6 ways to use coconut oil in your beauty routine

Sydney-based dermatologist, Dr Natasha Cook, has been following the coconut oil trend; “It’s a brilliant ingredient in skin care and a great moisturiser,” she says. “It’s all about medium chain triglycerides and medium chain fatty acids. The triglycerides help the lipids that are contained in the outer layer of the epidermis. There are free fatty acids in the natural oils of the skin, which make up part of the barrier wall function. So [when applying coconut oil] you’re actually adding free fatty acids into that structure. That’s why it’s so good for moisturising – it’s putting back what’s already there.” We recommend Coconut Revolution Organic Coconut Oil Beauty Jar.

Another benefit? Coconut oil is an anti-inflammatory due to its high lauric acid component. “Top international dermatologist Dr Suzanne Kilmer has recently said coconut oil is great for post-laser care as it’s a natural, potent anti-inflammatory. It’s a natural anti-fungal and antibacterial, it’s bit like zinc, in that sense,” Cook adds. We like Nature’s Way Super Coconut Organic Oil.

The ancient Ayurvedic dental remedy of ‘coconut pulling’ is breathing new life into dental routines of the wholefoods set. “It involves swishing a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth one to three times a day on an empty stomach for around 20 minutes,” says Alex Tomic, Director of teeth whitening company HiSmile – which produces a coconut mouthwash. Plus, research from the Athlone Institute of Technology found coconut oil can inhibit the growth of an acid-producing bacterium, a major cause of tooth decay.