
Coconut oil has a gleaming reputation in the beauty world but that has happened only in the past few years. Even decades ago, coconut oil for the face has been an important beauty ritual, especially in Indian households. Not only does it find use in cooking traditional foods and baking new age delicacies, it also has many beauty benefits. Ask any grandmother and they are bound to extol the values of coconut oil and how a regular scalp and head massage will leave hair nourished, soft and silky. It is also known to fight fungal infection, prevent breakage and make it more manageable. Besides haircare and kitchen purposes, coconut oil is also an excellent ingredient for the skin.
What Is Coconut Oil Made Of?
By now, you've heard plenty about the virtues about coconut oil but have you ever wondered what makes it that way? It lies in its composition. Over half of coconut oil is comprised of medium-chain fatty acids in saturated fat form. Fatty acids are practically gold in the skincare realm. With respect to this ingredient, it lend it with most of its benefits like curbing infections and killing microorganisms.
(Also Read: 3 Amazing Coconut Hair Oils You Need To Know)

How To Make Coconut Oil Naturally
The wonderful news is it is possible to make coconut oil outside of a factory. If you have access to coconuts which are locally available in India, make unadulterated coconut oil at home for your cooking and beauty purposes.
- Grate flesh of a couple of coconuts.
Squeeze the grated flesh through a muslin cloth to remove coconut milk that is free of any residue.
Pour in a vessel and put on low heat for 2-3 hours.
Let it become brown-ish in colour. Stir occasionally and ensure it doesn't burn.
Once thick and concentrated, let it cool.
When it has cooled, squeeze it through a muslin cloth. What comes out is coconut oil.
It can be stored in room temperature for up to a year in an airtight container. With this recipe, you won't need to rely on organic stores to purchase coconut oil.
Take a walk around the beauty isles and you won't be surprised at the number of coconut oil-infused moisturisers, cleansers and lotions that you see. Celebrities like Priyanka Chopra and Eva Mendes have raved about coconut oil for face care and hair care in their routine. It is highly advantageous for the skin and can lend a vast number of benefits.
(Also Read: 5 Must-Try Beauty Products Packed With The Goodness Of Coconut)
Benefits Of Coconut Oil For Skin
Its healthy fats make it a great choice for dry skin as it nourishes, plumps and gives a healthy sheen.
It can soothe fungal infections and skin irritation hence, can heal eczema and dermatitis.
It is said to have anti-ageing benefits too that work on wrinkles and fine lines.
It works on healing damaged skin, bruises and cuts too.
The benefits of coconut oil for the face, body and hair can go and on. So if you're wondering how you can add it to your skincare routine, we've got the answer.

Coconut Oil Home Remedies For Your Skin
Add these home remedies using coconut oil to your skincare routine right away.
1. Coconut Oil And Brown Sugar Lip Scrub
In a shallow container, mix a tablespoon of coconut oil and honey each with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Gently rub the mixture over your lips to get rid of flaky, dead skin and reveal its natural softness beneath.
2. Coconut Oil Body Moisturiser
When your arms and legs are in need of deep nourishment, mix a few tablespoons of coconut oil with drops of avocado essential oil, both in proportion to how much you require for your body. Apply and massage over your arms and legs to soften and smoothen the skin.
3. Coconut Oil Makeup Remover
Take a few drops of coconut oil on a cotton pad until it is slightly damp. Wipe it gently over your face to remove makeup. Go over the eye area, cheeks, nose and lips with it. Coconut oil breaks down makeup effectively, making it amazing to remove even the most stubborn waterproof mascara.
(Also Read: Beauty Benefits Of Coconut Oil: 3 Reasons To Love It)
Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world