Let’s Talk About Coconut Oil

If someone were to tell you that there is one single product that serves a million and one purposes, would you believe them? Hardly! Just imagine, one single product that can be kept in your kitchen pantry AND in your bathroom cabinet … Is this really possible? Yip, it is and I am talking about coconut oil. Coconut oil is nature’s little miracle and I cannot live without it!

I use coconut oil every day on my skin, my hair and even in the kitchen. In fact, whenever someone has a beauty woe that needs a quick fix, I always recommend using this miracle oil. Now that you know how much I love this stuff, I’m going to share five ways you can use it too …

MOISTURISER

As a face and body moisturiser, coconut oil is much more hydrating than average store-bought lotions. The oil penetrates deeply into the layers of skin and actually helps to strength underlying tissues. It also helps to remove dead skin cells, remove any dry, rough or flakey patches and gives your skin a gorgeous glow.

♥ I like to use coconut oil as a moisturiser for my face focusing on dabbing a little more under my eyes and on my lips before bedtime. I also use any excess as a cuticle oil and hand cream. For my body, I like to rub all over with it just as I get out the shower. The best part about coconut oil, I find, is that a little goes a long way, so you don’t really need to use too much at a time. I also like that the oil absorbs into your skin without feeling oily or greasy.

HAIR MASK

Just as coconut oil works wonders for your skin, it also works wonders for your hair. It will give your hair a silky texture and lots of shine. It also moisturises and nourishes the hair. As well as helps a very dry itchy scalp.

♥ On days I’ll be working from home the whole day, I will heat up about 3 to 5 tablespoons of coconut oil in the microwave, so that it’s a warm liquid. Then, after it has cooled a little, I will apply it to my hair as I would any hair mask. Because I have a dry scalp, I will focus on my scalp and the tips of my hair. I leave the oil on the whole day (thankfully I won’t have meetings or seeing anyone so no one will see me in this state) and then I wash it out that evening. I find that double washing and letting it foam up a lot both times generally gets rid of the the oil. But you can do three washes if need be.

MAKEUP REMOVER

One of my favourite uses for coconut oil is it’s gentle power to remove makeup, especially stubborn mascara.

♥ At night before I wash my face, I use my finger to gently rub coconut oil downwards on my eyes and eyelashes to remove my eye makeup from the day.

COOKING OIL

Coconut oil is one of the healthiest oils you can use when cooking. This is because it is made up of medium chain triglycerides, which are metabolised more rapidly in the body compared to long chain triglycerides, meaning there’s increased fat burning potential. Many healthy oils break down into harmful compounds when heated to their smoke point. But coconut oil remands stable at high temperatures, so it is great for all round cooking!

♥ I like to use coconut oil when I make popcorn at home, for stir-frying, making chips etc.

BAKING

Coconut oil is a great substitute for butter when it comes to baking. Because it is a saturated fat, and saturated fats are the typical fat of choice when it comes to baking because of the texture. Saturated fats, like coconut oil, also plays a role in various brain and body functions – making it extra beneficial!

♥ When it comes to baking muffins, especially banana muffins and even carrot muffins, I always reach for the coconut oil instead of butter. Not only is it healthier, but I also love the subtle coconut flavour it gives the baked goods!

TIP WHEN BUYING COCONUT OIL:

Always buy unrefined, extra virgin coconut oil. This is because it goes through the least process and it the closest to its natural state.

♥