Let me introduce you to my new secret weapon: coconut oil!
I know, I know—am I the last person to discover just how amazing this stuff really is?
While coconut oil is most commonly considered a cooking oil, consisting of the fat pressed from the coconut, it’s also long been hailed for its moisturizing benefits for the skin and hair. I’ve just recently started using it for my super dry skin, and I can’t say enough good things. It feels heavenly, and the light coconut scent makes me feel like I’m hanging out at a tropical beach.
It’s particularly beneficial for pregnant women. I have been religiously rubbing it over my ever-growing belly to prevent stretch marks (and help the old ones). At 30 weeks pregnant, I can say for sure that using coconut oil for stretch marks is effective! It also helps relieve some of that itching as the skin stretches.
Meet the Experts
Nadir Qazi, D.O., cosmetic dermatology surgeon with Qazi Cosmetic Clinic in Irvine, California
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rina Mary Allawh, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist
Coconut oil for stretch marks and more beauty benefits:
Reduce stretch marks
Several factors are at play when it comes to what causes stretch marks, including genetics as well as the basic expansion of skin while undergoing stress, which triggers the release of hormones like cortisol, explains Nadir Qazi, D.O., cosmetic dermatology surgeon with Qazi Cosmetic Clinic in Irvine, California. “While there haven’t been any conclusive studies on coconut oil’s effect on stretch marks, the oil has the potential to visibly reduce their appearance,” he says. “In addition, it is considered a natural anti-inflammatory and may help to stimulate collagen production in the skin.”
Rub coconut oil onto your belly (or legs or whatever) to reduce and prevent stretch marks. As mentioned, it also helps cut back on itching—which can be a pesky pregnancy side effect!
Moisturizer
Coconut oil is occlusive, acting as a barrier between the skin and the air, Dr. Qazi explains. As a result, it traps any moisture on the skin, keeping the skin hydrated and preventing any trans-dermal water loss that may occur while using the oil. “The oil is also an emollient, so it softens skin in addition to trapping moisture, adding an additional feeling of soft, hydrated skin,” he adds.
Therefore, you can use coconut oil as a stand-alone moisturizer (it’s all-natural too), or you can add it to your existing moisturizer for a boost of hydration. It works effectively on all types of skin, including super dry skin like mine. It may even help delay wrinkles and skin sagging, thanks to its potential for firming effects.
Skin treatment
Coconut oil has long been used as an all-natural treatment for chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema, and it has been shown in studies to improve the skin barrier function in inflammatory skin disease [source]. Apply a small dab on the affected area once or twice daily, and you’ll likely see some positive results.
Antioxidant impact
Research, including one study published in the peer-reviewed journal, Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, has shown that coconut oil can help prevent premature aging and degenerative diseases due to its antioxidant properties.
Hair rejuvenation
Coconut oil is one of the few natural oils shown in studies to absorb into hair to strengthen and revitalize it from within, notes Dr. Qazi. “In addition, coconut oil’s antibacterial and anti-fungal properties can help maintain hair follicle and scalp health,” he says. “However, because coconut oil is occlusive, it is most effective when used as a treatment mask rather than an everyday hair cosmetic to prevent build-up, as it can be difficult to remove.”
One of the most effective and healthy methods of removal that Dr. Qazi recommends is to mix pure aloe gel into shampoo, apply it directly to the hair, wait 10 minutes and then rinse.
9 Beauty Uses for Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the most versatile natural beauty products. The scent is relaxing like a day at the beach, and the healing properties of coconut oil soothe and repair skin. Its abundant natural fats moisturize, while the lauric acid it contains protects and softens skin. It’s also an antiseptic and helps maintain a healthy pH level in the skin [source].
I find myself dipping into the coconut oil jar for everything from dry hands to curling iron burns. If you’re new to natural beauty, then coconut oil is where I would recommend starting. Get yourself a big jar, and try some of our favorite do-it-yourself beauty uses for coconut oil.
1. Whipped body lotion
Slather coconut oil all over your body (including your face—don’t be shy!) right after your shower. It is best absorbed if the skin is still slightly wet. I keep the jar on the bathroom counter, so the heat from the shower helps soften and melt the oil.
But, hey, if you forget to slather right after your shower, just apply whenever you remember—you’ll still see some impressive moisturizing benefits.
Okay, yes, you can just dip your hand in the coconut oil jar. But if that’s not appealing, try whipping it. Whipped coconut oil alone or combined with shea butter creates such a luxurious buttery texture. It’s great for improving the tone and texture of skin bummers like stretch marks and scars.
—1/2 cup shea butter
—1/4 coconut oil
1. Using a double boiler over low heat, melt the shea butter and coconut oil together.
2. Refrigerate the mixture for about an hour to cool.
3. Beat the ingredients with a hand mixer for 5–7 minutes or until the mixture becomes fluffy.
4. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Transfer the body butter to a glass container with a lid. Should last at least 6 months.
