The Many Uses of Cocunut Oil

 

Dr. Oz, morning shows, magazines…everyone is talking about the health benefits of coconut oil. What’s more, though, is that it is a great go-to for so many beauty tricks too. These easy and inexpensive DIY home remedies are a must try! So join the coconut oil bandwagon, you won’t be disappointed!

How to Get Great Skin:

Summer weather does some weird stuff to my skin.  It’s dry from the sun, oily from the humidity and, ever since I was in middle school, I am always battling a bit of acne.  I concocted a face mask to address these concerns.  First, take a teaspoon of coconut oil, a pinch of baking soda (to make it gritty…and a little goes a long way) and about 5 drops of tea tree oil (more or less depending on your skin sensitivity).  I gently rub the mask in a circular motion onto my face for two minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water.  So why make this you ask? The coconut oil helps to hydrate the skin while also making a nice base for the baking soda scrub.  The baking soda is less abrasive when mixed with the coconut oil and will help to exfoliate dead skin cells to give you a glowing complexion.  Finally, tea tree oil is known for its antiseptic properties and will kill the bacteria that can be wreaking havoc on your skin.  Your skin will be exfoliated, hydrated and glowing after this quick treatment.

How to Get Fuller Lips:

First, start by wetting a clean, soft toothbrush and, very lightly, make little circular motions over your lips for a minute. This is a great way to exfoliate your lips and prep them for the next step. Next, take a little bit of coconut oil and mix a drop of cinnamon clove oil into it and rub it onto your lips. Coconut oil is moisturizing while cinnamon and clove with make your lips tingle and swell a bit for a natural fuller lip.

How to Get Soft and Shiny Hair:

Coconut oil makes a great hair mask! There are lots of ways on the Internet to apply this mask but here is my go-to way.  I get my hair damp and then take a big scoop of coconut oil into my hand and work it into my hair, starting with the ends and more lightly on my scalp.   Next, I put a shower cap or plastic wrap (like Saran) on my head, put a towel over it and then blow dry it for about 10 minutes. I let it sit for another 20 minutes and then wash it off.  I have seen on the Internet that some people leave the mask on for four hours or even sleep in it overnight.  However, I have really fine hair so 30 minutes is plenty of time for me! It usually takes two washes to get it all out but this treatment results in beautiful hair!

I hope you all enjoy these great DIY beauty treatments! Let me know how they work!