Coconut oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the dry coconut core (known as copra). It is often used in the cosmetics industry, but also in the kitchen of Asian countries. It is also known
Coconut oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the dry coconut core (known as copra). It is often used in the cosmetics industry, but also in the kitchen of Asian countries. It is also known as coconut fat or coconut butter.
Characteristics:
Coconut oil is rich in saturated fat. It may be solid or liquid, depending on ambient temperature.
Types of coconut oil:
- Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil: It is considered to be the best of all. It is extracted from fresh coconut, through a special fermentation process that protects the beneficial effects of coconut oil. This type has the greatest antioxidant properties.
- Extra virgin coconut oil: This is obtained by cold pressing the oil, and does not allow the preservation of its antioxidants.
- Refined Coconut Oil: This type of oil usually does not taste or smell of coconut. It’s warm, white and deodorized. It does not keep as many benefits as the unrefined.
- Fractionated Coconut Oil: This oil is considered a good vector for liposoluble cosmetic assets and essential oils. It is non-comedogenic, being suitable for oily or mixed skin.
Coconut oil has multiple health benefits and is often used in food. Of course, it is indispensable in the cosmetics industry, bringing many benefits to the skin and hair.
How we use coconut oil as a cosmetic product:
- for skin and complexion– fatty acids in coconut oil contribute to the fixation of collagen fibers, an essential element for the skin’s firmness, and help to quickly cure the epidermis. If you have oily skin, it is not advisable to apply it as such on the skin, this oil being a comedogenic product. However, it is indicated for dry skin. For a brighter and rejuvenated skin, you can apply it directly to the skin, massaging it lightly until it is fully absorbed. It is effective in treating wrinkles;
- mask for hair – fatty acids in coconut oil gives hair a shine, a healthier look and prevent hair splintering. You can choose to apply a small amount to the tips to reduce their tearing, or use it as a mask. After washing your hair and drying it, massage well with coconut oil, then wrap it in a towel and let it snuggle overnight. Wash your hair in the morning and you will enjoy a gentle and shiny hair;
- body lotion – this oil helps hydrating the skin and rejuvenating the skin, so you can replace the body lotion with this magical oil. You can apply it after shower, directly on wet skin, in a thin layer.
- cuticle oil: Use it on the cuticle to help your nails grow.
- lip balm – if you want to hydrate your lips, you can make your own natural lip balm from a mixture of coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax, a teaspoon of each ingredient. Then melt them in a glass bowl, through the bain-marie process, that is, in a steam bath. Pour the liquid into a container of lip balm, which you can find in the trade, and keep the lip balm cold, so as not to soften;
- natural cleanser – In addition, it can also be used as a cleanser. Mix 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, 1 tablespoon of vitamin E and 2 drops of essential lemon oil and place the mixture in the refrigerator until it hardens. You can then use it for eye cleansing, even to remove waterproof mascara. Coconut oil applied to the eye area will reduce tiredness;
- detoxifying bath – you can make a detoxifying bath with coconut oil and bath salt once a week, this being an ideal method for relaxing, remineralizing and detoxifying;
- prevents stretch marks – if you apply it daily to the skin, coconut oil can act as a good natural remedy that prevents the appearance of stretch marks;
- treat cellulite – to combat cellulite, try a solution made up of a spoon of coconut oil and 10 drops of essential grapefruit oil. Energically, massage the affected area with circular movements, repeating this treatment after each bath;
- anti-acne treatment – it acts as a natural antibiotic that combats bacteria that cause inflammation in the skin. For a quick effect, you can combine Coconut oil with Essential Oil of Tea Tree. Choose the type of coconut oil that’s right for your skin;
- exfoliating – mix coconut oil with coffee, and a little cinnamon and get a natural skin care exfoliator; As sugar-based exfoliation is in trend, you can mix coconut oil with sugar to get an excellent exfoliating for your face. Mixed with sea salt, it becomes a perfect exfoliant to remove dry skin from the feet.
- repair chopped heels and dry elbows – coconut oil helps repair cracked heels and soften the skin. You can also use it on your elbows to moisturize and soften your skin;
- accelerating the tanning process – used as such, coconut oil helps to obtain a perfect tan and at the same time protects the skin against sunburn. You can use it together with other ingredients to make sunscreens. It will increase the sun’s tolerance and prevent burns.