2. Softening detox bath
Add a big scoop of coconut oil with about two cups of Epsom salt to create a warm detox bath. It’s like using a moisturizing body wash—the oil coats and hydrates your skin. This counters the drying effect of soaking in hot, salty water nicely. You can apply more oil when you get out and go to bed, all warm and moisturized.
3. Shaving cream
Rub coconut oil (by itself or combined with aloe vera) on your legs in the shower for an antibacterial shaving cream that helps prevent nicks and razor burn. You’ll be shocked at how soft your legs feel—they’ll be moisturized, silky, and gorgeous for days!
4. Conditioning hair mask
Implementing coconut oil into your normal hair care routine may also be helpful for the treatment of dry, itchy scalp. When using coconut oil for dry scalp, gently massage the coconut oil on the scalp directly (think of it as a scalp medicine rather than for the hair). Typically, we recommend applying a thin layer or pea-sized amount of coconut oil after you shower and resume your normal hair care routine.
To treat dry, frizzy, or brittle hair, start massaging the coconut oil into the hair closer to the ends and away from the roots for a helpful trick to avoid a greasy scalp at bedtime. You can also use coconut oil as a hair “mask.” In the morning, you will be pleased to wake up to smooth, shiny hair.
An easy coconut oil hair mask recipe:
Mix 2 tablespoons of oil with 1 tablespoon of honey and heat in the microwave for a few seconds until warm enough to spread easily.
Massage the mixture onto your scalp or rub it into the dry ends of your hair to take down frizz and split ends. Then cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes to an hour. Rinse and wash hair well, and enjoy gorgeously soft, shiny hair.
5. Body scrub
Combine 1/2 cup coconut oil and 1/2 cup coffee grounds and firmly massage into your thighs and booty to increase circulation and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
An easy way to always have a scrub on hand? Whip up some Coffee-Coconut Oil Scrub Cubes—one of our most popular beauty DIYs! To enhance the benefits of coconut oil on stretch marks and cellulite, pair it with a dry-brushing routine.
6. Lip scrub + lip gloss
Mix a tablespoon of coconut oil with a teaspoon of sugar for a quick, easy, and edible lip scrub. Apply a small, dime-sized amount of coconut oil to dry lips for quick shine. Or use coconut oil in a DIY lip balm recipe.
7. Cuticle oil
Use coconut oil to soften your hands and rough feet. Massage it into nail beds for a simple cuticle cream that also helps improve nail strength. Rub on your hands for a natural moisturizer that helps reduce fine lines and age spots.
8. Makeup remover
Dab a cotton pad with coconut oil for a chemical-free eye makeup remover that also moisturizes the thin skin around eyes. Gently wipe over the eye area. It works great on stubborn waterproof mascara and eye shadow.
9. Massage oil
If the tropical scent alone isn’t enough of an incentive, coconut oil works well as a massage oil. Rub it into the skin for soothing and hydrating benefits, and enjoy that beachy scent while it helps prevent and diminish the appearance of stretch marks.
Even more ways to use coconut oil:
10. Toothpaste: Ever wonder what chemicals you’re ingesting when you brush your teeth? A DIY version made with coconut oil and baking soda is tasty, natural, and will also soften your lips (no post-brushing lip balm required). If coconut oil toothpaste is a little too out-there for you, try oil pulling instead—it detoxes your mouth and keeps gums healthy [source].
11. Deodorant: Coconut oil and baking soda is also an effective DIY deodorant. Be warned, it may take a few days for your body to adjust, but once it does, you may find that you no longer need super-strength commercial deodorants or antiperspirants.
12. Hand sanitizer: Combine 6 drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, and rub it into your hands as a natural antiseptic moisturizer for your hands.
13. Face mask: Especially during the hard winter months, your skin needs the extra moisture. Luckily, you can count on coconut oil to help! Try either one of these 10 face masks FTW.
What’s your favorite beauty use for coconut oil?
This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Rina Mary Allawh, M.D., a dermatologist who practices adult and pediatric medical dermatology, skin cancer treatment, and cosmetic dermatology. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
Photos by Ana Stanciu
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Hello there! Thank you for this post! I just have a question about the coconut oil hair mask. Do you apply it on dry hair or wet? Thank you!
when using the oil, do I use it when its harden or do I melt it and than rub it over me?
Totally agree. I am the living example here. Coconut oil+olive oil+aloe vera gel works really well too. I use coconut oil as a makeup remover and believe me my skin looks so young even in 30s.
I’ve been told that staying hydrated and luck are really the only two things that keep stretch marks away. I drank nearly a gallon of water a day when I was preggo. I used dermelastic serum day and night after the first trimester. No stretch marks.
I really love dermelastic serum stretch mark & scar defense serum. It helps with my stretch marks and some of my scars that I had and I have seen a significant improvement in my stretch marks, unlike other creams that don’t help.
How fast of a result did you get?
My baby is about 3 months old and I’ve been using dermelastic serum since about week 2 postpartum, and I can tell a huge difference. My stretch marks aren’t gone but they have certainly lightened up a lot, and they were dark and deep before using Dermelastic. It does take time to see results so as long as you’re patient with the product, you’ll probably see results too! I plan to continue using it to see if it will still be working to lighten them up.
