April 1st, 2015
● BEAUTYBy Sunday World
We already know coconut oil is a wonder product for skin, so why not try using it in a homemade beauty recipe?
This multitasker’s antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties have been celebrated for some time. Coconut oil has been hailed as a saviour for every skincare problem ranging from stretch marks, to cellulite, sunburn, wrinkles, acne and dry hair. We’ve decided it’s about time we put the sweet stuff to the test by including it in a range of DIY beauty treatments.
Wrinkle Busting Moisturiser
Delaying the signs of fine lines is a battle, but coconut oil could prove a useful weapon. Nutritionist Christine Bailey swears by this recipe to maintain youthful looking skin.
“Place one cup of virgin coconut oil in a food processor and mix on high speed for six to seven minutes until it’s light and fluffy. Pierce one vitamin E capsule and squeeze the oil into the coconut oil along with one teaspoon of argan oil, one drop of Bio-D-Mulsion Forte by Biotics Research plus a drop of vitamin A to create an amazing anti-ageing cream,” Christine told Cover Media. “Coconut oil is rich in medium chain fatty acids. These help retain the moisture content of the skin keeping it healthy and smooth and adding plumpness to your face. It also contains Caprylic and Lauric acid, which have potent immune supporting and anti-microbial properties – ideal for tackling pimples and outbreaks.”
Spoon the cream into a clean glass jar and cover tightly. Store at room temperature.
Hair saviour
Supermodels Candice Swanepoel and Karlie Kloss use coconut oil in their hair. Why not try Ayumi Organic Virgin Coconut Oil and follow in actress Blake Lively’s footsteps by slathering your mane in the nutty stuff before shampooing. The oil promotes thick and lustrous locks by reducing protein loss from the hair shaft.
“Coconut oil is better able to penetrate hair (and prevent protein loss) than other oils. It leaves hair soft, supple and well-conditioned. Coconut oil is useful in smoothing the hair shaft and improving texture,” Jill Zander, Founder of the Jill Zander Skin Rejuvenation Clinic, told Cover Media. “Use as a leave-in conditioner at night, stick to only using on dry ends so as not to overload and weigh down hair.”
Skin treat
Unlike other oils that sit on the skin’s surface, coconut oil is able to penetrate deeper in order to nourish and hydrate. The high levels of lauric acid help to calm and restore skin. It’s so gentle that it can be used as a cleanser even on sensitive complexions. Burns, scars and parched lips can also benefit from a dab of this wonder ingredient.
Jax Coco has just launched its Extra Virgin Centrifuged Coconut Oil (EVCCO), which claims to be the purest organic coconut oil in the world. For an aromatic body treatment, add Himalayan salt to create an instant scrub for glowing skin, or use as a natural massage oil.
Teeth whitener
Dr Mervyn Druian from the London Centre for Cosmetic Dentistry tells us the ingredient can even be used to clean and brighten our smile.
“Coconut oil can be used in ‘pulling’, where you put a teaspoon of oil in your mouth and swill it for approximately 20 minutes,” he explained to Cover Media. “The swilling dislodges and the oil attracts the bacteria in the mouth that causes tooth decay and the oral bacteria attaches itself to the oil. Coconut oil also contains a high amount of lauric acid, which inhibits the primary bacteria that causes tooth decay. Because you are removing the bacteria from your mouth it therefore helps to combat bad breath and your teeth may appear whiter.”
Cover Media