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5 top tips for using coconut in natural skincare

We’re not just about eating delicious coconut products! Coconut has long been hailed as a versatile and beneficial ingredient for natural skincare. Packed with nourishing properties, coconut-based products offer a gentle and effective approach to caring for your skin. Coconut is good for you on the outside and the inside!

In this article, we will explore five top tips for incorporating coconut into your skincare routine. We'll delve into the benefits and provide instructions and skincare recipes to help you harness the power of coconut for radiant and healthy skin. There are lots of different ways you can use coconut products in skincare, but these are five of our favourites and five of the simplest ways to incorporate coconut in your home skincare routine.

1.    Coconut oil as a moisturiser

Coconut oil, known for its deeply moisturising properties, is a versatile and effective ingredient for nourishing the skin. Its high concentration of medium-chain fatty acids penetrates the skin easily, providing intense hydration and promoting a soft and supple complexion. The oil has natural antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which can help protect the skin from microorganisms.

Applying coconut oil to the skin can create a protective barrier that guards against infections and promotes overall skin health. It also helps to strengthen the skin's natural barrier, preventing moisture loss and keeping the skin hydrated. Coconut oil also contains natural anti-inflammatory compounds, such as lauric acid, which can help soothe and calm irritated or inflamed skin. It may provide relief for conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. And lastly, it’s rich in antioxidants like vitamin E. It really is a fabulous natural moisturiser!

To use coconut oil as a moisturiser, scoop a small amount into your palm and gently massage it onto clean, damp skin. The oil will quickly absorb, leaving your skin feeling hydrated and rejuvenated. For an added boost, you can mix a few drops of your favourite essential oil, such as lavender or rosehip, with the coconut oil for a delightful aroma and enhanced benefits. Only a small pea sized amount is needed!

2.    Coconut vinegar as an astringent

Coconut vinegar, derived from the fermented sap of coconut trees, offers excellent astringent properties for toning and balancing the skin. It contains natural acids, vitamins, and minerals that help to tighten pores, reduce excess oil production, and restore the skin's pH balance.

To use coconut vinegar as an astringent, dilute it with an equal amount of water (do not use on skin without diluting!) and apply it to your face using a cotton pad. Gently sweep the pad across your skin, avoiding the eye area, but paying attention to areas prone to oiliness or blemishes. The coconut vinegar will help remove impurities, tighten the skin, and leave it feeling refreshed and revitalised.

3.    Coconut milk powder in a bath bomb

Indulge in a luxurious and nourishing bath experience by incorporating coconut milk powder into your homemade bath bombs. These make great homemade gifts too!

Coconut milk is rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that soothe and moisturise the skin. Its gentle natural scent isn’t overpowering and combines well with essential oils.

To create a coconut milk bath bomb, combine 1 cup of baking soda, 1/2 cup of citric acid, 1/2 cup of cornflour, 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil, 2 tablespoons of coconut milk powder, and a few drops of your favourite essential oil. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and shape the mixture into bath bomb moulds. You can even use shaped ice cube trays for fun mini bath bombs.

Allow the bath bombs to dry for 24 hours before using. When added to your bathwater, these delightful bombs will release the moisturising and nourishing properties of coconut milk, leaving your skin feeling soft, hydrated, and pampered.

4.    Coconut sugar in a scrub

Another great homemade skincare product for yourself and also as a thoughtful gift is using coconut sugar in a scrub. For a gentle and effective exfoliation, we really recommend using coconut sugar as a natural scrub ingredient.

Coconut sugar, with its granulated texture, helps to remove dead skin cells and promote a smoother complexion. What’s more, most off-the-shelf scrubs contain ingredients that are bad for your skin and the environment (such as microbeads). Coconut sugar makes a natural scrub, which dissolves once submerged in water.

To make a coconut sugar scrub, mix 1/2 cup of coconut sugar, 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, and a few drops of your preferred essential oil for a delightful scent.

Gently massage the scrub onto damp skin in circular motions, focusing on areas that require exfoliation, such as elbows, knees, and heels. Rinse off with warm water, and enjoy the rejuvenating effects of the scrub and the delightful smell. The coconut sugar will leave your skin feeling refreshed, revitalised, and incredibly smooth.

5.    Coconut oil and nectar to make a face mask

Unleash the power of coconut by creating a nourishing and rejuvenating face mask using coconut oil and coconut nectar.

Coconut oil deeply moisturises the skin, while coconut nectar's antimicrobial properties may help to combat bacteria. This natural face mask hydrates, soothes, and replenishes, without using man-made chemicals.

To make the face mask, mix 1 tablespoon of melted coconut oil with 1 teaspoon of coconut nectar until well-blended. Apply the mixture to your clean face, avoiding the eye area, and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, and revel in the softness and glow of your skin.

Incorporating coconut-based products into your skincare routine offers a multitude of benefits. From moisturising and nourishing to toning and exfoliating, coconut products provide a natural and effective way to care for your skin. It’s an all-natural way of doing skincare and reaping the many benefits of coconut products.

So, as  well as enjoying our fabulous coconut products in recipes as diverse as curries and bakes, make sure you also stock up on coconut ingredients such as coconut oil, coconut milk, coconut sugar, and coconut nectar for your skincare! Shop now!