We promise, your skin and hair will thank you.
By Amanda Hawkins, Good Housekeeping
You know that it's a healthy alternative for cooking, but did you know that coconut oil is great for your skin and hair, too? Here's how to add it to your beauty routine:
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You know that it's a healthy alternative for cooking, but did you know that coconut oil is great for your skin and hair, too? Here's how to add it to your beauty routine:
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Remove makeup.
With a cotton pad, gently apply it to your face to wipe off your foundation, eye shadow, and more. Then, follow up with your nightly cleansing regimen.2.
Moisturize skin.
It can soothe dry hands, save cracked feet, and even heal dry cuticles. Simply rub a small amount into your skin and reap its moisturizing benefits. Or, add your favorite scent to whipped, unrefined coconut oil for a fluffy, moisturizing lotion. You can also rub it on chapped lips as a last-minute remedy. Yum!3.
Slough off dead skin.
Like olive oil, it's the perfect base for an easy homemade body exfoliator. Simply add a handful of granulated sugar, ground coffee, or salt to create a thick paste. Scrub it along your body, hands, and feet to remove dead, dull skin. Our beauty director April Franzino also suggests trying The Body Shop's Organic Virgin Coconut Body Scrub ($28, ulta.com) for a soft, smooth complexion.4.
Brighten your face.
Coconut oil is an inexpensive way to recreate a youthful, dewy look. Just dab a little bit along your cheekbones — it lightens cheeks just like a highlighter and it even brings out the natural pigments in your face. No blush required!5.
Shave your legs.
Out of shaving cream? Use coconut oil instead. Your razor will glide down your legs just as easy, and, when you're done, you'll be left with silky soft skin.6.
Tame frizz.
Rub a small amount on pesky flyaway hairs in a pinch. Franzino really likes 100% Pure Coconut Oil Hair Shine (thebodyshop-usa.com). Just don't add a lot or you'll overload your hair with too much oil.
