Let me introduce you to my new secret weapon: coconut oil!
I do know, I do know—am I the final particular person to find simply how superb these things actually is?
Whereas coconut oil is mostly thought-about a cooking oil, consisting of the fats pressed from the coconut, it’s additionally lengthy been hailed for its moisturizing advantages for the pores and skin and hair. I’ve only in the near past began utilizing it for my tremendous dry pores and skin, and I can’t say sufficient good issues. It feels heavenly, and the sunshine coconut scent makes me really feel like I’m hanging out at a tropical seashore.
It’s notably helpful for pregnant ladies. I’ve been religiously rubbing it over my ever-growing stomach to forestall stretch marks (and assist the previous ones). At 30 weeks pregnant, I can say for positive that utilizing coconut oil for stretch marks is efficient! It additionally helps relieve a few of that itching because the pores and skin stretches.
Meet the Consultants
Nadir Qazi, D.O., beauty dermatology surgeon with Qazi Beauty Clinic in Irvine, California
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rina Mary Allawh, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist
Coconut oil for stretch marks and extra magnificence advantages:
Scale back stretch marks
A number of elements are at play in terms of what causes stretch marks, together with genetics in addition to the essential enlargement of pores and skin whereas present process stress, which triggers the discharge of hormones like cortisol, explains Nadir Qazi, D.O., beauty dermatology surgeon with Qazi Beauty Clinic in Irvine, California. “Whereas there haven’t been any conclusive research on coconut oil’s impact on stretch marks, the oil has the potential to visibly cut back their look,” he says. “As well as, it’s thought-about a pure anti-inflammatory and will assist to stimulate collagen manufacturing within the pores and skin.”
Rub coconut oil onto your stomach (or legs or no matter) to cut back and stop stretch marks. As talked about, it additionally helps reduce on itching—which is usually a pesky being pregnant facet impact!
Moisturizer
Coconut oil is occlusive, appearing as a barrier between the pores and skin and the air, Dr. Qazi explains. In consequence, it traps any moisture on the pores and skin, protecting the pores and skin hydrated and stopping any trans-dermal water loss which will happen whereas utilizing the oil. “The oil can also be an emollient, so it softens pores and skin along with trapping moisture, including an extra feeling of soppy, hydrated pores and skin,” he provides.
Subsequently, you should utilize coconut oil as a stand-alone moisturizer (it’s all-natural too), or you may add it to your present moisturizer for a lift of hydration. It really works successfully on all kinds of pores and skin, together with tremendous dry pores and skin like mine. It could even assist delay wrinkles and pores and skin sagging, due to its potential for firming results.
Pores and skin therapy
Coconut oil has lengthy been used as an all-natural therapy for power pores and skin circumstances reminiscent of psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema, and it has been proven in research to enhance the pores and skin barrier perform in inflammatory pores and skin illness [source]. Apply a small dab on the affected space a couple of times every day, and also you’ll doubtless see some constructive outcomes.
Antioxidant influence
Analysis, together with one research printed within the peer-reviewed journal, Pores and skin Pharmacology and Physiology, has proven that coconut oil might help forestall untimely growing old and degenerative illnesses on account of its antioxidant properties.
Hair rejuvenation
Coconut oil is without doubt one of the few pure oils proven in research to soak up into hair to strengthen and revitalize it from inside, notes Dr. Qazi. “As well as, coconut oil’s antibacterial and anti-fungal properties might help keep hair follicle and scalp well being,” he says. “Nonetheless, as a result of coconut oil is occlusive, it’s handiest when used as a therapy masks reasonably than an on a regular basis hair beauty to forestall build-up, as it may be tough to take away.”
One of the efficient and wholesome strategies of elimination that Dr. Qazi recommends is to combine pure aloe gel into shampoo, apply it on to the hair, wait 10 minutes after which rinse.
9 Magnificence Makes use of for Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is without doubt one of the most versatile pure magnificence merchandise. The scent is stress-free like a day on the seashore, and the therapeutic properties of coconut oil soothe and restore pores and skin. Its considerable pure fat moisturize, whereas the lauric acid it incorporates protects and softens pores and skin. It’s additionally an antiseptic and helps keep a wholesome pH stage within the pores and skin [source].
I discover myself dipping into the coconut oil jar for all the pieces from dry palms to curling iron burns. When you’re new to pure magnificence, then coconut oil is the place I’d suggest beginning. Get your self an enormous jar, and take a look at a few of our favourite do-it-yourself magnificence makes use of for coconut oil.
1. Whipped physique lotion
Slather coconut oil throughout your physique (together with your face—don’t be shy!) proper after your bathe. It’s best absorbed if the pores and skin remains to be barely moist. I hold the jar on the lavatory counter, so the warmth from the bathe helps soften and soften the oil.
However, hey, in the event you overlook to slather proper after your bathe, simply apply everytime you keep in mind—you’ll nonetheless see some spectacular moisturizing advantages.
