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w w w. s a m c . c o m S U M M E R 2 015 H E A LT H Y S P I R I T
Scents-sational s a t i o n
ways
to use t o u s e
coconut oil
SHUTTERSTOCK
If you have dry or combination
skin, make coconut oil part of your
nightly routine by massaging a
dime-sized amount over your face
and neck (circular motions are best),
then washing off the excess with your
favorite facial cleanser.
For a great natural scrub, mix
one part melted coconut oil with
two parts brown sugar to use as an
alternative to expensive exfoliators.
The skin care benefits of coconut
oil don't stop there: It can also be a
great substitute for your favorite hand
and body lotion. After showering
or washing your hands, apply small
amounts of coconut oil anywhere on
your skin where a little moisturizing
pick-me-up is needed.
SHINY, HAPPY HAIR
Looking for a moisturizing or shine fix
for your color-treated locks? Coconut
C
oconut water may
be the toast of trendy
beverage drinkers
these days, but the oil
of the tropical fruit has
its own fans. From hair care to skin
care and everything in between,
coconut oil is fast becoming a jack-
of-all-trades in the beauty world.
This versatile oil made from the dried
fruit of the coconut palm tree can
be used in myriad ways—and it
smells lovely too.
ONE SIZE FITS ALL
For skin care, coconut oil's natural
antibacterial and moisturizing
properties make it a win-win. Instead
of reaching for that makeup remover,
use a cotton ball to rub coconut oil
over your mascara and eyeliner for
an easy, natural solution. (It even
works on waterproof makeup.)
For a great natural scrub, mix one part
melted coconut oil with two parts brown sugar.
oil has you covered. A 2003 study
in the Journal of Cosmetic Science
suggests that coconut oil helps to
preserve your hair's protein and
prevent cuticle damage.
"Coconut oil has a very protective
property that works wonders on
your hair," explains Shari Work,
a specialty hair designer in Boca
Raton, Fla. "It not only protects
the hair but delivers much needed
moisture as well."
Just a pea-sized amount of the
good stuff can be worked into damp
hair for a boost of shine that also
helps to retain the moisture in your
hair. Apply coconut oil to just the
bottom inch or two from your ends.
Bonus: Coconut oil even works
as a frizz fighter during the brutal
summertime months. Rub in a tiny bit
of oil from the mid-shaft to the ends,
and you're good to go.
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Although health claims for consuming coconut oil have
also received a lot of publicity, the research is still out on
whether these claims are backed by solid evidence.
By Susana
Ramos