I gained 60 pounds while pregnant with my first child, and then had a another baby 2 years later adding MORE stretch marks to my stomach. I have noticed they aren’t as dark or as deep. They are disappearing before my eyes. I have been using dermelastic serum everyday- twice a day, morning & night. I’m almost done with my first and just put myself on the auto ship. It does say you do see results within 4 weeks and dramatic results in 12 weeks. I’m excited to see my stomach in 2 more months.
How will i do it
Hi Justina,I have a sister who shares joint ownership of a HDB with our mum. They plan to marry soon and stay with parents. However, her boyfriend is also a co-owner of a HDB with his own parents- to form a legal family nucleus. The HDB flat (byo&riendf#8217;s) has just reached 1 year MOP only. Neither is able to give up their flats because of parents. Does this mean they cannot get married?
Well dermalmd stretch mark cream is the best for prevent stretch marks during pregnancy I tell all my friends and family b/c it is not well advertised but really needs to be! I was huge for my small frame by the end of my twin pregnancy and didn’t end up with any stretch marks. Later, after the births, I nursed and stopped the product. I ended up with deep purple marks on my breast…so I bought more dermalmd cream and have already noticed the purple turn to a slight red…I won’t be surprised if they are gone completely in another month. Though dermalmd stretch mark cream seems expensive for a tiny amount, it is definitely worth it! I think it works best as a preventive method.
Mix equal amount of coconut oil and grape seed oil. Also dry brush before your shower or bath. Skip dry brushing if you have sensitive skin.This mixture will minimize stretch marks plus varicose veins. For scars use shea butter on marks twice per day. I started seeing results in 2 months. Also make sure all products are extra virgin and organic.
Just pray that God wil help cos the stretch marks on my body is terrible, cant evn expose my self that much to my man, but for how long wil i keep hidden my entire body from my man, what if he decided that we take a shower together, i heard it dat mixing coconut oil and olive oil help a lot.am unto it now
coconut oil worked for me, it does take some time but it works..i always use a mixture of coconut oil,castor oil and glycerine on my skin as moisturizer and just plain coconut oil on my face everyday … Its the best decision ever to just use natural products on my skin and hair , plus its cheaper than the big brand moisturizers
I recently started using dermelastic stretch mark serum because after having twins I had more stripes than a tiger. I’ve only been using this for a couple of weeks but I’m already noticing a difference on my stretch marks, especially on the darker ones it’s lightening them. I can’t wait to see how they look after long term use
I have been using the dr max powers tretch mark cream since the week after I found out I was pregnant. I am now 34 weeks and have just gone onto my second jar so it has lasted really well.
I have a huge bump (off the growth chart… seems I’m baking a big baby!) but I HAVE NO STRETCH MARKS. I am lucky to have good skin, but I think a lot of that has to do with the dr max powers stretch mark cream – A pregnancy must have for sure!
How much time does it take to see the results on your skin ?
Hi, I was just wondering if this will make oil marks on my clothes if I massage it in after the shower?? Have you had any trouble with that?
No, it won’t mark on your clothes.
I had stains on my white tshirts
Soak it in a baking soda with vinegar. The stain will be gone.
Very best way to get rid of stretchmarks with DermalMD Stretch Mark Cream. i am also using that same product for my breast stretch marks and trust with in 2week i got amazing result.
Where do you buy that stretch mark lotion
Where can I buy coconut oil?
You can get some at Walmart!
I’m pregnant and have been using coconut oil on my stomach and hips everyday. I’m happy to say that I don’t have any new stretch marks yet and I’m 34 weeks along. I use it right after I shower and I usually layer it with a Palmer’s brand of stretch mark cream or butter. But often I’ll use it alone, especially for dry, itchy, stretching, winter skin. I plan on using it after delivery too, to help with the appearance of loose and saggy postpartum skin.
I also use it around my eyes to combat dryness and crows feet!!
Dermelastic Serum is amazing. My sister started using it to get rid of her stretch marks and you can see a big difference. They are not completely gone but they are less visible. Definitely recommend.
did you know that coconut oil gives you more hair growth. It gets rid of split end. prevents hair fall.
Coconut oil is an excellent make-up removal, it leaves your skin moisturized and super clean… since I told this to my mum she can’t live with out it ;-)
Hi,
I come from a fast growing family. See, I’m only 16 and I’m already 5’11 and I have stretchmarks running down my thighs. They started off as little one but now, they’re massively big!
My mom is completely inlove with coconut oil. She uses it for almost EVERYTHING! And as I was scrolling down reading everyones comments, I just wonder.. How long does it usually take to notice then results? And how often should I apply it?
Apply daily, just after your shower, and before bed. Really massage it in. You might also want to melt a bit of pure cocoa butter and mix it with the coconut oil. I make my own mix of shea, coconut oil and cocoa butter and add lavender oil for a nice fragrance. I’ll be 55 in September, and have no noticeable marks. I started when I was about your age, was growing (I made it all the way to 5’3! ) and saw marks on my butt. I’ve used cocoa butter throughout my two pregnancies, and for years. You will be so glad when you’re grown that you took good care of your skin.
