By BR Amelia
Coconut oil. How did we live without you for so long? How did we not know about your goodness? How did we not see you for the beloved beauty multi-purpose delight that you are? Okay, to be fair, some people have long known about the beauty benefits of coconut oil, but it feels like in the last few years it's become more and more mainstream. From the tips of your hair down to the tops of your toes, coconut oil has proven itself to be the good oil, and it's been the basis of some amazing coconut-based products? So, what's what, and why do you need it? Let's start at the top of our bod and work our way down...
Your hair and coconut oil may well be a match made in heaven. Coconut oil can...
- Tame flyaways.
- Work as an intensive hair treatment.
- Provide instant shine to dull hair.
Like the idea of smothering your hair in coconutty goodness? Recently we introduced Beauty Review members to the L'Oréal Elvive Extraordinary Oil Coconut range of products, which included a shampoo, conditioner, oil and mask. The regime was wonderfully received with an overall rating of 4.6/5, with reviewers noticing shinier, softer, less-frizzy, more nourished hair. Sounds like a must-try to us!
As for coconut oil on your face? It's a slightly contentious subject, with some skin experts calling it comedogenic, which means it can clog pores and cause breakouts. While others say it's non-comedogenic, and therefore unlikely to cause breakouts due to clogged pores. HOWEVER, coconut oil contains ingredients that makes it antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial, so it's often seen as being good for the skin, and some people report that it's done wonders for their skin. With that in mind you can use coconut oil as...
- A cleanser.
- Makeup remover.
- Moisturiser.
- Eye cream.
If you're game to try coconut on your skin the Skinfood Organic Coconut & Nut Oils moisturiser could be a delightful addition to your skin care regime.
It's not just in a skin care sense that we can use coconut oil on our faces - it can beautify us as well when used as a...
- Lip balm.
- Lip tint (when mixed with a little lipstick).
- Highlighter.
For an instant glow try Frank Body Illuminator, a coconut-based body illuminator that gives a gorgeous gleam.
Is your mouth in need of some extra care? Due to its antimicrobial nature, some people swear oil pulling with coconut oil is a great way to...
- Create whiter teeth
- Healthier gums
- Remove bacteria
- Better smelling breath
Intrigued? Check out our article, 'Oil Pulling... Oral hygiene heaven or internet myth', and decide for yourself if oil pulling's for you. OR, freshen up your oral area with Dr Brite, which features organic coconut oil to moisturise the mouth.
Your hair is gleaming, your face is glowing, don't forget to tend to your bod! Coconut oil's uses for the area neck down is varied and many.
- Take sugar, or salt, add coconut oil - instant scrub.
- De-fuzzing in the shower? Use it as a shaving cream replacement
- Body moisturiser.
- Massage oil.
- Nails and cuticle treatment.
- Intensive hand and foot treatment.
Not wanting to cart around pottles of the stuff? Check out the Palmer's Coconut Oil range, which uses coconut oil as a base for a fantastic range of body care products.
I've always been quite intrigued by coconut oil products. There seems to be a lot of for and against, but I do use it from time to time. Would be good to hear more about what things people particularly use it for.