How to Use Coconut Oil: 13 Ways to Use it
Want to know how to use coconut oil? With multiple coconut oil uses and benefits, you can include it in your diet, skincare routine, and hair care routine. This natural oil is extremely versatile and can benefit everyone in one way or another.
Packed with natural fats and antioxidants, coconut oil can treat everything from dry skin to damaged hair and weak nails. Alongside this, you can add it to your meals to get your daily dose of nourishment. Ahead, how to use coconut oil and all the things you can use coconut oil for.
How to Use Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a multitasking ingredient that you can use in several ways. From cooking with it to moisturizing with it to cleaning your teeth with it—coconut oil has a lot to offer. Here are all the ways you can use coconut oil.
#1: Moisturizer
Coconut oil makes a marvelous moisturizer. Studies show that coconut oil improves skin barrier function, combats signs of aging, and intensely hydrates skin. As a natural emollient, coconut oil helps to soften and soothe skin for improved texture. Some even suggest coconut oil can help alleviate symptoms associated with eczema and dermatitis.
You can either use it alone as a hydrating body oil or as an ingredient in body lotions and butters to combat dryness. Let it reach room temperature before applying or rub it between your hands to liquify it.
You can even use it as a facial moisturizer. However, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, stick to formulas that contain coconut oil rather than applying it directly to your skin which may clog pores and worsen breakouts.
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Truly’s Glazed Donut Skin Set
#2: Hair Mask
Your skin’s not the only part of you that can benefit from coconut oil’s hydrating powers. Your hair can too! Coconut oil is a deeply conditioning ingredient that penetrates the strands, preventing protein loss for stronger, thicker hair. It makes a great hair conditioner and mask.
According to a study, coconut oil has the ability to prevent hair damage by reducing protein loss when used in pre-washing and post-washing treatments. This is most likely due to its lauric acid content that penetrates inside the hair shaft, repairing and strengthening from within. Some say it can even boost hair growth.
Apply a dollop to your hair, comb it in, and let it sit in your hair for 1-2 hours before rinsing with a gentle shampoo. Or leave it on overnight to intensify its repairing effects. Alternatively, use a hair mask that contains coconut oil, leave it in your hair for several minutes, and rinse.
#3: Makeup Remover
How to use coconut oil in your beauty routine? Try using it as a gentle makeup remover. Instead of harsh wipes and cleansers, which can irritate the delicate eye area, let coconut oil gently melt away your mascara and eyeliner.
Apply a small amount on a cotton pad and sweep it over your eyes. It’s particularly good at breaking down waxy makeup. Plus, it even works on waterproof mascara! Wash your face once you’re done, and repeat if necessary. If you don’t fancy applying the oil directly to your skin, choose a cleansing product that contains coconut oil to enjoy the same benefits.
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Truly’s Glass Skin Cleansing Balm
#4: Nail Treatment
As a powerhouse moisturizer, coconut oil can be effective for nourishing and strengthening your nails. In fact, due to its plethora of fatty acids, it’s known for hydrating brittle nails and softening cuticles.
Massage a small amount of coconut oil into your cuticles and around your nails to add moisture to the area. With its antifungal properties, it can also fend off infections.
#5: Natural Deodorant
Because coconut oil is naturally antibacterial and antifungal, it makes an excellent natural deodorant. While sweat itself does not smell, the bacteria on your skin can produce unpleasant odors. Coconut oil can combat bacteria-causing odors thanks to its strong antibacterial properties.
You can either use a small amount of it directly on the skin or a formula that contains coconut oil. It’s a great ingredient for eliminating odors and keeping skin smelling fresh.
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#6: Teeth Brightener
Going back to coconut oil’s antibacterial benefits, it can be a powerful weapon against dental plaque and gum disease. According to a study, swishing with one tablespoon of coconut oil for 10 minutes can reduce bacteria in your mouth as effectively as an antiseptic mouthwash. This is a technique known as oil pulling that can benefit dental health.
