Skin problems such as dry and cracking skin, eczema, dull skin are common issues we face at one point or another and coconut oil for skin has been an effective and natural all-in-one solution to solve these problems. So, look no further than the wonders of this tropical fruit and check out these recipes to tackle some of the most persistent skin problems we face. And here’s why you shouldn’t stop exploring other powerful benefits of this “superfood”: Coconut Oil: Proven Benefits, Myths And How To Use 97 Surprising Coconut Oil Uses To Better Your Life Can Coconut Oil Pulling Improve Oral And Dental Health? 5 Genius Ways To Use Coconut Oil For Hair
1. Eczema
Eczema can be really uncomfortable especially during the night when it is the itchiest. Scratching the itch will only cause minor breakages of the skin’s surface which can lead to a bacterial infection. To heal eczema, it is essential to penetrate deep into the skin first before the outer layer can heal itself. To do that, one can make a homemade eczema cream which consists of coconut oil which has the properties to moisturise deep in the skin. The homemade cream can be made with simple ingredients such as 1/4 cup of shea butter, 1/4 cup of coconut oil, and 15 drops each of lavender and tea tree essential oils. Fill a saucepan with half water and heat it. In a jar, combine the shea butter with the coconut oil and place in saucepan until the oils melt and combine. Mix the essential oils together and put in the fridge to solidify it. Apply when needed.
2. Coconut Oil Face Mask for Dull Skin
What makes coconut oil friendly and effective to brighten up dull skin is its richness in nutritional content such as Vitamin E, C and good fatty acids that makes skin supple. Hence, it is no wonder that many facial products contain this highly respected oil. To tackle dull skin, homemade masks are easy to do and will save you a tonne of money. One of the best Coconut Oil Face Masks is the Honey Lemon Coconut Oil Face Mask. Fragrant and easy to do with common household ingredients, this face mask will brighten up your face after use. Simply combine 1 tablespoon of coconut oil with 2 teaspoons of raw honey and 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice and apply a thick coat onto face. Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes then rinse.
3. Coconut Oil for Skin which is Dry
If you constantly suffer from dry and flaky skin, there is a high chance you have a deficiency in Vitamin E or Vitamin C. Luckily for Coconut Oil, it is rich in both vitamins and can help penetrate the skin due to its high Lauric acid content which is also used in medicines to fight viral infections. If putting pure coconut oil sound daunting to you, try making a homemade body butter with shea butter, coconut oil and jojoba oil. Add in a few drops of essential oil for fragrance. Combine all ingredients together in a jar and allow it to melt in a saucepan of hot water. Once combined, placed in fridge to solidify and apply after when needed.
4. Coconut Oil as Sunscreen
According to the Environmental Working Group, 75% of commercial sunscreens contain toxic chemicals harmful to the skin. As an alternative, pure virgin coconut oil can be used which helps prevent the skin from cancers and sunburn. According to Bruce Fife, author of Coconut Cures: Preventing and Treating Common Health Problems with Coconut Oil, what Coconut Oil does for the skin is that it doesn’t completely block out UVB rays which are also needed to produce Vitamin D, but is very effective in blocking UVA rays which are responsible for sunburns.
5. Coconut Oil for Athlete’s Foot
An itch between the toes is torturous and there are many stories out there where the itch causing fungus keeps coming back with no absolute cure to it. But many reports have shown that Coconut Oil can dispel fungus once and for all and stop it from returning. Tea Tree Oil has been the best natural alternative but is hard to apply all over the foot and does not smell pleasant to some. Using refined coconut oil, the smell is natural and relatively easy to apply and to leave on overnight. If you are suffering from fungus that is recurring, try massaging your feet with coconut oil and wrap it in a plastic bag. Wear a sock and leave it on overnight.
