Coconut oil is an incredible multi-tasking beauty product that won't break the bank. It is packed full of antioxidants and medium chain fatty acids (MCFA), which are small molecules that penetrate through the skin very easily which can help prevent the formation and reaction of free radicals. This in turn helps to reduces drying of skin, fine lines, and wrinkles leaving skin smooth and supple. It apparently also helps reduce the appearance of liver spot's (or sun spots) over time and can help prevent more occurring in the future with regular use.
Coconut oil has also been shown to be beneficial to acne prone skin. Capric Acid and Lauric Acid are two of the most powerful anti microbial agents found in pure coconut oil, which can soothe irritation, dissolve the dirt and sebum buildup that is a contributing factor in acne out-breaks, and helps to keep pores clear. I've found it to be a fantastic make up remover as well as a moisturiser. It even removes stubborn mascara too.
Coconut oil is also aids exfoliation the outer layer of dead skin cells, making the skin smoother. Its low molecular weight makes it perfect for penetrating areas of dry, rough skin especially, and delivering hydration where it's needed most to give real positive changes in skin texture. It really make your skin glow with regular use.
It is also very nourishing for hair and helps add softness to hair follicles and prevents dryness and breakage. Coconut oil gives hair vitality and strength and is known to have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Therefore, it is excellent for scalp problems such as dandruff.
Pure coconut oil is solid in consistency below 24
° C. To use the oil, you simply scoop a bit out and it literally melts, almost instantaneously on contact with body heat. You then apply to the skin or hair as required. You just have to make sure you keep it in a cool dark cupboard so that it keeps it fresher for longer.
I've been using this as a moisturiser at night time as my skin has been extremely tight/dry lately and this has been helping a lot. You only need such a small amount of this (too much would be greasy) and it sinks in really well, and much faster than you would imagine. It works its magic overnight and by morning, my skin is seriously soft and thoroughly hydrated! It's fantastic for all those rough areas of skin too, such as knees and elbows and for applying to legs after shaving, as it''s nice and soothing.
I also use this as a once weekly treatment on my hair. If I have time I will apply it to my dry hair before I go to bed and leave it on overnight. Again, only small amounts are needed to work through the lengths and ends of my hair. I will also massage into my scalp at the same time which stimulates the circulation and in turn, stimulates growth of the hair. I then just pop my hair into a top knot and that's it. When washed out in the morning my hair feels silky soft. It gets better too each week that I use it and has done wonders for my split ends!
It's such good value for money. I bought mine in Holland and Barrett for around 14 Quid and it is lasting me forever. I've been using it for a few months (since last September actually) and I've used less than a quarter of the tub.
It's an amazing mutitasker and worth every single penny. I love it so much!