Make sure it is PURE though, if you buy it at Walmart, or Target, in a bottle it has tons of additives that are not fun, if you can’t pronounce it, chances are you don’t want it! I found that I didn’t care for the smell of cocoa/Shea Butter, but Mango butter is absolutely amazing, smells wonderful, just about the same price. If you can’t find it anywhere near you, I have a small organic spa products business, I get mine from Wild Herbert Soap, Inc. Never had an issue, you can buy a little or alot. Good luck!
I have oily skin and prone to breakouts. I started using Coconut oil to wash my face and take off my mascara, and I absolutely love it!! After I wash my face I reapply just a little bit of the coconut oil WITH 3-4 drops of lavender oil mixed together. My face looks so much brighter and I hardly ever break out anymore. Try the lavender with it after you wash! SO GOOD!
Hi I’m 18 and recently gained a few pounds. My family doesn’t have the best genes when it comes to skin… Meaning a lot of acne, cellulite and stretch marks. Luckily I don’t have bad acne or cellulite but I have TERRIBLE stretch marks. I have them around my belly button, waist, arms, and more! They’re mostly red and it seems like everything I’ve used only makes them more red. I’ve started using coconut oil for a month now but nothing has changed. What should I do?
did she answered you this?
Try mix the coconut oil with coffee grounds and heat it on the microwave for 10 mins and rub it into your thighs, arms or belly then wrap it up with glad wraps for 30 mins and wash it off with cold water. Use this everyday after you shower. You’ll notice it within a month.
Hiii umm im 16 and i was wondering if coconut oil works. I got stretch marks on my side and my mom said its cause im becoming a “woman”. Summer is comin soon and i got a jar of pure coconut oil in the kitchen. Do you jus rub it on there after shower.. Or can you do it before and after..? Oh.! How long does it began to fade..?
Jw thanks.
-Bobbi
Hi Bobbi! Yes, you can use it after the shower or really anytime. The key is to stay highly moisturizer. I actually mix pure virgin coconut oil with Shea butter and cocoa butter to make my own body butter. I’ve used at least cocoa butter since I was your age, and as a result, I have very, very few visible marks. I’m 54 years old now. I have my daughters using it, and we’ve used pure coconut oil on the grand kids eczema. So use it, rub it in good and it is also an excellent chemical free,sunscreen!
hi, about the sunscreen, not so sure I put it one time to try it on my face and I got more sun burn than in the rest of my body
No, really, there is no sunscreen in regular coconut oil, don’t believe that ! It’s dangerous to say that Karen. And it puts some doubt on what you said before about other coconut oil properties… which is quite a pity, as coconut oil is a very good body moisturizer (and the more you take care of your skin, the less stretch marks you’ll get, logically)
Thank you for the great tips on coconut oil use. I have a new one to add. My husband & I are in our 50’s and my OB-GYN Dr. recently recommended that we try coconut oil as a personal lubricant, it works great!
Wonderful exposure on coconut oil. After i had my daughter 14years ago , my stomach was massacred by stretch marks. Can it work on the stretchmarks now?
My husband is a weight lifting athlete – and he had some stretch marks on his shoulders from lifting too much. He was using the Dr Max Powers Stretch Mark treatment and it helped him.
I called the company to ask if it was safe for women to use – and to my surprise it was! And it had all these organic ingredients in. Well, as a mother of three, I started using the Dr Max Powers Cream on my stretch marks and after 1 jar, I am starting to see them diminish. I am going to buy the 3 pack now and will post my results.
I thought it was just for men, but it worked great on my stomach stretch marks after 3 kids! Yay!
What has this to do with coconut oil ?
its good for stretch marks..Coconut oil doesn’t contain any harmful acids or anything so no need to worry about its side effects at all…
I have to say, I didn’t use this regularly when I was pregnant, and I wish I had since I now have a lovely collection of stretch marks. But, to be honest, I really hated scooping it out and rubbing it in and I never felt like it fully absorbed, so I was scared it would make my clothes greasy. However, Trader Joe’s has a spray version of coconut oil that is just as pure as the jar stuff. Such easy application! Now I keep the spray version in my medicine cabinet for after my shower and it cuts the time I have to spend applying it in half!
Hi watsup! I love reading these posts as well, you can go to my site thinklikelinda.com and find really good info on skin, hair, relationships, and kids, more to come!:)
I recently started using coconut oil to wash my face. I have oily, sensitive and slightly acne prone skin so I was really skeptical about rubbing more oil on it. But it is my best beauty supply now. I have completely ditched store bought washes, creams, makeup removers, etc. And use baking soda or fresh lemon juice as exfoliating masks once and a while.
One thing you have to be careful of though, I was using a really warm facecloth to take the coconut oil off after I had rubbed it on my face. The heat opened up my pores, let the oil in and then left me with blemishes. Since I’ve stopped doing that and just use a lukewarm cloth, my skin has been perfection :)
I have the same skin as you, just wondering how you wash your face with the coconut oil? Im really scared of making my face worse then it already is.
