Coconut Oil in Your Wellness Routine
As we learn more about beauty products and some of the toxic chemicals they may contain, we start looking for natural alternatives that we can use without worry
Photo: Unsplash/@izgubljenausvemiru
As we learn more about beauty products and some of the toxic chemicals they may contain, we start looking for natural alternatives that we can use without worry. Even better, we want those super time and money savers that have so many different functions and benefits, at a steal.
Coconut oil is definitely one of those natural, cost-effective, do-it-all products. An integral part of any wellness routine, it is so moisturizing. But not only is it hydrating for the skin and hair, but coconut oil is also antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and healing. While we might run out of ideas after putting it on as a moisturizer, or as a leave-in conditioner, there are so many uses for this miracle oil. In fact, we found 25 ways to incorporate coconut oil in your wellness routine that you’ll definitely want to try out.
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As an Anti-Aging Skin Moisturizer
You may know that coconut oil is amazingly moisturizing, but did you know that it has equally-impressive anti-aging benefits? It contains antioxidants, which help to reduce wrinkles, and used regularly, coconut oil can stimulate collagen in the skin. All that, without any of the added ingredients you don’t want. Give it a try and see how your skin reacts (it is an oil after all). Maybe you’ve found your new, natural anti-aging cream — at a fraction of the cost!
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As a Conditioner for the Scalp and Hair
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Coconut oil also works as a great conditioner and scalp treatment. You can use as little or as much as you want to. Use a small dab to style the hair and/or moisturize dry ends, or go to the other extreme and treat your hair and scalp to a nourishing overnight mask. In addition to adding hydration to your hair and skin, using coconut oil can also prevent dandruff.
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To Soothe Sunburns
Sunshine is great —until it leaves you with a sunburn. Thankfully coconut oil is there to soothe your skin. Not only does it hydrate dry skin, but it also is anti-inflammatory and fights against pain and itch. Coconut oil will even lower the temperature of your skin, but make sure to wait until it’s cooled down a bit before applying. Added bonus? Coconut oil smells great, instantly evoking the tropics and summer. It’s great to carry in your bag for any needed beauty emergencies.
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As Part of a Lip Scrub
Coconut oil is great for moisturizing parched lips on its own. But all you have to do is add two ingredients to it to create an awesome lip scrub. Mix together equal parts coconut oil, brown sugar, and honey, add to a container, and you have a go-to, all-natural lip scrub, which will exfoliate your lips, removing dead, dry skin and revealing youthful, moisturized skin. This will instantly make all your lip glosses and lipsticks look so much better on.
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As Part of Oil Pulling and Natural Toothpaste
Coconut oil isn’t just for the hair and skin. This natural wonder also does so much for your mouth! Oil pulling, which comes from Ayurveda, involves putting one tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth in the morning/on an empty stomach and swishing it around for 15-20 minutes. It is said to whiten teeth, kill bacteria, help your gums, prevent cavities, freshen breath, and detox the body. Just make sure to not inhale it, as it could lead to lipoid pneumonia, and be aware that some have experienced an upset stomach from oil pulling.
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As a Natural Makeup Remover
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When doing the research for this story, we were surprised at just how many uses there are for coconut oil. It truly seems endless. Another function that the natural product has it that of a makeup remover. All you have to do is liquefy some coconut oil between your hands, and apply to the face. It will remove all your makeup, including waterproof makeup. Plus, it is antibacterial. Follow up with your usual skincare routine and you’re set!
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As Part of Cellulite Treatment
No one wants cellulite. Luckily, there are ways to combat those annoying dimples that pop up on the butt and thigh area. Coconut oil, it turns out, is part of the solution. First, it hydrates the skin, which can reduce the appearance of dimples. Then, you can use it as a part of dry brushing, where you brush the skin to increase circulation, stimulate lymphatic drainage, exfoliate, promote skin cell regeneration, and release toxins. Finally, you can use it as an ingredient in a coffee scrub or wrap, which also will help with cellulite.
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For Shaving
Next on our list of fabulous uses for coconut oil is the moisturizer as a shaving product. We already mentioned how coconut oil is antibacterial, which will protect your skin while shaving, but it is so hydrating that it will leave your skin better than before you shave, without razor burn and/or dryness. Added bonus? It doesn’t have any of the chemicals you’ll find in regular shaving creams, and you won’t have to buy a separate product for shaving when you already have coconut oil on hand and at the ready.
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As a Cuticle Oil for Nails (and for Nails in General)
Coconut oil is also wonderful for hydrating nail cuticles. Apply and leave it on your cuticles for as long as possible; feel free to also massage them into your nails as they will benefit as well. Coconut oil will strengthen nails, add shine, help with growth, treat fungus, help prevent and/or treat ridges in the nail through moisturization, and more. It is so great and effective for so many parts of the body, that you can feel free to really practice some self-care and use the coconut oil to massage tired hands and hydrate them!
