5 Amazing Uses for Coconut Oil

As women, we know about a lot of products — products for cooking, cleaning, hair washing, makeup removal, skin rashes, you name it. But all these products can add up in price, and you might be exposing yourself to too many synthetic chemicals. However, there is one household product that can replace all of these and do more wonders than you might think. Here are five helpful uses for coconut oil.

1. Skin Moisturizer. It's perfect for soothing dry winter skin and equally as perfect for soothing sunburnt skin in the summer. Since coconut oil is solid at start, it's easy to rub into your palms and smooth onto your skin. It is oil, though, so give it time to soak into your skin.

Tip: For sunburnt skin this summer, stoop tea bags (any kind, but black tea is most common) and let cool. Take a washcloth and soak into the tea, then dab the tea all over your affected skin. Let air-dry completely, and then lock it all in with coconut oil to take away pain and redness overnight.

2. Hair Conditioner. Just like for the skin, coconut oil does wonders for your hair. It's all natural, so it's great to slather onto wet, dry, or preferably damp hair and let soak in. Stress, sun, and hot tools can all affect your hair more than you think, so it is easy for your hair to become dry, brittle or damaged even if you take good care of it. Instead of splurging on pricey keratin treatments and other leave-in conditioner products from the salon, try swapping those things for coconut oil. It will make your hair silky soft and also add some shine.

Tip: Massage into hair from roots to ends before bed. Tie hair up and cover your pillow with a towel so the oil doesn't get on your sheets. Wash out in the morning and say hello to softer, shinier hair.

3. Wood Polish.  Since most wood polish coats your wood surfaces in a layer of chemicals, it doesn't soak into the wood and your sleek, shiny look can fade easily. On the other hand, coconut oil acts as a moisturizer for your wood surfaces, conditioning the wood to keep it looking healthier longer. The shiny, sleek appearance will look more natural.

4. Cooking Substitute. Using a frying pan? Swap out butter or other non-stick sprays for coconut oil. The coconut taste is so subtle it won't make a noticeable difference in the taste of your food, but it will be a healthy substitute for other fatty oils and can even help to lower cholesterol if used this way regularly.

5. Makeup Remover. I think all women can agree that nothing feels better after a long day than taking off your makeup. But while most makeup removers are oil-based, they also contain other chemicals that can be harsh on your skin. Make the swap for coconut oil! It's great for skin and can also help to condition your eyelashes and lips. You'll be surprised how effortlessly you can remove all of your makeup with organic coconut oil.

-Alissa Hicks