Some say it can even help to naturally whiten your teeth. While there’s limited evidence to prove coconut oil’s teeth whitening effects, it can definitely provide a subtle brightening effect.
#7: Cooking
Whether you sauté with it, blitz it into your smoothies, or stir it into your coffee, there are several health benefits of coconut oil. For starters, it can increase your metabolism—at least temporarily. That’s because it contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), fatty acids that can increase the number of calories you burn.
What’s more, these MCTs can serve as an alternative energy source for your brain when they’re broken down by your liver and turned into ketones. Studies show that MCTs can help with brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s and epilepsy.
Other health claims associated with this cooking oil include weight loss, improved heart health, and healthier cholesterol levels. However, research is still being carried out to back up these health benefits.
#8: Shaving Cream
Ran out of shaving cream? Here’s where your tub of coconut oil comes in handy. Naturally antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, coconut oil makes an excellent natural shaving lubricant to protect your skin against razor burn and bumps. It will leave your skin silky and soft while fending off irritation.
You’ll also find coconut oil in shaving creams if you still enjoy the lathery, luxury feel of conventional shaving creams and butters.
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Truly’s Glazed Donut Shave Set
#9: Lip Balm
Another way to use coconut oil in your beauty routine is by applying it as a natural lip balm. With all its moisturizing power, coconut oil can help to soothe dry, cracked lips. You can either apply it directly to your pout or use a lip balm formulated with coconut oil.
#10: DIY Beauty Treatments
How to use coconut oil at home? Try whipping up some tasty, edible beauty treatments. Being the nourishing emollient that it is, coconut oil can easily be used to soften, hydrate, and soothe the skin.
To create a DIY lip scrub, mix coconut oil with brown sugar and honey for a scrumptious lip smoothing treatment. It’ll gently exfoliate your lips while locking in hydration for a luscious, petal-soft pout. Or try making your own DIY lip gloss. Simply mix coconut oil with bits of an old lipstick to create a homemade glossy lip color.
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#11: Split End Sealer
Besides preventing hair damage, coconut oil provides powerful smoothing effects, helping to seal split ends. It’s not exactly a permanent fix but it will make the hair appear smoother. Split ends should always be trimmed away to avoid further damage. But if you’re in a rush, coconut oil can be a quick fix for smoother-looking locks.
#12: KP Soother
Coconut won’t get rid of keratosis pilaris completely but it will help to manage symptoms thanks to its hydrating, antifungal effects. By softening the skin and combating fungus and bacteria, coconut oil keeps the skin clear, smooth, and bump-free.
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Truly’s KP Treatment Routine
#13: Dandruff
Coconut oil can alleviate and prevent dandruff thanks to its moisturizing properties, antifungal activity, and microbiome-balancing abilities. In a 2021 study, patients who applied coconut oil to their scalp saw a significant dandruff reduction.
To use, apply a generous amount of organic coconut oil to your scalp and massage it in. Let it sit for one hour, and rinse off with shampoo. You can also mix coconut oil with other nourishing vegetable oils and essential oils like olive oil, tea tree, and jojoba oil for added hydration and antimicrobial effects.
Which Coconut Oil is Best?
When it comes to how to use coconut oil for best results, it all comes down to using the right coconut oil for the job. There are several types of coconut oil: refined coconut oil, unrefined coconut oil, cold pressed coconut oil, and extra virgin coconut oil.
For skin, hair and teeth, always use unrefined, cold-pressed coconut oil. The purer the better when it comes to topical use of coconut oil. For cooking, it’s best to use unrefined, virgin coconut oil. However, for frying, you’ll need to use refined coconut oil which has a higher smoke point and can safely reach high temperatures.
With regards to how to use coconut oil in your daily wellness routine, you have plenty of options. You can use it to moisturize your skin, strengthen your nails, condition your hair, and even clean your teeth. It’s the multitasking ingredient that can benefit your hair, skin, teeth, nails, and your health.
