More people are choosing to go natural with their skincare routine as evidenced by the continuous growth of the organic beauty market. By 2024, the global market is projected to be worth $22 billion, which means that in the following years, more organic products will be crowding drugstore and specialty store shelves as the demand for natural beauty and skincare products increases While this is certainly good news, going completely green with your beauty routine can be quite costly as you’re paying for higher quality products that are healthier for you than conventional alternatives. Fortunately, there are other ways to incorporate natural products into your skincare routine, and this includes using coconut oil for your face and body.

Coconut oil has been hailed as a beauty secret by many celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, who uses it as a moisturizer and as a natural tooth cleaner and whitener. Blake Lively uses it to keep her hair healthy, while “This Is Us” star Mandy Moore uses it as a body lotion right after a shower. If you have yet to try this natural wonder, here are all the reasons why coconut oil should be part of your skincare routine.

Coconut Oil Speeds Up Skin Healing

A dab of coconut oil on skin problems such as rashes or stretch marks can speed up healing and reduce inflammation. It can even be used on wounds as it has anti-microbial properties to prevent infection and it encourages the production of collagen to strengthen and repair damaged skin. In a study, it was found that the application of coconut oil can heal wounds in 10 days, making it an effective way to promote skin healing without resorting to chemicals or commercially available ointments.

If you have a wound, clean it first with soap and water, then gently pat dry with a soft, clean towel. Apply a bit of coconut oil to the affected area, then cover with a square of clean gauze. Do this at least once a day until the wound heals.

It Naturally Hydrates The Skin

Coconut oil is made up of saturated fats that can help to lock in moisture, resulting in softer and smoother skin. If excessive dryness is an issue, then coconut oil can help to hydrate your skin from head to toe. Scoop up a small amount and massage onto your skin after a shower or whenever your skin feels tight and itchy.

It Can Prevent And Improve Wrinkles And Fine Lines

Due to its moisturizing and collagen-building properties, coconut oil may also be used to prevent the signs of skin aging and improve wrinkles and fine lines. Collagen is what makes the skin firm and resilient and as we age, our skin loses collagen, making it prone to wrinkles and sagging. Instead of using firming creams or getting a facelift, try applying coconut oil to the face twice a day—after cleansing in the morning, and before bedtime. However, if you don’t like using it under makeup, then a bit of coconut oil massaged onto your face at night can help to keep wrinkles at bay.

Other Ways To Use Coconut Oil In Your Skincare Routine

Apart from applying coconut oil straight from the tub or bottle, there are other ways to incorporate this oil into your skincare routine. Mix it with equal parts brown sugar and you’ve got yourself a hydrating body scrub that will leave your skin clean and glowing. To relieve chapped lips, combine coconut oil with some mint oil for an all-natural and soothing lip balm. You can also use it to make a massage oil—just mix a few teaspoons of coconut oil with your favorite scented oil such as lavender or peppermint and use before bedtime for a good night’s sleep.

Try these tips to incorporate coconut oil into your beauty routine for smooth and soft skin. If you’re prone to acne, you may find that this oil may exacerbate your skin condition, so use it on dry patches only to keep your skin healthy. Only use organic coconut oil for the best results and always keep it in a cool, dry place to preserve its healing and moisturizing properties.

Resources:

1. Natural and Organic Beauty Market to reach $22bn by 2024, Formula Botanica, https://formulabotanica.com/global-organic-beauty-market-22bn-2024/

2. 5 Things You Should Know About Organic Skincare, Bustle, https://www.bustle.com/p/5-things-you-should-know-about-organic-skin-care-46084

3. Gwyneth Paltrow Talks Skin Care Routine, Explains What “Oil Pulling” Is & Why She Swears By It, EOnline, https://www.eonline.com/news/523760/gwyneth-paltrow-talks-skin-care-routine-explains-what-oil-pulling-is-why-she-swears-by-it

4. Mandy Moore, Into The Gloss, https://intothegloss.com/2013/12/mandy-moore/

5. 5 Benefits of Coconut Oil For Wound Healing & How to Use It, The Superfoods, https://www.thesuperfoods.net/coconut/5-benefits-of-coconut-oil-for-wound-healing-how-to-use-it

6. Can Coconut Oil Get Rid of Wrinkles? Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/health/coconut-oil-for-wrinkles#1

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