I'm In Love With the Coco(nut Oil)

The public's obsession with all natural and organic beauty products only continues to grow every year. Of course, prices for these products seem to do the same, as more and more companies stunt new miracle ingredients that will apparently make you a better person or something. But the silver lining of the seemingly infinite amount of natural beauty products to choose from is that there is one single ingredient that can virtually-and inexpensively- replace them all, and that, my friends, is coconut oil. 

image via care2.com

If you haven't used or at least heard about the coconut oil hype by now, I am thoroughly surprised. Here are 9 basic uses for coconut oil that will make you rethink your life decisions and regret all the money you've spent on high end "organic" products.

1) Have pimples? Coconut oil.

Even for people with oily skin (like me), warming a small amount of coconut oil between your fingers and rubbing it into your face at night will do wonders for pimples after a few weeks. Not to mention it is incredibly moisturizing.

2) Have dry, flaky elbows and knees? Coconut oil.

I've gotten into the habit of rubbing coconut oil into my elbows and knees after I shower and I have been amazed by the results. They look less ashy and flaky and feel so soft and smooth that I often wonder why I bothered with moisturizing lotions for my entire life.

3) Need an effective, natural exfoliator? Coconut oil.

Mixing equal parts coconut oil and brown sugar or even coconut oil and organic sea salt creates the most beautiful exfoliating masks at a 1/3 of the cost of brand name masks. Both smell amazing and both work over time to buff away dead skin and leave behind only the supple, baby's butt feeling we crave. Hint: use the coconut oil and salt combo on dry feet.

4) Dry, brittle hair? Coconut oil.

As a disclaimer, I am not recommending using coconut oil to reduce frizz, especially in fine hair. It's extremely greasy and will both melt in heat over 70 degrees and harden in colder temperatures. HOWEVER, for a perfect pre-shower hair treatment, coconut oil is the answer. I like one I found on  TotalBeauty.com, which calls for two tablespoons coconut oil and two tablespoons avocado oil. Heat it up for 30 seconds and comb through hair. Leave in for 10 minutes. Shampoo and condition as usual. When you blow dry, you will feel like Blake Lively.

rare photo of me appreciating a coconut

5) Need an alternative oil for cooking? Coconut oil.

Studies have shown that coconut oil can boost your good cholesterol levels. While it's high in saturated fats, it's full of god fatty acids that boost energy quickly (see use #9) and lauric acids which are awesome for fighting bacteria. It's especially good for frying as it doesn't oxidize in higher temperatures.

6) Hate the burning fire of chemical eye make up remover? Coconut oil.

I swear, makeup companies put cayenne pepper in those damn formulass. Half the time the bottle will read "Do not get product directly in eyes"....okay lol. Coconut oil saves the day yet again. Rub some on a cotton pad and use it to get rid of your eye makeup. It may take a few extra seconds, but it leaves you feeling soft and not blinded.

7) Tired of aloe vera sun products? Coconut oil.

Oil yourself up and use it for tanning (not if you're pale and burn easily, obviously). It's naturally spf 4, which is perfect for getting a little color. It can also be rubbed on sunburn after the initial heat of the burn to soothe the skin.

8) Bored of EOS? Coconut oil.

Rub coconut oil onto your lips at night. It works almost like Vaseline (another miracle product sent to us by Jesus) in that it heals damaged lips and protects them from further harm.

9) Energy boost needed? Coconut oil.

Coconut oil has been shown to boost metabolism and provide quick energy. Whether it's in your 2 pm coffee as a natural sweetener or in your pre workout smoothie, it's gonna be lit either way.

Know of some other uses for coconut oil? Drop those in the comments.