It might be time to put away all those expensive potions and lotions after trying coconut oil in your daily beauty regimen. It’s loaded with Vitamin E and fatty acids (such as lauric acid, myristic acid, capric acid and more) which are anti-fungal, anti-oxidizing and anti-bacterial, just the sort of stuff that our body happily responds to!

It can be used as an all-over moisturizer (with excellent results, apply right after showering and throughout the day), but here are eight different ways to take advantage of its natural goodness and treat problem areas.

I also added tips at the bottom of the page outlining what to look for when buying it and where to find it (locally and online).

For Dry & Damaged Hair:

• Simply work some into the damaged ends a half hour before showering.

Glossy, Shiny Locks & Frizz Buster:

• After washing, drying and styling, rub a small amount into the palms of your hands then lightly work it in.
• If dealing with frizz, the above treatment will also help tame it.

Exfoliating Facial Scrub:

• Mix with an equal part of baking soda and massage into face. Rinse with warm water to remove baking soda residue.

Dark Elbow Patches:

• Rub in each morning and night until desired results are achieved. Find more remedies on this page ^[1].

Dry Scalp:

Each night before going to bed, follow these steps:

• Part hair one section at a time and rub coconut oil into scalp. A light application is all that’s needed.
• Repeat process for entire head then massage for a few minutes to really work it in. Comb out any tangles with a wide tooth comb then put on a shower cap.
• Keep the treatment on overnight, cover pillow with a towel just in case the cap shifts in the middle of the night.
• Wash with shampoo as usual in the morning.
• Repeat daily until satisfied with the results (may take up to 5 weeks before the dryness is gone).

Rashes, Eczema, Psoriasis or Severe Dryness:

• Rub a bit into affected area and allow time for your body to absorb the nutrients. Treat daily for as long as needed.

Acne:

• Clean face, pat dry then apply a light coating. Leave on overnight (allow at least 15 minutes to absorb it before going to bed). Repeat each night until desired results are achieved (may take some time depending on how severe the acne is).
• If dealing with back acne, wash and dry skin then apply some (do this at least 15 minutes before laying down or going to bed).

Note: Some may experience an increase in oily skin and breakouts, this can be the case for several days (even a week or two) until the skin is detoxified.

Athlete’s Foot & Nail Fungus:

• Apply twice each day to affected area covering it completely (once in the morning and once before bedtime). See more remedies for nail fungus on this page ^[2].

It’s A Food Too!

Yes, this can be eaten too! Try it in cooking, in baking (replacing lard and fat) and as a spread (like butter).

Is it a super food? Metabolism booster? Diet miracle? I’m not ruling it out but there’s no definitive answer to that just yet (that I know of). Here are two resources to review to help form your own opinion: doctoroz.com ^[3], video series by Dr. Oz (two parts, there’s a link under the first video to watch the next part). Also check out this article on The Guardian which lists some pros and cons: Coco Loco ^[4].

What To Buy & Where To Find It

• Choose pure virgin or extra-virgin (preferably organic) which is unrefined, cold-pressed and non-hydrogenated.
• To use: It will be solid (at room temperature), heat in a hot water bath for a couple minutes (scoop a spoonful into a small glass bowl that’s resting in hot water) or rub a bit between hands to soften and warm it up a bit.
• How much to use: A little goes a long way! No need to glob it on, apply in light layers so the body absorbs it readily.
• Where to buy it: Try the local pharmacy, health food store, online at shops like Amazon or pharmacy sites. This stuff is surprisingly inexpensive considering all the benefits it has to offer!
• How to store it: Keep it sealed in its original container in a cool, dark place (unrefrigerated). It has a shelf life of about 2 years.
• Note: If allergic to coconut, chances are you’re not going to have a good experience using it topically. The best bet is to not use it as a beauty treatment to avoid any physical reactions an allergy may trigger.