I use this stuff everyday in my morning smoothie and make both toothpaste and deodorant out of it. It is also the main oil in my OCM recipe. I love it! I’ve baked such a wide variety of cupcakes and brownies with it along with stir fry and such. The light coconut flavor is absolutely scrumptious!
How do you make toothpaste and deodorant out of coconut oil?
Always use virgin coconut oil extracted from coconut milk its more natural oil
I have been using meritvco extra vrigin coconut oil for around two weeks now and the changes are visible!! My hair is stronger, softer, and shinier. My skin is glowing, supple and hydrated. My arms are soft the entire day aft I use coconut oil aft bath-unlike a body lotion. Guess what- I hv thrown away my body shop face cream as it has paraffin and this oil is working wayyyy better than any cream has worked. I love it and plan to get this for my sister n mom too. I haven’t been able to eat it yet cuz I don’t have the heart to put it in my tea. Since I don’t cook at home its diff for me to consume it. Will find a work around soon. Thanks and keep up ur good work of selling this pure product. This is a service to humanity.
That’s very cool! Thanks for sharing!
I am seriously so so sensitive about my body and recently i have aqquired a TON of stretch marks it made it even worse for a while i had no idea what to to does this coconut oil really work?
So far, no one has mentioned one of coolest uses of coconut oil. Lube. It’s health, natural, safe, not sticky,. Try it. You’ll love it. You’ll both love it.
I had little stretchmarks after my first baby though I used bio oil and cocoa butter. I recently started using organic coconut oil… I don’t want any additional stretch marks.. I hope it works. I’m wondering if I can mix it with bio oil.
Don’t use Bio Oil! It has bi-products from petroleum! (Petrol)
I made my own whipped belly butter yesterday, and definitely included coconut oil, though it also had cocoa butter, shea butter, and olive oil. Love the stuff!
Wow, that sounds heavenly!
That does sound heavenly! Can you share the recipe?
Can you just apply the coconut oil to stretch marks like that or do you need to soften it first?
In winter it’s often solid just out of the jar – so you need to massage it into your hands a bit to turn warm it up and turn it into oil.
I was wondering how long it took to see results when using it in your hair?
i have extremely dry hair with terrible split ends. I’ve been using coconut oil in
my hair for about 5 weeks now, and my ends are still looking pretty bad??
you honestly need to cut the dead hair off.. i personally have had my hair ruined by a “professional hair stylist” and all she was to do was to put a few highlights in my hair she completely ruined it by rotting out the back inside of my hair i had to cut 24 inches off my hair… i started using coconut oil based off some reviews i actually saw on pinterest. my hair has grown from my chin to about my armpits in about 6/7 months and its extremely soft and grows about an 1 1/2 ” to 2” a month. i put organic coconut oil in my hair and massage it into my scalp for about 5 minutes and i use a wide tooth comb and brush it though for about 5 minutes i leave it on over night 3 time a week and i will never use all those expensive products for my hair ever again. i also started using coconut oil on my face and my skin has cleared up and improved so much i couldnt believe it. i started seeing results in a few days and by a few weeks my skin was completely toned from all the dark spots (living on an island your whole life in hawaii you tend to get alot of sun damage) i also recently had a baby and was told it prevents stretch marks i am proud to say i gave birth to a 10 pound baby girl and have no stretch marks due to coconut oil!
Coconut oil is an essential for my beauty routine.
I get random dry flaky patches on my face (on my eyelid, cheek, brow, etc) and i put some on everyday when it looks dry and within 2-3 days it has cleared up.
A few years ago I had little itchy bumps all over my knees that would drive me crazy and itch so bad i would scratch with scissors! and break the skin :/. i was diagnosed by a doctor with “flat warts” and after RX cream didnt work my mother bought me coconot oil and it cleared them up completely within a few weeks and i havent had them return :)
How long until you start seeing stretch marks disappear??
So does anyone think it would work on 13 year old stretch marks on top of 23 year old Ones?
I just started using coconut oil and it has changed my life skin, nails hair everything is better. And my bones dont make that cracking noise any longer. YIPPPEY :)
That’s amazing! thanks so much for sharing!
Do you use it in capsules or just cooking in general. My knees have that cracking sound too
Great ideas, all around! Just a note…I read somewhere that if you’re using it as a sunblock, let it dry for awhile first, and sink into your skin before going out. Enjoy!
Ohmygosh NOOOO! The oil will fry your skin! It’s great for tanning but offers no protection whatsoever from UV. I learnt from personal experience in Guatemala! It keeps cooking you red even when the sun is gone because the oil is absorbed into your skin and is still warm. Don’t use it as a sunblock!
Not true. Coconut oil does have some SPF protection, not a lot, but some. The oil also absorbs into the skin instead of sitting on top of it like baby oil typically used for tanning.
