COCONUT oil has been around for some time and often it has been used in many households around the country especially as a moisturiser.
Many Pacific Island countries such as Fiji consider this as a good source of income for villages especially for remote islands.
Now with the introduction of virgin oil into our market many around the country rely on pure virgin oil as a cooking essential and others use it as body lotion as it helps prevent dryness of skin.
A 500ml bottle of coconut oil at the supermarket costs about $2.50, the price normally ranges according to the size of the bottle and the brand. Virgin oils costs about $14 for a bottle because it’s pure.
Coconut oil has many qualities that it would be interesting to know more about, so before you walk into the supermarket or the local market to purchase you a bottle of coconut oil whether pure or not, note some important facts about it.
Website ehow.com highlights some interesting truths about what coconut oil can do for you.
Use it as make-up remover
Coconut oil is more effective and more affordable than make-up remover wipes. It can quickly and easily melt away the most stubborn eye and face make-up, including waterproof formulas.
Place one teaspoon of coconut oil in the palm of your hand. If the oil is in its solid state, rub it to soften it.
Then, massage it on to your face gently, in circular motions. Be extra gentle with the skin around your eyes and try to avoid getting oil in your eyes. Then, using a warm, damp washcloth, wipe the oil off.
Alternatively, you may apply the coconut oil to an oval cotton pad and then massage it on to your skin (this method works best when you have a lighter amount of make-up to remove). If you’re left with a residue of coconut oil on your skin, rinse the face cloth and wipe again.
Use it as a hair mask
Among the oils that have been studied for their benefits on hair, coconut oil is the only one that is able to penetrate deep into the hair shaft due to its affinity for hair protein and its molecular structure.
For this reason, it is able to reduce protein loss and restore damaged hair, such as from heated styling tools, sun exposure and harsh hair dyes.
Apply a generous amount of coconut oil to your hair and leave it on for at least a few hours, preferably overnight.
Then, wash your hair with your shampoo of choice.
If you keep the oil on for many hours, your hair may be so soft that you will not even need conditioner after washing. Repeat once a week for soft, healthy hair or twice a week, if your hair is very damaged.
Use it as a moisturiser
Very dry, itchy skin may greatly benefit from the use of coconut oil as moisturiser. Do to its occlusive properties, which reduce transepidermal water loss (preventing moisture from leaving the skin), and its highly emollient properties coconut oil makes an excellent body moisturiser.
Evidence shows that virgin coconut oil may even improve atopic dermatitis.
