15 Coconut Oil Beauty Routines You Need To Know About

This wonder oil has long been a favourite in the wellness world, solidifying itself as an alternative in the kitchen for everything from vegetable oil for your stir frys to peanut butter for your toast. But coconut oil can also be used in a multitude of ways in the beauty department. You may be aware that it's a natural moisturizer, but its anti-oxidizing properties also fight frizz, calm acne and diminish under eye bags. The beauty multi-tasker is basically a one-stop shop for all your skin's woes, which means you can stock up on coconut oil and down on other, pricier products.

Deemed one of the most versatile foods on the planet, coconut oil is super hydrating, full of nutrients and can be used in plenty of ways as a natural beauty product. Read on to check out 15 ways you can add coconut oil to your beauty regimen.

15 Hair mask

Since coconut oil is solid at room temperature, bring the jar into the hot shower with you and run it under the water. It turns to liquid at 76°F so it will melt while you're shampooing. Once it's in liquid form, layer it onto your wet strands and twist it into a bun, leaving it to permeate for 5 minutes. This will ensure your locks are filled with moisture and shine for a healthy boost.

14 Calms acne

Many people suffer from bad skin, and coconut oil just may be our saving grace. While harsh chemicals can strip the skin of essential nutrients, coconut oil is packed with antibacterial properties that help clean the skin and leave it soft and moisturized. And if you're worried about putting oil on oily skin, rest easy knowing that our bodies need the healing fat, and coconut oil is easily absorbed into the skin, so it won't leave you looking greasy.

13 Diminishes under eye bags

Whether it's due to working late hours, partying or a night glued to Netflix, under eye bags can be a recurring problem. Using coconut oil at night before bed can reduce the look of bags the next day. Warm some oil in your palm and apply it under your eyes to reduce darkness and puffiness.

12 Cleans makeup brushes

We're probably all guilty of not cleaning our makeup brushes as often as we should. But coconut oil is about to make the task a whole lot easier. Just dip your makeup brushes in some melted coconut oil and dab them with paper towel to wipe the makeup off. Rinse in warm water and let them air dry. Ta da.

11 Reduces dandruff

Since dandruff is caused by a dry scalp, the moisturizing properties of coconut oil naturally remedy the dryness. The vitamin E and antifungal properties of coconut oil reduce flakiness and also result in stronger hair with less protein loss.

10 Body oil

Coconut oil is not solely a moisturizer for your face; you can use it all over your body for soft and touchable skin. All you need is about a quarter-sized amount to apply to your body right after you get out of the shower. Not only will it make your skin feel amazing, its tropical smell will have you feeling like you're on a beach in Hawaii. If only.

9 Removes makeup

A natural and gentle makeup remover, coconut oil beats out many makeup removers that contain harsh chemicals that are no good for your eyes and skin. Coconut oil cleanses your face and wipes your lashes clean of mascara, leaving your face glowing and radiant. All you need is to rub a penny-sized amount of oil into your face using a cotton pad, or your fingertips, rinse it with water, and voila, you're all set!

8 Lip balm

Coconut oil is ultra hydrating so it works perfectly to remedy dry lips. It can be a tad messy, so you just need to use a little bit on your fingertip. You can even put some in an extra contact lens case and throw it into your bag so you have access to it during the day.

7 Cuticle softener

Just as it hydrates your lips, coconut oil will also soften and hydrate your cuticles for younger looking hands. Using your fingertip, dab some oil on each of your cuticles, allowing it to sink in. Not only will it hydrate your cuticles, it will strengthen your nails as well.

6 Improves dental health

Using coconut oil in your mouth can reduce bacteria and plaque since it has many antibacterial properties. Oil pulling, as it's called, is an ancient Indian technique that is used to rid toxins from the mouth and freshen breath. The technique also strengthens teeth and has been shown to help fight gingivitis.

5 Frizz control

Rubbing a pea size amount of coconut oil between your fingers and placing it on the bottom couple inches of your hair will do wonders for frizz control. If you have super thick and frizzy hair you can even apply it from the mid-shaft to the ends for ultra shiny and soft strands.

4 Highlighter

Forget an expensive facial highlighter, you can use coconut oil on the tops of your cheekbones and just above your eyebrows for a natural looking glow. Just a dab some liquefied coconut oil to the areas you want to shine, and it will hydrate and refresh your skin.

3 Shaving Cream

Do you ever notice that your skin feels dry after you shave? Due to coconut oil's hydrating properties, using it will have your skin feeling nice and smooth post shave. Warm and smooth the oil into your legs for a close and moisturizing shave.

2 Treats eczema and psoriasis

Coconut oil is by no means a quick fix for these two skin conditions, but it has been shown that using it over time helps to settle them since it's so highly nourishing. Make sure you do a trial patch first to ensure your body doesn't have a negative reaction, and if all is good to go, use a small amount on your skin's dry areas. It will work to soothe the skin and treat built up bacteria.

1 Stretch mark and scar aid

Yes, coconut oil can keep stretch marks at bay! It also works as a topical ointment for scars. Although it won't fade the scars themselves, it helps prevent the formation of dark spots and blisters.