Sorry, but you don’t have accurate information. This can be used as a natural sunblock. Its great for those who are allergic or have sensitive skin due to all the added chemicals to all the store bought sunblocks. Although you were correct in saying it stays on your skin as it gets absorb, this is a good thing as the other tanning oils stay on top of your skin which may cause it to burn. I use it myself. Although the SPF isn’t strong enough to protect you from an all day excursion in the sun, its great for a day to day sunblock.
Thank you for sharing this information, i will try coconut and castor oil, hope it will work for my scars/stretch marks, im just tired of using those expensive creams that promise a miracle but it doesnt work.
Thank you so much for posting this, I’ve never tried coconut oil but I’m looking forward to it! I just had my 3rd son and though I didn’t get any stretch marks with the first 2 I did with the last one, go figure! Can’t wait to see how this works for me!
The 3rd little one is the one that does you in, isn’t it? This stuff was a miracle for my 3rd pregnancy. Good luck!
I am so inspired and motivated. Thank you so much for this post.
My grandmother use to use coconut oil on me as a kid, she always called it miracle oil…she is in her late 80’s and I’m wondering if she will ever get wrinkles ….she used it for everything … body ,hair,skin and cooking..Anything….if u eat a teaspoon of it each day, it works inside you as it also improves your entire immune system, promotes beautiful hair growth, soft flawless skin and improves your entire body. Make a regimen of also drinking coconut water, and eating the white jelly that is inside the coconut, it has the same benefits.
I’m 20 and I have bad acne, so I started using coconut oil on my face right before my wedding! Cleared my face beautifully because of the antibacterial properties, but i stopped using it because I didn’t want an oily face when going to bed with my new husband. I ended up breaking out badly, now I am pregnant and my hormones are going nuts so I decided to use it on my face again and also my belly to prevent stretch marks…finally my face is clearing up again!!!
That’s fantastic – and congrats on the baby!!
MelMel! Same here last year before my wedding I broke out bad, birth control cleared me up. Now that I’m 7 months pregnant It came back with a vengeance. Where do yal get your coconut oil exactly ?! It will help prevent stretch marks and help my face!! I’m so excited!!!
I use the brand shown and find it in the all natural section at my grocery store. It’s organic food grade CO. You can also find it at any all natural store but I prefer food grade.
i’v use coconut oil all my life it is wonderful i feel younger every day guest what i make it myself also i use curry powder,olive oil ,Cinnamon, coconut oil mix together to do a facial leave on for an hour then wash off works u well feel great and smoother
Hi Delica,
I was just wondering what amounts of curry powder, olive oil, cinnamon and coconut oil you use, or what ratio you mix them together in.
Thanks!
alannah
I went out and bought coconut oil but the one I got doesn’t smell. I got it from a grocery store in the spice section. Does it matter what kind it is
no it ‘s ok but u can make it your self just buy a coconut great it or blend it then put in a pot with water leave to boil u will see the oil settle at the top then strain it and u have your own coconut oil it’ cheaper and pure
Just found your blog and I’m in love. Also, I just started using Coconut Oil as a moisturizer yesterday before I read on the side of the jar it says to rinse it off after it has sunk in for an hour. Does anyone actually rinse it off? I didn’t and I’m wondering if maybe I should…
Emily
hmm, I’ve never rinsed mine off… so I’m hoping it’s ok!
no need to rinse.. I use it every day :) Love it!
Excellent! Thanks ladies! :)
I used it to prevent and treatment for diaper rashes with all three of my kiddos…
I HAVE USED COCONUT OIL TO BRIGHTEN MY BLEACHED HAIR WHEN IT GETS DULL. IT DOES ACTUALLY WORK. ALSO NICE TO RUB ON YOUR LEGS AFTER SHAVING THEM!
I have to try this!! My hair is highlighted/bleached too and some extra moisture & shine would be great!
My mom made a scrub with it and mixed it with sea salt. It is truly amazing to shower with, just have to remember to clean the shower out. I love coconut oil. I didn’t know about using it on your face though. I will have to try that. Thanks for adding this to your blog information. This is awesome!
Coconut Oil has SO many benefits! I use it as a hair moisturizer (I have added it to my shampoo AND conditioner and my hair is thicker, less dry, and my dry scalp has gone!). Also use it within body scrubs and facial homemade dermabrasion treatments!
Baking soda + tiny amount of milk = face dermabrasion. Mix 1 tbsp baking soda, tiny amounts of milk (or almond milk is a great use too!) until you have a paste. Massage into face gently for 1-3 mins. This minimizes scars and blackheads and clears pores. Follow with coconut oil as a moisturizer and you will glow for days!
Sea salt, Coconut Oil + Ground Coffee = Awesome body scrub that leaves your dead skin gone and new skin freshly moisturized! It also helps with cellulite, as caffeine is a natural skin booster and rejuvenator. I do this in the shower before I turn the water on… Massage in for 5 minutes with long circular motions, rinse off – glistening, moisturized yet exfoliated skin!
Coconut Oil for skin in general – I put it into a mason jar with a small makeup brush to apply to cuticles…
Jars of it are SO cheap, its an awesome beauty aid!
Thank you Kylie! So many great ideas here – can’t wait to try the scrub!
