BEAUTY The wonder of coconut oil

The wonder of coconut oil


Beauty
Maggie Gibbons

Since my friend Kate introduced me to coconut oil last year I have become a huge fan of this (I believe) miracle product. I also recently discovered a lot of my beauty blogger pals swear by it. Not being one to keep these things to myself I decided to share with you some of the numerous benefits of this wonder product.
Coconut oil is already used in many natural beauty products, as it’s both antibacterial and antifungal. Some will claim it restores the youthful vitality of your skin. I can’t quite validate this particular claim, but I really love it as a moisturiser, both day and night. All you need is one thing: Raw organic virgin coconut oil, which is freely available in your local supermarket or health store. I buy it in a tub and leave it in the fridge. It’s a solid substance, so I just take out the amount I need and blitz it in the microwave for about 20 seconds until it turns to oil.
Why not try it? It should cost you about €8 – a small price to pay for such a great little worker.

Face
Living with such changeable weather can wreak havoc on your skin, particularly the sensitive facial skin. Moisturise dry skin by applying coconut oil straight to your face after coming out of the shower. You can also use it to remove make up, even stubborn waterproof mascara. Simply wash with a facecloth afterwards. Dab a bit around your eyes to stave off wrinkles. It also makes a wonderful highlighter – glide it over your cheekbones and glow!

Body
Save a fortune on expensive lotions by making your own. Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to the melted coconut oil for a divine body lotion. Smooth it on after your bath/shower for the softest shimmery skin. If you shave your legs, put this on before and after, great for healing those nasty nicks! Cracked heels will also be a thing of the past once you make this a part of your beauty routine.

Hair
Coconut oil it makes an amazing conditioner, as it penetrates hair better than other oils. Massage a small amount into your hair and leave it on overnight. (I don a shower cap to protect pillows.) For instant shine, rub a very small amount between your palms and smooth it though hair. Massage it into your scalp as a real tonic for scalp problems. As the coconut oil cleanses it also gives deep conditioning. The main ingredient, Lauric acid, is absorbed into the hair and works to nourish it from the inside, resulting in strong, glossy, radiant locks.

Other uses

• Mix with a bit of bread soda (natural whitener) for a chemical free toothpaste.
• Slick it on your lips for luscious hydration.
• Rub some on cracked elbows to soften and repair.

Maggie Gibbons is an Image/Style Consultant based in Louisburgh. She can be contacted at living@mayonews.ie.