I will eat almost any dessert that has coconut in it. I really enjoy the taste and the texture of it. However, I do not like cooking with coconut oil… go figure. Although many people love the taste of it, coconut in savory dishes is not for me.
I do, however, have many other uses for my coconut oil. Coconut oil has a number of health, dietary, and medicinal benefits. But mostly, coconut oil is used in beauty products.
Coconut oil, also called coconut butter, is solid until you put it in your hand, where it then melts immediately. It is rich in antioxidants, which slows the aging process of the skin, and antiseptic fatty acids, which keeps away harmful bacteria and fungus in the skin. It is also very moisturizing, but not for the reason you might think. Coconut oil is not easily absorbed by the skin. Instead, it mostly sits on the surface of the skin acting as a protective layer, keeping moisture in. This leaves the skin pretty slick for a while, until it is absorbed. I would not recommend this oil if your skin is already oily, as it may clog your pores.
I do not use coconut oil, on its own, on my face; but I do mix it with other ingredients when making some of my homemade moisturizers. I do, however, use extra virgin coconut oil as a body moisturizer. But I still don’t like the feeling of greasy skin… What to do? I take a nice hot shower, which opens up my pores and readies them to receive nutrients. I then, before drying off, apply my coconut oil all over my body, except for my face. I do all this while still in the shower, being carefull not to slip, as the oil can my me and my shower very slick. Then I pat dry the excess oil and water. I feel this process helps my skin absorb the oil much faster and not leave the surface of my skin so oily, but rather with a silky feel and glow.
How do you use your coconut oil? Let me know.