1. Facial cleanser. I have heard many people swear by coconut oil as a cleanser and makeup remover. Simply massage it into your skin and remove with a damp washcloth. Pamper yourself further by letting it absorb for a few minutes while placing a warm, damp washcloth over your face, then remove the oil with warm water.
2. Moisturizer and body lotion. Coconut oil is a safe and effective, natural body lotion. You can use coconut oil to moisturize virtually any area of the body. I mainly use it as a facial hydrator, but you can use it on dry knees and elbows, hands...even on your lips and as an anti-wrinkle eye cream.
3. Sunscreen. Coconut oil can help filter the sun's harmful rays to keep your skin from burning. Of course, as this solid oil will melt in the sun, it can be somewhat messy to take to the beach, but it is all-natural and doesn't contain the chemicals that are in most commercial sunscreens.
4. Scalp treatment. I haven't personally tried coconut oil in my hair (yet), but in doing some research, I have found that coconut oil can be used either alone or combined with other natural products to treat a dry, itchy scalp and dandruff. Simply massage it in, allow to absorb for twenty minutes and follow up with shampoo and conditioner.
5. Frizz tamer. It can also be used to tame dry, frizzy hair. After shampooing, simply massage the coconut oil into the ends of your hair, let it absorb while you do the rest of your shower tasks and rinse well.
6. Cuticle cream. Who needs fancy cuticle creams when you have a natural alternative at home? As you are rubbing coconut oil into your hands, massage a little extra into your cuticles for pretty nails. You can do the same with your feet and the skin around your toenails.
7. Heel softener. Soften dry, cracked heels with a coconut oil treatment. Simply rub it into your feet before bedtime and put some socks on to keep the oil on your feet (and not the sheets!) then take them off in the morning for soft, summer-ready feet.
8. Deodorant. I haven't used coconut oil as a deodorant yet, but I have found several different ways to do so. The first option is to simply rub it on with your fingers. You can also make a paste using coconut oil and baking soda. Optionally, you could also add your favorite essential oil for a scented deodorant.
9. Shaving cream. Coconut oil may not lather up like commercial shaving cream, but it will soak into your skin, leaving you with smooth, soft legs. While in the shower, make sure to stay out of the stream of water while shaving and rinse the razor often.
10. Oral hygiene. You will find numerous toothpaste recipes that include coconut oil as an ingredient. Personally, I like to use coconut oil for "oil pulling", during which you swish the oil for twenty minutes then rinse with water. It has many health benefits in addition to healthy teeth, but that is an article for another time.
How do you use coconut oil in your beauty regimen?
