Will coconut oil solve all your skin care needs? Coconut oil for skin - common uses and tips

I’ve been changing up my skin care routine a lot this past year. I turned 30, and I’ve noticed some changes happening on my face, so I’m on a mission to find some solutions! I prefer fewer chemicals in the products I slather all over my face, so I tend to lean more toward an around-the-house routine — using natural products easily found in my kitchen. While I was doing research online, coconut oil kept popping up as a miracle worker skin care product, so I decided it was time to give it a try.

Coconut Oil for Skin: Common Uses & Tips for Use

Coconut oil is available in most grocery stores because it’s typically used in cooking, and has been said to help with everything from losing weight to preventing Alzheimer’s when ingested. BUT, did you know it’s even better when used as a skin and hair product? Coconut oil contains all sorts of useful stuff, like saturated fats that retain the skin’s moisture, fatty acids that have strong disinfectant and microbial properties, vitamin E for keeping skin and hair healthy and soft, and even anti-aging properties.

So, what does that mean? You can use coconut oil on everything from cracked lips to dry skin, in place of shaving foam, and even as a makeup remover.

I’ve been experimenting with it as a facial cleanser. I realize it seems counter-intuitive to use oil as a cleaner, but I read about it on some beauty blogs, so I had to try it on my dry, flaky, acne-prone skin. I’ve been using it for three weeks and so far, so good! I feel like it’s been helping to contain my breakouts, plus, I adore that I’m not using any harmful chemicals!

Can coconut oil solve all your skin care woes?

Tips for Using Coconut Oil for Skin Care:

  • Make sure you buy the most natural, least processed version as possible. Usually, this means it is “virgin” or “unrefined.” That way, you make sure all the nutrients, and protective ingredients are still in there. I like theTrader Joe’s organic brandpictured above.
  • Don’t be alarmed when you get home and the oil is firm to the touch! Coconut oil will harden at room temperature, but take a scoop and place it in your palm. The heat from your hand will liquefy it.
  • Coconut oil is very stable and will last at least six months (some brands last much longer) in its packaging. If you find a brand you like, consider buying coconut oil in bulk to save money.
  • You can also mix it with essential oils (which is great to use on little kids to lessen the power of the oils) or with sugar and honey for a DIY skin scrub. This coconut oil lip scrub recipe from Honestly WTF is my favorite.

Do you use coconut oil in your daily routine? How do you like it? Let us know in the comments!

Buy Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Online