Coconut oil has many different uses and benefits for our skin. Coconut oil has been used as a natural remedy for a lot of quick fixes, some you may already be keen on while others will come as a surprise. Coconut oil with other ingredients can always do some magic but coconut oil on its own is an absolute gift! Here are some ways coconut oil can be used and its benefits:
- Remove Body Odor
Coconut oil is antibacterial and antiviral. This means that coconut oil has the ability to get rid of any bacteria that causes your body to smell especially in the underarm area. Coconut oil works hand in hand with other antiseptic essential oils, helping to cleanse the body. 100% virgin coconut oil is processed without heat making all of its antibacterial properties immediately attack the source of body odor when applied to the skin.
- Exfoliation
Coconut oil is a natural exfoliator for the skin. Coconut oil has a naturally abrasive texture. This makes coconut oil great to remove dead skin cells on the skin whether it's the face or body. When it comes to exfoliating with coconut oil a little goes a long way. You probably didn’t notice a lot of your favorite body scrubs have coconut oil in them such as the Flora and Noor Shea Sugar Scrub. It uses cocos nucifera oil (organic coconut) as a dissolvent and to condition the skin. Coconut oil also acts as a natural fragrance so using it alone as an exfoliator will leave your skin smelling good. But do not let coconut oils fragrance and moisturizing qualities stop you from following up with a good lotion or body butter like the Oatmeal and Shea Body Butter which would be the perfect combination as coconut oil and shea butter both have antioxidants and anti-inflammatories and aid in evening and nourishing the skin.
- Moisturizes the Skin
Coconut oil is the holy grail for those with dry skin. Coconut oil is easily absorbed by the skin while also retaining moisture within the skin. Coconut oil compared to normal moisturizers is more effective in providing moisture and hydration within the skin. But do keep in mind you should still stick with your standard moisturization routine. If you do have sensitive skin be aware that using coconut oil as a moisturizer does have side effects. Coconut oil can clog pores and hair follicles and cause acne (due to the possibility of clogged pores).
- Oil Pulling
A common remedy used by most when it comes to coconut oil is oil pulling. Oil pulling is an ancient, Indian folk remedy claimed to improve your overall oral health. It is used in a way similar to mouthwash. Coconut oil has become popular as people swear it not only whitens their teeth but gets rid of other oral bacteria. Oil pulling with coconut oil may help reduce inflammation of the gums, also known as gingivitis. There are many myths about oil pulling. Currently, no evidence supports claims that oil pulling whitens your teeth or eliminates toxins in your blood. That being said oil pulling can be done with any oil but coconut oil is a popular choice.
Coconut oil is so versatile and the benefits are so worth it. Whether you use it everyday or once in a while, you should always have a handy jar of virgin coconut oil on standby. Remember a little goes a long way but after reading about all of the amazing benefits coconut oil has to offer, you might find yourself indulging in it more than usual. But hey we won’t judge!