Since its development, coconut oil has been considered a holy grail and often referred to as a “cure-all”. As much as I would like to tell you that that is 100% true, I’ll have to be the bearer of bad news here. In a perfect world I could slap on some coconut oil and all my acne and stretch marks would disappear. We unfortunately don’t live in such a utopia. But even if coconut oil won’t fade your stretch marks, the oil does have its benefits. Studies show that coconut oil may improve and repair damaged skin barriers due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties per a 2018 review of research published in the international journal of molecular science We all know the basics to using coconut oil but here’s four ways to upgrade your beauty regime that you may not know.

1: Use it as the first step in your cleansing routine.

If you’re anything like me then you’re obsessed with skincare. And who does skincare the best right now? South Korea. Ever since I found out about the 10 step korean skincare regime, I’ve been obsessed with finding ways to implicate it into my own routine. The first step to any skincare routine is cleansing. However the South Korean cleansing method calls for cleansing twice. The first time with an oil or balm based cleanser and the second with a foam based cleanser. Cleansing twice ensures that all impurities that your skin collects throughout the day is washed away. But where does coconut oil fit in all of this? Well that would be the oil cleansing method. Simply massage the oil in circular motions across your face and neck. Rinse with lukewarm water, then cleanse again with your favourite foam or gel based cleanser to ensure all the residue is rinsed away. This is the perfect cost friendly first step to a cleansing routine.

2: Use it to get rid of horrid morning breathe

It’s through instagram that I heard about the craziness of oil pulling. I know it sounds like something out of a horror movie but stay with me. Oil pulling is essentially swishing coconut oil (or any organic vegetable cooking oil) around your mouth for about ten to twenty minutes. Research published in the journal of traditional and complementary medicine states that oil pulling has the capabilities of literally pulling the disease causing bacteria out your mouth as “oil pulling generates antioxidants which damage the cell wall of microorganisms and kills them”. Just make sure to spit the oil out after swishing.

3: Shave those prickly legs!

Shaving cream has somehow tripled in price in the last few decades. It used to cost a pound for shaving cream but why did I see that it’s nearly six quid in tesco? A big no if you ask me. But guess what you can use instead? That’s right, coconut oil. It’s inexpensive, smells gorgeous, has zero chemicals like conventional shaving creams and best of all, it’s a natural antimicrobial. Just use it as you would a regular shaving gel.

4: Deep condition that hair girl!

As a black woman, my hair is my pride and joy. Unfortunately for me, my hair often feels dry and brittle if it doesn’t get its weekly deep conditioning session. Any hair type can use this treatment to help soothe their dry hair. After shampooing your hair,  simply heat up some coconut oil and mix it with your favourite conditioner and leave it in your hair for 30-60 minutes before washing it out. 

And there you have it! Four ways to include coconut oil in your beauty routine. I hope these tips leave you feeling and looking good.