Coconut oil: You may have seen containers of it stacked high on the shelves in the grocery store with a hefty price tag, but it’s worth it. Made, of course, from coconuts, this product is a total powerhouse when it comes to beauty and hair care. Always be sure to buy extra-virgin coconut oil.

Skin care. Covered
Coconut oil is a fantastic way to moisturize skin naturally. Filled with vitamins and fatty acids it is great for healthy, soft skin. It also has antimicrobial properties that can help fight acne. You can avoid hidden chemicals and odd ingredients in lotions and face creams that can be irritating or harmful to your skin by using instead a small amount of coconut oil. Use it on your face, feet and lips — anywhere.

It can be used as an eye makeup remover as well; it’s completely gentle and safe for the sensitive eye area and often takes makeup off better than most drugstore removers. Simply dab a small amount on to a cotton pad and use it the same way you would use your regular makeup remover.

Since coconut oil is also rich in antioxidants, using this as a face product every day or a few times a week could reduce the appearance of wrinkles in the future due to oxidative stress.

Depending on the temperature in which it is stored, the consistency of coconut oil can vary. In temperatures above about 75 degrees, coconut oil will turn to liquid. Otherwise, it remains in a fairly solid state, resembling slightly icy snow.

While the liquid form is better for removing makeup, you can take solid coconut oil and whip it with a beater to make your own body butter. Store in a mason jar and pull it out whenever you feel like pampering your skin with soft, fluffy goodness.

However, if coconut oil is something entirely new to you, be sure to test it on your skin in small amounts as food allergies can creep up anywhere.

Renew and revitalize your hair
If you want longer, stronger, shinier hair, do a deep conditioning with coconut oil. The vitamin E will strengthen hair follicles. It also fills up our normally hollow hair shafts, giving hair a full and voluminous look. Using a coconut oil hair mask also helps your hair retain moisture, keeping it from looking dull or dried out.

Take about one half to one tablespoon of oil and rub it in your hands. Then apply it to your hair from root to tip. You may need more or less, depending on your hair length and thickness, but use just enough to saturate every strand.

Then, put your hair up and wrap it with a towel or shower cap. Let the coconut oil sit in your hair for about a half an hour, then shampoo and condition your hair like you normally would. Shampoo your hair twice if it doesn’t feel like all of the oil is out.

Do this once a week and your hair will be noticeably stronger and more vibrant.