Coconut oil may need little introduction because a lot of people know about it and its versatility and health benefits. It can be used for culinary, medical and beauty purposes.
Suffice to say, coconut oil is rich in vitamins C and E, amino acids, minerals and other anti-oxidants. To get the best nutritional value, make sure to get an organic virgin coconut oil.
Unlike other oils which emit only subtle hits of aroma and taste (or no aroma or taste at all), a coconut oil can be distinguished by its nice, sweet and full-bodied aroma and taste. Of course, it should smell and taste like a fresh coconut. If coconut oil does not smell and taste exactly like that, beware!
While we cannot enumerate all of its benefits, here are some of the good things that coconut oil can do to keep your skin healthy, moisturized and glowing:
1. It cleans your face
The last thing you may want is to slather oil on your face. But take a look at coconut oil, folks – it has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. Plus, it works as a great moisturizer too without leaving a greasy feeling on your face. Try the double cleansing method by gently rubbing your face with a coconut oil first, then washing it off with your favorite cleanser.
2. It works as a great emollient
Along with vitamins, minerals and amino acids, coconut oil also has lauric acid and caprylic acid, both of which contain antibacterial and antifungal properties which make it great for repairing and restoring your skin. Coconut oil is a saturated fat that is quickly absorbed by the epidermis (the skin’s outermost layer), and forms part of your skin’s natural barrier function. If you have dry skin, coconut oil is an excellent choice in getting rid of dryness and flakiness of the skin because of its excellent moisturizing properties.
3. It is good for a body massage
Coconut oil is one of the best natural oils for the body massage. Plus, it gives off a nice smell of a fresh coconut so it can be counted as a good aromatherapy massage, along with other essential oils.
There are a couple of advantages that coconut oil has over other oils when used for a body massage. One – since coconut oil is saturated fat, it solidifies like butter at room temperature, so it is not as messy to apply on the body as the other oils but it melts right away upon touch. Two – it doesn’t leave a nasty stain on white sheets, unlike other massage oils.
4. It can be used for your oral hygiene
It sounds unbelievable at first, but you can also use coconut oil as part of your oral hygiene regimen. Yes, you can use it to brush your teeth! A recent study confirms that coconut oil helps in fighting off the bacteria that reside in your mouth – again, we count its natural antibacterial properties. It smells and tastes great too, and some people swear that coconut oils help in whitening their teeth as well.
Is coconut oil also good for dermarolling?
Since coconut oil’s benefits to the skin are utterly unquestionable, you can make it a part of your home dermarolling procedure. Coconut oil hydrates and moisturizes your skin, restores its natural elasticity and regenerates skin cells.
Again, we mention about coconut oil’s antibacterial and antifungal properties, so coconut oil is recommended to in fighting off infections when dermarolling. If you are rolling on stretch marks or cellulite in particular, use coconut oil to moisturize your skin and to prevent infection.
Some of the best coconut oils:
- Viva Coconut Oil – fresh, farm-to-table coconut oil.
- Island Fresh Superior Organic Virgin Coconut Oil – unrefined coconut oil – no additives or preservatives.
- Carrington Farms – gluten-free, cold-pressed, organic virgin coconut oil.