Crazy for Coconut Oil

Until this year I had never used coconut oil, but was curious since everyone was raving about its benefits. After all, research has found that this oil has been linked to an increased resistance to viruses and bacteria, as well as a boost in the thyroid function to increase metabolism and boost energy. I’d heard that its “health benefits are abundant,” and “it smells like heaven,” and even “you can use it in the kitchen AND at your vanity.” That last one sold me: a beauty product that is cost-effective with no harsh chemicals? Yes, please! I’d been searching for a way to simplify my skincare routine while also reducing the amount of chemical-based products on my shelf. My skin had also been really irritated as, I think, a result of using too many products at once. 

So what is coconut oil, anyway? Mark’s Daily Apple explains the process: “In brief, coconuts are collected, broken open and then the flesh is allowed to dry. To extract the oil, the dried flesh is then heated at a low temperature until any moisture is evaporated, leaving you with an oil residue.” Here Mark Sisson notes the importance of finding an organic virgin coconut oil which steers clear of any chemicals during the process.

But let’s talk beauty now. As I mentioned, I was looking for something cheap, effective and most importantly natural and I found it in coconut oil. Before giving it a try, I thought, “this is oil, therefore I will become oily, and my skin will freak out.” But then a skincare-obsessed friend of mine introduced me to Earth tu Face Body Butter and I was convinced of the magical powers of coconut oil. (Since the Earth tu Face episode, I’ve switched to a cheaper, grocery-store version of coconut oil. It doesn’t quite match the scent of the cardamom and cinnamon-leaf body butter but it gets the job done). Don’t want to splurge either? Try Garden of Life or Dr. Bronner’s coconut oil.

Here are a few ways to incorporate coconut oil into your skincare routine:

• Skin: The medium-chain triglycerides penetrate the skin for a deep moisturizer without an oily residue. Rub it on your body as soon as you’re out of the shower for the best result.
• Face: The anti-oxidant and antimicrobial properties make it a handy anti-aging product as well one that fights blemishes. This summer I’ve been using it as my only facial moisturizer as I purge my skin of all other products.
• First aid: The antibacterial and the Vitamin E aids in recovery for cuts and burns. Try it on your next cut and you’ll be amazed by its healing powers!
• Hair: To strengthen hair and promote growth at the follicle, massage the oil onto your split ends or use it as hair mask. See this Birchbox blog post for a DIY mask.

Some final tips: store your coconut oil in dry place and remember that a little goes a long way. For use in your daily skincare routine, store a couple of dollops in a little bowl. Finally, when you head to the store, remember to look for organic virgin cold pressed coconut oil and avoid any labels that say “hydrogenated,” “bleached,” or “refined.” 

Will you incorporate coconut oil into your beauty routine? If you already do, what do you use it for and which brand have you had the most success with?

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