Coconut Oil for Stretch Marks + 13 Extra Magnificence Makes use of
Whereas coconut oil is mostly thought of a cooking oil, consisting of the fats pressed from the coconut, it’s additionally lengthy been hailed for its moisturizing advantages for the pores and skin and hair. I’ve initially began utilizing it for my tremendous dry pores and skin, and I could not say sufficient good issues. It feels heavenly, and the sunshine coconut scent makes me really feel like I’m hanging out at a tropical seaside.
It’s notably helpful for pregnant girls. I’ve been religiously rubbing it over my ever-growing stomach to forestall stretch marks (and assist the previous ones) once I was pregnant and I can say for certain that utilizing coconut oil for stretch marks is efficient! It additionally helps relieve a few of that itching because the pores and skin stretches. Scroll down for some extra magnificence advantages of coconut oil.
Soar to:
Meet the Specialists
- Nadir Qazi, D.O., beauty dermatology surgeon with Qazi Beauty Clinic in Irvine, California
- Medically reviewed by Dr. Rina Mary Allawh, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist
Magnificence Advantages of Coconut Oil
1. It could possibly assist cut back stretch marks
A number of elements are at play in terms of what causes stretch marks, together with genetics in addition to the fundamental growth of pores and skin whereas present process stress, which triggers the discharge of hormones like cortisol, explains Nadir Qazi, D.O., beauty dermatology surgeon with Qazi Beauty Clinic in Irvine, California. “Whereas there haven’t been any conclusive research on coconut oil’s impact on stretch marks, it has the potential to visibly cut back their look,” he says. “As well as, it’s thought of a pure anti-inflammatory and will assist to stimulate collagen manufacturing within the pores and skin.”
Rub coconut oil onto your stomach (or legs or wherever) to cut back and forestall stretch marks. As talked about, it additionally helps in the reduction of on itching—which could be a pesky being pregnant facet impact!
2. It locks in moisture
Coconut oil is occlusive, performing as a barrier between the pores and skin and the air, Dr. Qazi explains. Consequently, it traps any moisture on the pores and skin, holding the pores and skin hydrated and stopping any transdermal water loss which will happen whereas utilizing the oil. “Coconut oil can be an emollient, so it softens pores and skin along with trapping moisture, including an extra feeling of sentimental, hydrated pores and skin,” he provides.
Subsequently, you need to use coconut oil as a stand-alone moisturizer (it’s all-natural, too), or you possibly can add it to your current moisturizer for a lift of hydration. It really works successfully on all varieties of pores and skin, together with tremendous dry pores and skin like mine. It might even assist delay wrinkles and pores and skin sagging, due to its potential for firming results.
3. It treats infected pores and skin
Coconut oil has lengthy been used as an all-natural remedy for continual pores and skin circumstances comparable to psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema. It has been proven in research to enhance the pores and skin barrier perform in inflammatory pores and skin illness [source]. Apply a small dab on the affected space a few times each day, and also you’ll doubtless see some constructive outcomes.
4. It is an antioxidant
Analysis, together with one examine printed within the peer-reviewed journal Pores and skin Pharmacology and Physiology, has proven that coconut oil may help stop untimely ageing and degenerative illnesses as a result of its antioxidant properties [source].
5. It rejuvenates hair
Coconut oil is without doubt one of the few pure oils proven in research to soak up into hair to strengthen and revitalize it from inside [source], notes Dr. Qazi. “As well as, coconut oil’s antibacterial and antifungal properties may help keep hair follicle and scalp well being,” he says. “Nonetheless, as a result of coconut oil is occlusive, it’s best when used as a remedy masks fairly than an on a regular basis hair beauty to forestall build-up, as it may be tough to take away.”
One of the efficient and wholesome strategies of elimination that Dr. Qazi recommends is to combine pure aloe gel into shampoo, apply it on to the hair, wait 10 minutes, after which rinse.
Magnificence Makes use of for Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is without doubt one of the most versatile pure magnificence merchandise. The scent is stress-free like a day on the seaside, and the therapeutic properties of coconut oil soothe and restore pores and skin. Its plentiful pure fat moisturize, whereas the lauric acid it accommodates protects and softens pores and skin. It’s additionally an antiseptic and helps keep a wholesome pH degree within the pores and skin [source].
I discover myself dipping into the coconut oil jar for every little thing from dry fingers to curling iron burns. When you’re new to pure magnificence, then coconut oil is the place I might suggest beginning. Get your self a giant jar, and check out a few of our favourite do-it-yourself magnificence makes use of for coconut oil.
1. Whipped Physique Lotion
Slather coconut oil throughout your physique (together with your face—don’t be shy!) proper after your bathe. It’s best absorbed if the pores and skin continues to be barely moist. I maintain the jar on the lavatory counter so the warmth from the bathe helps soften and soften the oil.
However, hey, should you neglect to slather proper after your bathe, simply apply everytime you keep in mind—you’ll nonetheless see some spectacular moisturizing advantages.
Okay, sure, you possibly can simply dip your hand within the coconut oil jar. But when that’s not interesting, strive whipping it. Whipped coconut oil alone or mixed with shea butter creates such an opulent buttery texture. It’s nice for enhancing the tone and texture of pores and skin bummers like stretch marks and scars.
