12 Beauty Benefits of Coconut Oil

A certain man-friend will laugh and say this post was looong overdue. I talk about coconut oil all the time—we preach what we love, yeah?—and admittedly, suggest it for everything. And I mean everything. Hair problems? Coconut oil. Morning-after pancakes? Coconut oil. Sexy times? Coconut oil; tip courtesy of Miranda Kerr.

I have an economy-sized tub of this stuff, and I’m not usually one to buy in bulk (unless it’s razors or bananas, because clearly these are the most important things in life). If that’s not a testament to just how miraculous and multi-purpose coconut oil is, I don’t know what would be.

So keep reading. I will persuade you, if it’s the last thing I do.

Beauty Uses for Coconut Oil:

1. Cleanser. I’ve recently undergone a few lifestyle changes where I’m in the process of going as natural as possible. Sure, there are still days when my skin needs a little boost via an AHA cleanser (Glycolic Acid, I will always have a soft spot for you), but lately, coconut oil does the trick just fine. The oils help break down any buildup to remove all residue, makeup, etc. without drying the skin. Plus, it boasts antibacterial properties and hydration properties that allow it to help prevent blemishes and simultaneously moisturize without clogging pores.
2. Makeup remover. Even the most stubborn of waterproof mascaras—L’Oreal Telescopic waterproof, I’m looking at you—can’t resist its charms. It’s natural, it’s antimicrobial, it’s gentle. After applying to the eyes, let the oil sit for about 10 seconds before lightly rubbing it in. You’ll be amazed at just how easily all that gunk glides off.
3. Night cream. Fatty acids actually help reinforce the skin’s lipid barrier—thus helping the skin retain its natural moisture levels—to help promote better hydration. Some experts believe coconut oil to be a fantastic ingredient for anti-aging care, and while I don’t have the science to solidify it, I don’t doubt it.
4. Body oil. All is right in the world when I go to bed slick and shiny and smelling of coconuts. I leave a jar of coconut oil in the shower so that the heat melts it into a state between solid and liquid, slather it on tip to toe, and slink into bed. Seven hours later (realistically speaking, more like five), I wake up with incredibly soft skin. Isn’t that what we all want? Smooth, touchable skin? It’s the simple things.
5. Shaving cream. Forget the chemical stuff, this is it. Again, antimicrobial and hydration properties help prevent ingrown hairs and reduce redness and inflammation, while leaving skin smooth and hydrated (rather than irritated and dry) post-shave.
6. Oral care. Oil pulling has been receiving a lot of press lately: it’s meant to serve as a healthier, natural alternative to brushing your teeth by swishing a tablespoon of oil (coconut or sesame oil) for 20 minutes before spitting it out. I propose using it as a supplement to your twice-a-day brushing because I’m a bit of an oral hygiene freak, but oil pulling is incredibly effective. Recent studies have shown that organic coconut oil can kill Streptococcus bacteria and thus help make teeth whiter. The plaque on teeth is fat-soluble, not water-soluble, which is why oil-pulling works. Twenty minutes may seem a bit excessive, but once you try it, you don’t even notice you’re swirling oil in your mouth: coconut oil smells/tastes incredible, for one, and if you pop a spoonful while you’re in the shower, you’ll be done in no time.
7. After-sun treatment. I don’t know the exact sciences for proof about this point, but personal experiences vouch for it. Slather it on after sun exposure or to soothe a sunburn, and it’ll help reduce any irritation and redness. My guess is that it has something to do with its moisture-locking and anti-inflammatory properties, but it’s about as good as yours. The point is, it works if, like me, you’re too lazy to go out and buy a hunk of aloe.
8. Massage oil. Rated PG and up. Coconut oil is the perfect consistency because it doesn’t absorb too quickly, and allows for generous play time. Do use generously, because if anything, you’re going to get baby-soft skin out of this.
9. Deodorant. Another beauty benefit I’ve read about, but have yet to find research that has the science to back it. However, coconut oil does have great antibacterial properties (if you haven’t gathered that from the first eight points), so for that reason alone I use it on it’s own or under an antiperspirant.
10. Body scrub. Coconut oil. Sugar. Bam. Scrub it, love it, you and your wallet will thank me later.
11. Intensive hair conditioner. This and argan oil work wonders for dry, damaged, or tangle-prone hair—but let’s be honest: coconut oil is the cheaper alternative when you’re in a pinch. Use it as a conditioner on the ends every few days, or all over as an intensive treatment mask as needed. (FYI: fine hair types might find the latter to be too heavy as it can leave hair greasy.)
12. Frizz-fighting styling oil. Warm up the tiniest—and I mean tiniest—bit in your hands and apply to the ends, and then use whatever remainder throughout the hair to prevent it from looking greasy. If you’re wearing your hair up in a sleek updo, try using coconut oil instead of your usual hairspray or mousse (which can look crunchy or flake over time). Slick it on to combat the frizzies and lock the style in—all while giving your hair a treatment.

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xx