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As a Makeup Primer
Using coconut oil as part of your beauty arsenal will allow you to go natural across so many makeup products and save a ton of cash. Another example of this is that you can use the oil as a primer before your cosmetics. It will prime the skin, as well as moisturize it, and of course, provide you with that extra bit of glow. Just make sure to not use too much, as you will, of course, be adding makeup on top of the oil. A little goes a long way.
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To Prevent Stretch Marks
We have spoken a lot on how moisturizing coconut oil is. And because of this benefit, it works wonders on the skin. In fact, it is recommended for use by pregnant women in the prevention of stretch marks. There are even those who believe that coconut oil can help get rid of the marks, especially when mixed with turmeric.
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As part of a Body Scrub
In addition to making a great lip scrub, you can also use coconut oil to make an effective body scrub. While you can get fancy with what you add in, including essential oils in your favorite scents, you can make an easy one with just coconut oil and sugar. The ratio is usually 2 parts sugar to one part oil.
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As a Foot Moisturizer
Coconut oil will hydrate your skin, even on its dryest parts. A great idea for super smooth feet is to slather on some coconut oil before bed and throw on some socks. The hours with the nourishing product will deliver some serious moisture to your feet, cuticles, and nails, leaving them looking and feeling soft.
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To Protect the Hair from the Chlorine and the Sun
We can’t wait for the warm weather, so we can jump in the pool and head to the beach. But with that comes some damaging chlorine and sun rays for the hair. Luckily, all you have to do is run some coconut oil through your tresses to protect is from the elements. It will not only keep these elements from penetrating your strands, but coconut oil will also of course, super hydrate them.
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As a Natural Deodorant
We’re betting you didn’t know you can also use coconut oil as a deodorant? You can use it alone, or mix it with the following ingredients: baking soda, corn starch, and essential oils. Not only will it moisturize your underarms, but coconut oil will act as both an antibacterial and anti-fungal product, and lighten your pits.
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As a Bug Bite Treatment
Coconut oil relieves itching, be it from a sunburn or bug bites (or both). And, it also serves as an insect repellent. This makes it the perfect natural summer product to add to your go-everywhere tote.
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As a Natural Sunscreen
With an SPF said to be between 2 and 4, did you know that coconut oil could act as a sunscreen? The hydrating, nourishing oil could also be mixed with other natural ingredients for a healthy yet effective alternative to what’s in the stores.
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As a Treatment for Eczema and Psoriasis
Skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema need a super moisturizing lotion or cream in order to hydrate the skin and keep it hydrated. Coconut oil is a fabulous, natural alternative, which is also antibacterial and anti-fungal, further protecting the dermis.
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To Tame Frizz
Just a bit of coconut oil can help tame frizz, which can creep up, especially during hot months and in humid climates. Added bonus? The scent is just as good as its moisturizing effect.
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As a Lip Balm
All you need is a small swipe of coconut oil to apply to the lips for major hydration. You could also try a more intricate DIY (Pinterest is a great resource), with natural colors, to create a good-for-you tinted lip gloss or balm.
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As a Treatment for Acne
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Coconut oil, as with any product placed on the skin, should be tested first to see how your skin reacts to it. It can treat acne for some people but triggered breakouts for someone else. But if your skin is more on the drier side and isn’t prone to breakouts, coconut oil might be for you since it’s antibacterial, which will help get rid of the bacteria present in pimples.
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As a Remedy for Varicose Veins
Coconut oil has also come up as a way to naturally treat varicose or spider veins. Massaging your legs with coconut oil will help reduce their appearance, but also including coconut oil in your diet will keep you more regular, which aids varicose veins from the inside out.
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As Part of a Natural, Homemade Perfume
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Coconut oil is a perfect, moisturizing fragrance on its own. But it is also easy to mix with other natural ingredients like essential oils (coconut oil serves as a carrier oil) to create delicious-smelling, layered scents. Check out the Instagram post above, which contains several perfume recipes.
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As part of a Natural Vapor Rub
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We know, we know. Latinxs will always be loyal to Vick’s Vapor Rub (a.k.a. Veepvaporu). But although it is an ingrained part of our culture, it does contain unhealthy ingredients like petroleum jelly. You can easily make a much healthier option with coconut oil; the post above offers an easy to DIY recipe.
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As a Natural Under Eye Cream
Our final suggestion for moisturizing, healing and all-around miraculous coconut oil is as an effective under eye cream. On its own, it will soften the skin, hydrate, lighten dark circles, even skin tone, reduce inflammation, promote the production of collagen, and help minimize wrinkles. For an added punch, you can mix coconut oil with other natural wonders like Vitamin E, matcha/green tea, and rosehip oil (check out the recipe posted above).