Hey Kylie! What kind of coconut oil do you get that’s a good price? Thanks!
I used it when I had a yeast infection. I just rubbed some in and the itching was relieved.
Mix with tea tree oil (just a drop per cup of coconut oil) for a natural underarm deodorant. If you want it like a “solid” add baking soda… just look it up.
Won’t the oil clog your pores??
I usually leave it on my face for 30 minutes. but if im treating a dry patch on my face i leave it on AND reapply when it wears off.
If you are using unrefined virgin coconut oil, it will not clog your pores due to its low melting point (77 degrees). This is really the only coconut oil that should be used on your skin. Others will clog pores and have been processed in ways that cause you to lose some of the benefits of the oil.
I used it all summer with a blend of castor oil and jojoba oils. It is great for kinky, curly hair because it moisturizes down to the cuticle and doesn’t leave your hair a greasy mess! I used it instead of lotion after a shower and my skin looked radiant all day! I used the virgin coconut oil alone in green smoothies because it’s a good fat! You can also cook with a little of the oil. It soaks into skin so nicely, I can see how it would help prevent stretchmarks. When I was preggers many moons ago, I slathered on pure coco butters daily and I never got any marks. This is less greasy.
makeup remover.
Anyone know if it removes old stretch marks? Like 5 or more years old?
Hi – i thought stretch marks were more of a hormonal thing and nothing you put on the surface of your body will prevent them? Did anyone have stretch marks before and then use the oil and not get any more? I only ask because my sister and my friend both used coco butter and one got stretch marks. The doctor told her she was just prone and the other mama was not.
Stretch marks are the result of tears in the underlying layers of skin that result in scaring. If you have sensitive skin you will be more prone to stretch marks since your skin tears easier than someone with tougher skin. I have stretch marks on the back of my thighs from my muscles growing faster than my skin could keep up then losing that muscle mass but I have never tried anything to get rid of them, so I can’t say anything about the coconut working or not.
I love coconut oil and so do my kids. I use it on my face at night, it tightens everything right up. I feel like I am glowing the next morning! I use it once a week on my scalp, keeps my scalp from getting dry. I make homemade toothpaste it it! Keeps your mouth feeling super clean all day long! My kids use it on bug bites, scratches, bruises. Rub it on their temples when they have a headache. Basically if something on their body is bothering then then they go for the coconut oil. It works better than a kiss from mom…lol.
I use it for all the above, but I wanted to mention one more use that we found… it is the best product to use to get bubble gum out of a child’s hair. My child is allergic to peanuts so we knew we couldn’t use that in her hair, and I didn’t want to cut it out either, so I remembered that I had some coconut oil in the pantry and it worked like a charm. :D I was so surprised how quickly the gum came right out of her hair.
I also use it to clean my plants. Gives them a healthy shine.
thanks for the tips! hope I can remember that the next time I’m in that situation.
I use coconut oil (I added just a little castor oil) to wash my face at night. I use it probably 5 times a week. The other days I use my old cleanser. I have noticed my face is much more healthy looking. I am not getting breakouts anymore. I also don’t notice my wrinkles as much anymore. They are fading away! :) I have used it to make hand cream. I have also used it for baking. I love using half as much oil as the recipe calls for in pancakes & subbing it with the coconut oil. Plus popcorn cooked with it is heavenly!!! A little salt, no additional butter & you are in heaven. I sauté my veggies in it too. I LOVE coconut oil! It has changed my life!
I am 8 months postpartum and just discovered coconut oil for stretch marks. During pregnancy I applied vitamin E oil religiously and it was to no effect. :( I had horrible deep red marks that were painful to touch. 1 week ago I began applying coconut oil and immediately they began disappearing. Instead of being 1/4 inch deep on my sides they’re now barely above surface and such a light pink! My husband is thrilled. :) And so am I!!
Your husband is thrilled that your stretch marks are disappearing? Just… wow…
Well, of course he would be thrilled to see his wife happy about her body again! Stretch marks are not something people try to get, and when they do, it’s nice if there is something to help them go away!
I agree with Jacqui. It seems like getting rid of stretch marks increases your value as a wife or something… Getting stretch marks is just a part of life for most women. Besides, most of us get them from pregnancy. To feel embarrassed is very sad. Take care of your inside (emotions) and the outside won’t matter. And what if your husband’s opinion of your stretch marks has affected you THAT much, well…
Stretch marks are ugly and I don’t know a women that would want them. They are not attractive and obviously anyone would be thrilled if they were going away especially your husband whom you want to feel and be sexy for, nothing sexy about stretch marks. They suck!!
To clean out pores, moisturize and exfoliate,..
Make a paste with coconut oil and baking soda.
Leave on for a few minutes then gently rub.
Wash off
ALMOND oil is also very good for ‘down there….’ to lower the chances of ripping, tearing, or having to be snipped have stitches!
Oops……*and* have stitches…..
Also vitamin E rock!!, I used it religiously in a small amount and have no ripping, tearing or stitches.
