Coconut oil over everything

Coconut oil is a good solution for … for just about darn near everything, but particularly for achieving soft skin. 

In the throes of summer, I felt it was only appropriate to try and accommodate my skin and overall appearance. (Humidity is not my friend.)

They say the sun helps clear up your skin. Yet most days I find two or three little unwelcome friends hangin’ around. Naturally, irritated and done with it, I looked up the best solution for overall beauty improvements. The most common answer? Coconut oil.

I had to try it for myself. Coconut oil is sold at room temperature but liquefies the minute it’s heated. (Palming it in your hand will melt it.) This makes it easy to apply to hair, your skin or even use for cooking.

Who even thought the world could bear such a gift? Looking up how to use it, I started first just using it in my hair post-washing.

Not gonna lie. I was not a fan.

Perhaps I put a little too much. (You really don’t need that much.) But my hair ended up looking extremely stringy and greasy, though I will say it did rid the frizz. For once I had clearly defined curls, only my hair looked extremely wet and overall strange.

Not exactly what I was looking for. So I tried again on my skin.

Taking a little bit in my hand after wetting my face, I rubbed it gently all over for around 30 seconds, then washed it off with lukewarm water.

My face was incredibly soft. To be fair, I haven’t tried since then only because I’ve recently come across access to professional (read: expensive) skincare products for free due to the amazing samples my best friend receives through her job.

Still though, I was fairly pleased.

It also worked shaving my legs. It also worked in moisturizing my skin. It also worked as a deep conditioner. (after several experiments with my hair, I found only a small amount worked best.)

And, after some more research, I found an article that listed more than 100 uses for the natural gift. So get on the grind, and try a few of my favorites,

• Go through your daily makeup routine, but put that highlighter down and sweep a small amount of the oil on top of your cheekbones after you’ve finished. Your face will look brighter and more luminous without spending all that money on a stick.

• Make a facial or body scrub. Coconut oil is extremely moisturizing, so just add some sea salt or brown sugar and your favorite essential oil and enjoy. You’ll be amazed by how exfoliating it is and how soft your skin feels afterward.

• Got a little too much sun? Use the oil as a moisturizer to help soothe the burn. It’ll cool you down and you can even use it to block sunrays (This does not mean you shouldn’t apply sunscreen. You should probably apply sunscreen).

• As a flyaway tamer, add a very little bit to your frizzy spots and ends for shine and hair that stays put. (Don’t over do it unless you really want that greasy look.)

• Last but not least, you can use it to cook as well. You can use it in high heat, which you can’t do with most oils, so it works as a great alternative. It’s also a great substitute for vegan and gluten-free eaters, or anyone who wants to try cooking a little cleaner.

There are so many ways to add coconut oil into your life. Try them and decide which ones work for you.