Coconut oil for the skin: 13 ways to use it in body care

coconut oilo is a fat of vegetable origin which is obtained from naturally dried pulp and then subsequently cold pressed to preserve all its organoleptic properties intact.

Coconut oil is one of the richest sources of saturated fats, almost 90% of the fatty acids are saturated.

Medium chain fatty acids have antimicrobial properties, lauric acid has proven to be very effective and is also the one mostly contained in coconut oil.

The monoglyceride that is formed from the breakdown of lauric acid contained in coconut oil, la monolaurin, is very powerful.

Coconut oil would be able to protect us from bacteria that cause infections.

Le antimicrobial properties of coconut oil also extend to the skin, making it more beautiful and healthy.

But now let's see how we can apply coconut oil on the skin of the body.

1. Coconut oil for body skin as a Moisturizer

Especially due to the cold, it is very common to have dry and dehydrated skin, especially on the legs or arms, where there are fewer sebaceous glands.

Coconut oil for dry skin is a wonderful and natural alternative to expensive moisturizers and lotions, which are often ineffective and contain, in most cases, harmful chemicals.

Using coconut oil for body skin is a natural and healthy choice, as it is a 100% pure product.

To permanently solve this problem just apply just a small amount of coconut oil.

At the end of a relaxing bath or after a hot shower, apply a few drops of coconut oil on the still damp skin of the body.

If used frequently, a permanent protective layer will form on the skin and keep it soft and hydrated for a long time.

You can add a few drops of essential oil:

Lavender, chamomile or rose to give a relaxing note.
Mint and rosemary, instead, more toning.

2. Moisturizing for hands and feet

In case of cold or chapped hands they can be massaged with a few drops of coconut oil.

For dry and chapped feet (especially in the heel area) it is advisable to massage them with coconut oil every evening before going to sleep and then cover them with clean socks.

You will be able to notice the difference in just a few days, you will have hydrated and soft hands and feet.

Moreover, it is also effective in treating annoying cuticles or hangnails.

3. Natural scrub

Coconut oil is a very versatile ingredient and is also an excellent base for a wonderful natural exfoliant.

Here is a quick recipe for a scrub capable of hydrate and rejuvenate the skin, removing dead cells.

Ingredients:

Two tablespoons of coffee
Two tablespoons of sugar (preferably cane or coconut)
Three tablespoons of coconut oil
A teaspoon of cinnamon (optional)

The recipe in detail> Scrub with Coconut Oil | A natural exfoliant that hydrates and rejuvenates your skin

4. Massage

A massage with this extraordinary oil allows the body to absorb all its beneficial properties.

In addition, we allow ourselves a moment of well-being and relaxation all ours.

It is necessary to choose a comfortable place, soft light and a background of relaxing music… One or two spoons of coconut oil will be enough for the massage to be effective.

5. Shaving cream

For women, but also for men, coconut oil can be the natural alternative to shaving foam or aftershave creams.

At the same time it will be possible to hydrate and nourish the skin.

If instead you use waxing, coconut oil on the skin after hair removal, will eliminate all traces of wax and leave the skin hydrated preventing redness and annoying irritation.

How and Why to Depilate with Coconut Oil | Everything you need to know!

6. Emollient bath

If you want to treat yourself to a moment of relaxation with a nice hot bath, before diving in you can dissolve a couple of spoons of coconut oil in the tub.

coconut oil will make the skin soft and luminous, but above all hydrated.

7. Coconut oil for the skin in the care of heels and elbows

In case of dry and cracked heels or elbows, you can moisturize them with coconut oil and regularly do a scrub.

We recommend mixing coconut oil with coarse salt and massaging especially the elbow and heel area.

This will help remove dry skin and at the same time will nourish it thoroughly making it soft.

8. Prevent stretch marks

Coconut oil helps keep the skin elastic, prevent the formation of unsightly stretch marks and helps lighten them in case they are present.

Ideal during a slimming diet or during pregnancy.

Justmassage it on the hips, buttocks, stomach, breasts or any other area you want hydrate.

9. Minor burns and abrasions

In case of minorburnsit is advisable to apply coconut oil to the affected area, as it would be able to promote tissue healing.

Applied on small wounds or abrasions helps healing processes.

Even in the case of a scar, it helps to keep it elastic and lighten it.

10. Vaginal lubricant

Being a 100% natural and pure product, it is also safe to use on delicate areas such as private parts.

Coconut oil would have beneficial properties. In particular, lauric acid could be effective against candida.

For further study > In vitro evaluation of antifungal activity of monolaurin against Candida albicans biofilms. (Seleem D, Chen E, Benso B, Pardi V, Murata RM.)

11. Natural deodorant

You can apply coconut oil pure or mixed with baking soda directly on the armpit area.

Coconut oil represents a natural and healthy alternative to common deodorants on the market, often rich in chemicalsharmful chemicals such as aluminium.

Coconut oil prevents bad odor for hours.

12. Soothing after-sun

Coconut oil on the skin of the body presents a factor of SPF-4 protection.

It is not very high, so it is not advisable to use it during sun exposure.

It can instead be used as an effective soothing in case of sunburn, calming burning and itching in case of sunburn.

Coconut oil, is also ideal as after sun to hydrate the skin.

13. Coconut oil for the skin in case of blemishes

These two ingredients mixed together would seem really effective in case of scars, blemishes, acne, psoriasis and eczema.

Baking soda has an alkalizing and antiseptic, soothing and exfoliating power and also fights the excessive production of sebum.
Coconut oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties, capable of regenerating cells and deeply hydrating.

The proportions of the ingredients depend on the skin type and the results you want to obtain.

For sensitive skin: 2 parts coconut oil to 1 part baking soda.

For a stronger blend: use the ratio of 1:1.

Mix the two ingredients together, apply it locally and leave it to act for a few minutes (no more than 5 minutes) or rinse immediately with warm water with a delicate circular massage.

These are just a few little tips on how to use coconut oil on your skin.

Which coconut oil to buy?

It is important to choose a 100% virgin, organic and pure, cold-pressed coconut oil to keep all its properties unaltered.

Organic products are certified by control bodies and must have the green leaf on the label.

Reading the label carefully is essential, this way you can be sure you are purchasing a pure and natural product, unrefined and free of chemical substances that are harmful to your health.