Today I’m here to talk about my absolute favorite thing in the world….coconut oil! It’s no surprise that I’m obsessed with the stuff. I use it for everything! My favorite brand is pictured below. I’ve used many other brands that I like, but this one is my favorite because it just feels softer and smoother than the others. If you decide to go with another brand, you’ll just want to be sure you get the unrefined, cold pressed, 100% organic extra virgin coconut oil. As you can see, I buy the 54oz tub….it’s the size of my head haha. I buy the big one because I go through it like crazy. I’ll link their website here in case you want to get the large tub online. You can also find it here on Amazon.
So let’s get to it! Here are my top 5 favorite ways that I use coconut oil:
Makeup Remover: I used to use makeup wipes to remove my makeup, but I started noticing that they really dried out my skin, so I broke up with them. I then started using coconut oil to remove it and OMG it removes EVERYTHING. It may be a little messy if you aren’t used to it, but it doesn’t bother me. I just grab about 3 fingers-full straight from the tub, rub it in my hands to liquify it, and then rub it all over my face, really focusing on my eyes (since mascara and eyeliner are the hardest to get off). Then I just wash my face like normal. I usually wash my face twice to make sure I get it all off. When I’m feeling lazy, I’ll use Bioderma Micellar Water, which is awesome, but CO just provides me with much more moisture for my dry skin.
Nighttime Moisturizer: CO is a little too oily for my preference to wear during the day, but I love using it in place of my night cream because it reduces wrinkles, prevents signs of aging, and promotes collagen formation, which keeps your skin looking tight and youthful. You really only need a pea sized amount to cover your entire face. Also make sure and rub it gently on your eyelids, underneath your eyes, and on your neck and chest. I always consider the neck and chest an extension of my face when it comes to my skincare. I usually put it on at least 30 minutes before I go to sleep to give it time to absorb into my skin.
Hair Treatment: Using CO on my hair has been life changing. There are sooo many benefits to treating your hair with CO about 2-3x a week. It will make your hair stronger, shinier, longer, and will also help to prevent split ends and grey hair. I take about 3 fingers-full and massage it into my scalp. I do that about 5 times to make sure every inch is covered. I basically drench my scalp in it haha. You can also put it on the ends of your hair, if your hair is prone to split ends. Then I put my hair up and wrap it in a towel or hair wrap and let it soak for about 2 hours. The key is really letting it soak into your scalp, so you’ll want to make sure you let it sit for at least 2 hours. Then take a shower and thoroughly wash it out, preferably with a natural shampoo and conditioner.
Oil Pulling: I can’t rave about this enough. Oil pulling works!! For those of you who don’t know what it is, it’s taking about a tablespoon of CO and swishing it around your mouth for 20 minutes each day, making sure you don’t swish it in the back of your throat. It’s not mouth wash haha! Focus the oil mainly around the front of your mouth, swishing in between your teeth and all around (just avoid your throat so you don’t swallow any). Oil pulling pulls out bacteria and toxins from your mouth, so it helps to prevent cavities, bad breath, gum disease, and helps to naturally whiten your teeth. I would recommend oil pulling in the morning, maybe while you’re getting ready, or when you’re in the shower, or driving to work. After the 20 minutes is over, make sure and spit the oil into a trash can and not down your drain. Since coconut oil hardens, it can and will clog your drain after so much. Then just rinse your mouth with water. Some people say you should brush your teeth after. I don’t think it matters, as long as you rinse your mouth out. I know it seems like swishing oil in your mouth for 20 minutes a day isn’t reasonable, but I promise if you make it a part of your daily routine, it just becomes a habit! It’s so worth it.
Dog Treat: My dog literally DROOLS over the stuff. He knows he gets it at bedtime, so before I even take it out, he’s already drooling! I give him about a tablespoon of it each night (because he’s big). If you have a small dog, I would give them about a teaspoon. Coconut oil naturally contains lauric acid, which is great for your dog’s immune system and helping them fight off infections and sicknesses. It also aids in their digestion and their skin/coat health. Also, when you apply it topically, it helps to heal any cuts or dry patches of skin. Basically, it’s good for them in the same way it’s good for us!
Well guys, that’s it! Sorry this is a longer post, but I hope you found some benefit in it! The key thing when using coconut oil is to STAY CONSISTENT. None of these benefits are going to happen overnight. You have to stick with it and do these things regularly, and I promise you will see a difference!
xoxo Kristle