Okay, sure, you may simply dip your hand within the coconut oil jar. But when that’s not interesting, strive whipping it. Whipped coconut oil alone or mixed with shea butter creates such an expensive buttery texture. It’s nice for enhancing the tone and texture of pores and skin bummers like stretch marks and scars.
—1/2 cup shea butter
—1/4 coconut oil
1. Utilizing a double boiler over low warmth, soften the shea butter and coconut oil collectively.
2. Refrigerate the combination for about an hour to chill.
3. Beat the components with a hand mixer for five–7 minutes or till the combination turns into fluffy.
4. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the perimeters of the bowl as wanted.
5. Switch the physique butter to a glass container with a lid. Ought to final a minimum of 6 months.
2. Softening detox tub
Add an enormous scoop of coconut oil with about two cups of Epsom salt to create a heat detox tub. It’s like utilizing a moisturizing physique wash—the oil coats and hydrates your pores and skin. This counters the drying impact of soaking in scorching, salty water properly. You’ll be able to apply extra oil if you get out and go to mattress, all heat and moisturized.
3. Shaving cream
Rub coconut oil (by itself or mixed with aloe vera) in your legs within the bathe for an antibacterial shaving cream that helps forestall nicks and razor burn. You’ll be shocked at how delicate your legs really feel—they’ll be moisturized, silky, and beautiful for days!
4. Conditioning hair masks
Implementing coconut oil into your regular hair care routine can also be useful for the therapy of dry, itchy scalp. When utilizing coconut oil for dry scalp, gently therapeutic massage the coconut oil on the scalp straight (consider it as a scalp medication reasonably than for the hair). Usually, we suggest making use of a skinny layer or pea-sized quantity of coconut oil after you bathe and resume your regular hair care routine.
To deal with dry, frizzy, or brittle hair, begin massaging the coconut oil into the hair nearer to the ends and away from the roots for a useful trick to keep away from a greasy scalp at bedtime. You can too use coconut oil as a hair “masks.” Within the morning, you can be happy to get up to easy, shiny hair.
A simple coconut oil hair masks recipe:
Combine 2 tablespoons of oil with 1 tablespoon of honey and warmth within the microwave for a couple of seconds till heat sufficient to unfold simply.
Therapeutic massage the combination onto your scalp or rub it into the dry ends of your hair to take down frizz and break up ends. Then cowl with a bathe cap for half-hour to an hour. Rinse and wash hair effectively, and revel in gorgeously delicate, shiny hair.
5. Physique scrub
Mix 1/2 cup coconut oil and 1/2 cup espresso grounds and firmly therapeutic massage into your thighs and booty to extend circulation and cut back the looks of cellulite.
A simple method to all the time have a scrub available? Whip up some Espresso-Coconut Oil Scrub Cubes—one in all our hottest magnificence DIYs! To reinforce the advantages of coconut oil on stretch marks and cellulite, pair it with a dry-brushing routine.
6. Lip scrub + lip gloss
Combine a tablespoon of coconut oil with a teaspoon of sugar for a fast, simple, and edible lip scrub. Apply a small, dime-sized quantity of coconut oil to dry lips for fast shine. Or use coconut oil in a DIY lip balm recipe.
7. Cuticle oil
Use coconut oil to melt your palms and tough ft. Therapeutic massage it into nail beds for a easy cuticle cream that additionally helps enhance nail power. Rub in your palms for a pure moisturizer that helps cut back high-quality traces and age spots.
8. Make-up remover
Dab a cotton pad with coconut oil for a chemical-free eye make-up remover that additionally moisturizes the skinny pores and skin round eyes. Gently wipe over the attention space. It really works nice on cussed waterproof mascara and eye shadow.
9. Therapeutic massage oil
If the tropical scent alone isn’t sufficient of an incentive, coconut oil works effectively as a therapeutic massage oil. Rub it into the pores and skin for soothing and hydrating advantages, and revel in that beachy scent whereas it helps forestall and diminish the looks of stretch marks.
Much more methods to make use of coconut oil:
10. Toothpaste: Ever surprise what chemical compounds you’re ingesting if you brush your enamel? A DIY model made with coconut oil and baking soda is tasty, pure, and also will soften your lips (no post-brushing lip balm required). If coconut oil toothpaste is a little bit too out-there for you, strive oil pulling as an alternative—it detoxes your mouth and retains gums wholesome [source].
11. Deodorant: Coconut oil and baking soda can also be an efficient DIY deodorant. Be warned, it could take a couple of days to your physique to regulate, however as soon as it does, you might discover that you simply not want super-strength industrial deodorants or antiperspirants.
12. Hand sanitizer: Mix 6 drops of lavender or tea tree important oil with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, and rub it into your palms as a pure antiseptic moisturizer to your palms.
What’s your favourite magnificence use for coconut oil?
This publish was medically reviewed by Dr. Rina Mary Allawh, M.D., a dermatologist who practices grownup and pediatric medical dermatology, pores and skin most cancers therapy, and beauty dermatology. Study extra about Whats up Glow’s medical reviewers right here. As all the time, this isn’t private medical recommendation, and we suggest that you simply discuss along with your physician.
Photographs by Ana Stanciu