I also use the coconut oil for most of the above said. My son has baby ecsema and it has helped tremendously!!!! I love to use it as a face moisturizer and for lotion. For those who said they were using vit. E for the use on stretch marks I would discontinue. My dermatoligist was informing me of a study that was being done regarding the effiency of Vit. E and the results were pretty astounding. It turns out that Vit. E actually causes the stretch marks to spread further apart and become deeper!! So just a heads up, I would stick to coconut oil.
Because you were already loose
How do I apply it?
just like you would regular massage oil!
So should I start fRom the lips and kind of massage downwards
Yes-I use this as my only facial/body moisturizer BUT did you also know that it has a natural SPF of 6-10%? So, it works as a great, natural sunscreen also! BONUS (:
Where can you buy it at? I hope it works for those already there stretch marks! They say “those are proof that youre a momma!” i say, “those little angels next to me are proof that im a momma.” my belly is SOOOO UGLY! sooo unattractive- even to myself… THANKS FOR TIP
I bought mine at Whole Foods but also saw it at Kroger the other day in the healthy/organic section. It’s supposed to help with existing marks – right now my belly is so big it’s hard to tell! Good luck :)
thanks much
A friend of mine found some at Trader Joe’s.
I found a jar at smiths in Henderson, NV… it was on sale for $5.99 normally at Health food store for $9.99.. Happy Camper..
Okay so I went to Whole Foods yesterday and saw this on the shelf and decided to give it a try. Oh. My. It is AMAZING, my face feels so smooth and the smell is HEAVENLY. I don’t know what I was thinking, I guess I just don’t like the smell of coconut scented products but the real stuff is wonderful :) Thank you for recommending this, I’m so excited!
Hey Nancy! Yes, I used the brand in the photo but any coconut oil will work. And I tried to apply 1-2 times a day. Hope that helps!
Great! Thanks
Does anyone have a recipe for a fruit acid facial ..like the high dollar ones you get in salons? I have tried to think about what might go into it…Something like the Brazillian Peel…
This stuff is a great base for your homemade deodorant as well .
I make deodorant, lotion, and eye makeup remover from coconut oil too. It’s awesome!
Okay, this is going on my stretch marks – pronto!
Ronnie xo
I use coconut oil for a lip balm, especially at night and I use it for a hot oil treatment. I rub the oil into my hair, focusing on the ends, and then wrap it in a wet, hot towel and leave on for 30 minutes. I then wash and condition my hair as normal. It makes all the processed hair from curling iron or flat iron so soft.
I have a big ol’ jar sitting in my pantry for sugar scrubs, but I should try it as a moisturizer! Thanks for the inspiration!
Jo-Anna
thanks for that idea!
Okay, I think I got bad coconut oil. Everyone always talks about how good it smells, but the container I got was foul–like, gag-inducingly foul. I guess I’m going to have to buy a different brand and give it a try again–I am so prone to stretch marks!
You probably bought the refined coconut oil. It’s been bleached and processed and scented with chemicals. Unrefined (aka virgin) coconut oil has not been through these processes, so it smells and tastes very coconutty. I got mine form the Vitamin Shoppe and it smells/tastes delicious.
Yes! I absolutely LOVE coconut oil and use it for all my cooking purposes. An old coworker of mine used it throughout her pregnancy and sure enough, no stretch marks! Shelving that piece of information in my memory bank for future use…
I’ve never used it as a moisturizer on my face though. Is it not too oily?
No–only use a tiny amount–if you want to scrub with it–use a bit of soda with it.
You mentioned using coconut oil as a daily moisturiser – surely it can’t be used during the day?! then we’d be burning our skin like the good old days where we lathered ourselves in coconut oil?
I wish I could use coconut oil but I can’t take the smell. I have SUPER dry skin and since I’ve moved out west it’s even worse :(
Some of the oil that is for cooking has the scent and taste removed. You might want to try that. The friend that just turned me on to it told me the kind she uses is odor-free. She got it at the grocery store.
Thanks for the tip.
I wish I had known about this 36 years ago when I got pregnant with my first child. May be a bit late to use on my ancient stretch marks now but who knows?
I have been using it to make popcorn forever in my stovetop popcorn maker and it is great. I had noticed that it felt good on my hands if I got some on accidentally. I guess my brain went no further – sad.
Like Seriously Sassy Mama, I have been using argan oil on my face and hair and I love it, but I am going to try cocnut oil as it is so much cheaper and if it works well, all the better.
I didn’t know coconut oil had so many beauty benefits! I keep meaning to buy some to cook with, now I’m going to have to buy extra for my skin, too! I’m stashing away this stretch mark secret for down the road :)
I sautee vegetables using a mixture of Coconut oil and Ghee which is delicous eaten alone, add to brown rice, or make into soups! I haven’t tried baking with it yet, but I will give it a try as a moisturizer sounds wonderful!
I have not used it, but am going to try it. i like using argan oil on my face.
And why didn’t I know about this for #1,2 &3?? This is such great info!
I just saw coconut oil when I was at the grocery store and was wondering what it could be used for! I remember seeing a beauty recipe on someone’s site but I can’t remember who’s. I will have to pick some up next time!