This is how you should be using coconut oil

BY CAITLIN CORSETTI

You've probably heard by now that coconut oil is a magical elixir. Everyone and their mother raves about coconut oil for its benefits, from its healing properties to its nutritional value. It seems like every wellness blogger and Insta-celeb sings its praises, which may lead people to wonder: "Is coconut oil really all it's hyped up to be?"

The answer, my friends, is yes. Coconut oil is everything and more. Remember when kale got super trendy out of nowhere and then kind of died out, and then people realized that kale tastes like old dirt? This is not like that.

Coconuts have been used in medicine and ancient remedies in Asia and the Pacific Islands for centuries due to their many healing properties. Coconut oil is truly a wondrous substance that has a place in your kitchen, medicine cabinet, and beauty bag. We're going to share a few amazing (and some unexpected) ways to use nature's moisturizer.

Try it out as a body lotion

Go ahead, slather yourself in coconut oil after you shower or before you hop in bed. Yes, coconut oil feels a little greasy when you first apply it. But once you rub it in, your skin will literally drink it in. You will not find a better moisturizer. Note: While some people swear by using coconut oil as a facial moisturizer, those with acne-prone skin can sometimes break out due to clogged pores. We love it as a body moisturizer, but proceed with caution if you leave it on your face.

Use it as a deep conditioning mask

The point of washing your hair is to remove oils, right? No. Your hair needs its natural oils to stay healthy, and your hair can certainly benefit from a coconut oil hug every now and then. Heat up a bowl of coconut oil, rub it all in your hair, and put on a shower cap for an hour. Or sleep in it if you really want a deep conditioning treatment. Rinse with warm water and shampoo thoroughly. You will have silky, shiny, frizz-free hair. You can also regularly apply a little bit of coconut oil on your ends to prevent breakage. 

Use it as a cleanser

Oil-cleansing is all the rage, and coconut oil is a preferred product for many. Coconut oil removes makeup with ease without burning or stinging your eyes. If you really want to clean your face, start by rubbing coconut oil on your face to remove makeup. Rinse and repeat.

Replace your deodorant

Coconut oil for your armpits? Believe it. Coconut oil has natural, anti-bacterial properties, which can prevent things like body odor. You can use a bit of it alone, or you can create a natural deodorant and antiperspirant by mixing coconut oil, arrowroot powder, baking soda, and an essential oil of your choice.

Make a lip balm

Tried, tested, and true: coconut oil is the best lip balm out there. Not only does it moisturize, but it also soothes chapped, flaky pouts. Mix it with a bit of lipstick, and you've got your new favorite lip product. 

Make it your new shaving cream

Replace your shower's rusty shaving cream with a tub of coconut oil. Shaving with coconut oil will lead to a closer shave — trust us — and will keep your legs moisturized long after you step onto your bath mat. Just be careful because it can make your shower a bit slippery. 

It can be a burn salve

Coconut oil has anti-bacterial properties, but it has healing properties as well. Sunburn? Coconut oil will sooth and moisturize your skin back to a normal, non-lobster shade. Burn your hand on your oven? Grab the coconut oil. Got a cut? Coconut oil will heal that faster than you can find your Neosporin. 

Get some eczema relief

We have some longtime eczema sufferers here, and coconut oil is a top remedy. It's even a National Eczema Association-approved therapy due to its anti-bacterial and healing properties.

Try oil-pulling

Oil-pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic medicine technique for removing toxins and improving oral health. Essentially, you put coconut oil in your mouth, swish for 20 minutes, and spit out. This results in cleaner teeth and gums, whiter teeth, and overall detoxing. We've done it, and yes, it works.

Make a natural mouthwash

If oil-pulling is too intense for you, you could try adding a few drops of peppermint essential oil to coconut oil. Swish around for a bit, and your breath will feel fresher than the Prince of Bel-Air. 

Use it on your cuticles

Say goodbye to hangnails! Rub a bit of coconut oil on your cuticles before pushing them back. This will keep them moisturized and also prevent any icky bacteria from getting into your nail beds. 

Make it your new brow gel

Seriously, you don't need a separate brow gel when you can just dip a spoolie brush into coconut oil, brush upward on your brows, and move on about your day. This will condition your brows and keep them in place.

SOURCE: THE LIST