1. Utilizing a double boiler over low warmth, soften the shea butter and coconut oil collectively.
2. Refrigerate the combination for about an hour to chill.
3. Beat the components with a hand mixer for five–7 minutes or till the combination turns into fluffy.
4. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the perimeters of the bowl as wanted.
5. Switch the physique butter to a glass container with a lid. Ought to final at the least 6 months.
2. Softening Detox Tub
Add a giant scoop of coconut oil with about two cups of Epsom salt to create a heat detox tub. It is like utilizing a moisturizing physique wash—the oil coats and hydrates your pores and skin. This counters the drying impact of soaking in sizzling, salty water properly. You possibly can apply extra oil once you get out and go to mattress, all heat and moisturized. For comparable results, you may make coconut oil tub bombs.
3. Shaving Cream
Rub coconut oil (by itself or mixed with aloe vera) in your legs within the bathe for an antibacterial shaving cream that helps stop nicks and razor burn. You’ll be shocked at how comfortable your legs really feel—they’ll be moisturized, silky, and lovely for days!
4. Conditioning Hair Masks
Implementing coconut oil into your regular hair care routine might also be useful for the remedy of dry, itchy scalp. When utilizing coconut oil for dry scalp, gently therapeutic massage the oil on the scalp instantly (consider it as a scalp medication fairly than for the hair). Sometimes, we suggest making use of a skinny layer or pea-sized quantity of coconut oil after you bathe and resume your regular hair care routine.
To deal with dry, frizzy, or brittle hair, begin massaging the coconut oil into the hair nearer to the ends and away from the roots for a useful trick to keep away from a greasy scalp at bedtime. It’s also possible to use coconut oil as a hair masks. Within the morning, you can be happy to get up to easy, shiny hair.
Combine 2 tablespoons of coconut oil with 1 tablespoon of honey and warmth within the microwave for a number of seconds till heat sufficient to unfold simply.
Therapeutic massage the combination onto your scalp or rub it into the dry ends of your hair to take down frizz and cut up ends. Then, cowl with a bathe cap for half-hour to an hour. Rinse and wash hair properly, and luxuriate in gorgeously comfortable, shiny hair.
5. Physique Scrub
Mix ½ cup coconut oil and ½ cup espresso grounds and firmly therapeutic massage into your thighs and booty to extend circulation and cut back the looks of cellulite.
A straightforward approach to all the time have a scrub available? Whip up some Espresso-Coconut Oil Scrub Cubes—certainly one of our hottest magnificence DIYs! To boost the advantages of coconut oil on stretch marks and cellulite, pair it with a dry-brushing routine.
6. Lip Scrub + Lip Gloss
Combine 1 tablespoon of coconut oil with 1 teaspoon of sugar for a fast, simple, and edible lip scrub. Apply a small, dime-sized quantity of coconut oil to dry lips for fast shine. Or use coconut oil in a DIY lip balm recipe.
7. Cuticle Oil
Use coconut oil to melt your fingers and tough toes. Therapeutic massage it into nail beds for a easy cuticle cream that additionally helps enhance nail energy. Add a drop or two of important oil for nails and rub it in your fingers for a pure moisturizer that helps cut back advantageous traces and age spots.
8. Make-up Remover
Dab a cotton pad with coconut oil for a chemical-free eye make-up remover that additionally moisturizes the skinny pores and skin across the eyes. Gently wipe over the attention space. It really works nice on cussed waterproof mascara and eye shadow.
9. Therapeutic massage Oil
If the tropical scent alone isn’t sufficient of an incentive, coconut oil works properly as a therapeutic massage oil. Rub it into the pores and skin for soothing and hydrating advantages, and luxuriate in that beachy scent whereas it helps stop and diminish the looks of stretch marks.
10. Toothpaste
Ever marvel what chemical substances you’re ingesting once you brush your enamel? A DIY model made with coconut oil and baking soda is tasty and pure, and it’ll additionally soften your lips (no post-brushing lip balm required). If coconut oil toothpaste is a little bit too on the market for you, strive oil pulling as an alternative—it detoxes your mouth and retains gums wholesome [source].
11. Deodorant
Combining coconut oil and baking soda additionally makes an efficient DIY deodorant. Be warned: It might take a number of days to your physique to regulate, however as soon as it does, you could discover that you simply not want super-strength business deodorants or antiperspirants.
12. Hand Sanitizer
Mix 6 drops of lavender or tea tree important oil with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and rub it into your fingers as a pure antiseptic moisturizer to your fingers.
13. Face Masks
Particularly in the course of the onerous winter months, your pores and skin wants the additional moisture. Fortunately, you possibly can rely on coconut oil to assist! Attempt certainly one of these coconut oil face masks FTW.
What’s your favourite magnificence use for coconut oil?
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This submit was medically reviewed by Dr. Rina Mary Allawh, M.D., a dermatologist who practices grownup and pediatric medical dermatology, pores and skin most cancers remedy, and beauty dermatology. Be taught extra about Hey Glow’s medical reviewers right here. As all the time, this isn’t private medical recommendation, and we suggest that you simply speak together with your physician.
Images by Ana Stanciu
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