7 Beauty Benefits of Using Coconut Oil

Only recently has coconut oil shot to popularity in the Western world but this amazing versatile oil has been a staple in Southern India, Philippines and Indonesia for over thousands of years.

Ancient Indian Ayurvedic texts of over 4000 years old describe in detail the numerous health benefits of coconut oil. In the beauty world today, coconut oil is the craze! Fetched from Ayurveda, there are a number of beauty uses and beauty benefits of coconut oil!

Before we look at the top 7 beauty benefits of coconut oil, first check out its ingredient profile!

# Oil pulling with coconut oil

You must have heard of the Ancient Ayurvedic practice of swishing organic oil in your mouth to detoxify your body. Oil pulling stimulates elimination of harmful from the body, staving off acne and also keeping your mouth clean and bacteria-free. Oil pulling is a good practice for acne-sufferers! Start with swishing a tablespoon of extra virgin cold pressed coconut oil first thing in the morning. If practiced consistently, you will begin to notice improvements in your general health including healthy vibrant skin.

# Eliminate lice

Coconut oil is perfect for soothing itchy inflamed scalp caused by lice. Most head lice treatments contain toxic substances such as carbaryl and pyrethroids that are dangerous for the scalp and hair strands. Simply saturating your scalp with coconut oil will soothe your itch and suffocate lice and nits.

# Seal off split ends

I used to go crazy snipping off any split ends I find at the bottom of my long hair. That was way before I found out that using coconut oil is the best natural remedy for sealing off split ends. All you have to do is slather some silky coconut oil onto your hair ends and strands every night. This will not only close off split ends but also moisturize and add a shine to your locks. Be consistent and extra patient till you see brilliant results!

# May help reduce acne

Although coconut oil has a high comedogenic rating of 4, which means it has a high chance of clogging your pores, some people find that it reduces their acne. So tread with caution as this is something you just have to test for yourself! How does it help acne? Well, coconut oil contains lauric acid that boats strong antibacterial properties that fight acne-causing bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes! I wouldn’t recommend using coconut oil as a moisturizer. For acne, use coconut oil for oil cleansing or as a face mask. This ensures the oil will not sit on your skin for long and clog up your pores. See DIY Coconut Face Mask for Acne Prone Skin

# Flaky skin remover

Coconut oil contains 100 per cent fats – this being healthy fatty acids. These medium chain fatty acids and medium chain triglycerides dissolve excess dead cells and flaky skin and soften them so that they can easily be scrubbed off. Pair coconut oil with baking soda for the most effective exfoliating face treatment ever: Face Mask with Coconut Oil & Baking Soda

# Soften rough skin – on elbows, knees, heels etc

Smooth out rough patches of skin on your body using coconut oil. Coconut oil is lubricating and moisturizing. It contains hydrating properties that will lock moisture into rough skin areas. Use a dollop of coconut oil and smear it on your elbows and knees while your skin is still wet after a bath.

# For shiny locks

To get a an all-natural luscious sheen on your hair strands, ditch those expensive hair serums and turn to coconut oil. Just apply a little coconut oil and brush back your fly away hairs. For shiny locks, drop a dime sized amount of coconut oil onto your palms and run them through your locks.