5 Ways Coconut Oil Can Save Your Skin and Hair | Skin Care Benefits Of Coconut Oil

By Christina Heiser

 

One Ingredient, Five Beauty Uses

There’s a reason coconut oil is so trendy these days. From taming frizz to moisturizing dry skin, this natural ingredient has a wide range of beauty-boosting properties. “Look for extra virgin that has not been hydrogenated, bleached, or refined in any way or [has] any fragrance or dyes added to it,” advises Audrey Kunin, MD, a dermatologist and the creator of the DermaDoctor skin care line. So check the label before buying a bottle — it should say that no fragrances, flavors, or coloring have been added. Heal dry skin, strengthen weak hair, and more with these easy at-home coconut oil treatments.
 

Rehydrate Dry Skin

Could coconut oil be a fix for your dry or irritated skin? It might be. A 2013 study in the Journal of International Dermatology found that virgin coconut oil improved skin barrier function in patients with atopic dermatitis. Create a spa-like experience at home by whipping up this skin-softening treatment that also contains oats, a soothing ingredient.
Mix 2 to 3 tablespoons of oats and coconut butter (the solid form of coconut oil) and place it in a reusable muslin bag (you can easily find the bags on amazon.com or etsy.com). Then heat it in the microwave for 30 seconds or until the mixture becomes a thick paste, says Vivian Villamizar, spa manager at Renew the Spa at The James Royal Palm Hotel in Miami. “[The bag] may be massaged, rolled, and compressed all around the body,” Villamizar says. “The active ingredients from the oats and the coconut oil will help restore your skin’s pH levels, leaving your skin silky smooth.”


 

Repair Damaged Strands While You Sleep

Coconut oil has been a known strand-saver for years. A 2003 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science showed that coconut oil is able to penetrate inside the hair shaft because of its fatty acid structure. If your hair feels dry or is prone to breakage — which may be the case if you color it or use heat tools regularly — try coconut oil as an overnight treatment.
“Before going to bed, apply virgin coconut oil onto your hair,” suggests Angelo David Pisacreta, a celebrity hairstylist and owner of the Angelo David Salon in New York City. Rub the oil into the palms of your hands and work your way towards the end of your strands. Follow by brushing with a wide tooth comb, then put your hair in a ponytail or bun and cover it with a shower cap before bed. In the morning, rinse with shampoo and conditioner.
“Raw organic coconut oil is best to use on hair,” says Sarah Potempa, a celebrity hairstylist. “Oftentimes it solidifies in the jar, so it’s best to put it in a small microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds until it liquefies.” Let it cool before applying.

Make Your Mouth Healthier

Celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow and Shaliene Woodley are fans of oil pulling, which has roots in ancient Indian culture. According to a study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, oil pulling — swishing an oil in your mouth for several minutes a day — may have benefits including whitening your teeth and preventing tooth decay, bleeding gums, and cracked lips.
Want to try it yourself? Swish 1 to 2 teaspoons of a vegetable-based oil (coconut, sesame, or olive) in your mouth for 20 minutes, spit it out, rinse with warm water, and brush well after rinsing, says, Marc Lowenberg, DDS, a dentist at Lowenberg, Lituchy & Kantor in New York City.

Tame Out of Control Hair

Is your hair a poufy mess in the summer? Use a small amount of coconut oil in your hair for instant control. Apply a dime size amount onto your fingers and then run it through your hair to put frizz and flyaways in their place.
You can also use coconut oil to prevent your hair from frying in the heat. “If you’re going to the pool or the beach, it’s best to leave coconut oil in your hair,” says Potempa. “This creates a barrier between your hair and the drying sun, chlorine, or salt water and keeps it conditioned and healthy.”

Prep Feet for a Pedi

Coconut oil contains antibacterial and antifungal properties, says Skyy Hadley, a celebrity manicurist and owner of the As U Wish Nail Spa in New Jersey, making it the perfect ingredient to use to prevent toenail infections and foot fungus.
Try this treatment for cleaner, softer feet before your next pedicure: Pour coconut oil into an empty jar or small bowl until it’s halfway full, then add 2 tablespoons of honey and mix in 1 tablespoon of sugar until the sugar is completely immersed in the oil, explains Hadley. “Take a couple spoonfuls of the scrub and work into your legs and feet to fully exfoliate, sloughing away dead skin and smoothing out calluses, cracked heels, and rough spots,” she says.