7 Ways To Use Coconut Oil On Your Skin

When it comes to inside-out care, coconut oil has been categorised as a miracle must-have. Its magic abilities to do so much for our skin and our overall health makes it one staple ingredient to have in your pantry and beauty cabinet.

Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides, commonly known as MCT. MCT's are fatty acids that are quickly absorbed by our organs, bringing a huge variety of benefits along with it. 

Studies have shown that when added to your meals, coconut oil can increase your metabolism, improve brain function, and support the body's fat-burning process.

But while adding coconut oil to your diet is great, using it for all parts of your skin is even better. 

Dermatologists have praised the free-radicals-fighting benefits of coconut oil. And while they point out that the type of skin you have - whether dry or oily - should be taken into consideration before using coconut oil, a topical application is a safe way to moisturise and heal your skin. 

So today, we highlight 8 ways to use coconut oil on your skin.

1. Clean Your Mouth

Whether that's to kill bacterias, reinforce the gums or keep your teeth (somewhat) white, coconut oil does it all. To clean your mouth with coconut oil, it is best to try the oil pulling method. Oil pulling involves swishing oil around the mouth for 10 to 20 minutes, in the same way you would with a mouthwash.

We have hundreds of bacteria in our mouth that can cause gum inflammation, bad breath, and yellowing of the teeth. So when you do coconut oil pulling daily, the mouth's bacterias are swept away. 

2. Soothe Skin Inflammation

Skin inflammation like rashes and eczema reduces the skin's ability to stay hydrated and heal. While coconut oil is not a cure for eczema or any other type of skin irritation, it does help to soothe dryness and itchiness. 

Coconut Oil is a natural moisturiser rich in lauric acids. Its fatty and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce bacteria and skin fungi while bringing moisture back into the dry, inflamed skin. A win-win if you want to feel as smooth and soft as a baby.

3. Remove Makeup

The skin on our face is very sensitive. Some might have it dry, and others oily. Although coconut oil is a great natural moisturiser, dermatologists often recommend avoiding using it to moisturise the face. But can any skin use it as an oil cleanser to remove makeup? 

The answer is yes! The antibacterial and detergent effect of coconut oil makes it a gentle and non-irritating cleanser. By using a chickpea size amount and slowly massaging it around your face, you can remove the dirt, pollution, and daily makeup. Make sure you rinse your skin using warm water though to remove the excess oil.

4. Hydrate Your Hair

When your hair is dry and fried from too much sunbathing, indulging in a coconut oil mask can bring the moisture back into your hair. Depending on your hair needs, coconut oil can be used as a pre-wash mask or a post-wash moisturising leave-on. 

However, it’s important to point out that the oil can be pretty heavy on the hair. Hair Experts advise that the key is to use a very small amount only on your ends. This can give you the moisturising boost and shine your hair are craving.

5. Make Non-Toxic Insect Repellent

When used as a carrier for essential oils, coconut oil works like a charm at keeping the bugs and mozzies away from your skin. 

By mixing a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus, lemon, or Thai oil with coconut oil, you can have a great non-toxic insect repellent. A recent study noted that a natural insect repellent made with essential and coconut oil was 98% effective at keeping the bugs away. So ditch the chemically-filled and opt for these more efficient alternatives!

6. Use It as Deodorant

The antibacterial properties of coconut oil are great for many parts of our bodies, including the armpits. When you combine coconut oil with other natural ingredients such as tea tree, baking soda, or arrowroot powder, you get a natural body-odour fighting deodorant. 

So while it may not be the best option for a workout sweat, using a coconut-oil-based deodorant for your day to day activities will do the job perfectly. The oil is quickly absorbed by the skin and keeps the armpit moisturised and stink-free. 

7. Protect Your Skin From The Sun

Coconut oil has many benefits on its own, but we saw that it is even better when paired with other natural products. This is the case when it comes to sun protection. A study noted that coconut oil could block up to 20% of UV's on its own. 

When paired with natural ingredients like zinc and applied thoroughly, you can rest assured to have natural, safe, and super effective sunscreen options on hand. That's why coconut oil is part of our natural all-day zinc cream. 

Coconut oil can moisturise and protect any layer of your skin in a natural way. For those with hypoallergenic and skin sensitivities, it is one skincare option to not shy away from. What is your favourite way to use coconut oil? Share your best tips with us on Instagram at @sun.and.earth.zinc