Coconut is one of the favourite skin care ingredient of all and has a lot of health benefits. It is used in various forms and is perfect to go in your winter skin care list. Let us know how this magic ingredient can be your reliable companion for skin care in winter.
Coconut oil has multiple benefits for the skin. It not only moisturises but also heals the skin. It has anti inflammatory properties which help to relieve itching, redness etc. We usually tend to take hot showers in winters which may take away the necessary moisture from skin. Applying coconut oil after a shower can help restore the lost moisture and protect your skin from dryness.
Cytokines in coconut oil have anti-ageing effects. So it keeps your skin looking hydrated, fresh and young. It also has antioxidant property which slows down the ageing process by protecting the skin from harmful free radicals.
Coconut oil massage after exercise is also the best method to balance vat and relax body and mind. Coconut oil also cleanses and neutralizes the toxins and germs on the outer layer of skin and enhances the natural immunity of skin.
Coconut oil can also be used as a natural organic lip balm to moisturize dry chapped lips in winters. It can also be applied over cracked nails and heels.
Certain skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis etc can aggravate in winters leading to dryness, scaling, itching etc. Coconut oil application is recommended in such conditions to reduce the above mentioned complaints and maintain skin health.
Eating coconut regularly also has many benefits. It boosts oxygen in the skin and promotes blood circulation. It makes the skin look healthy and helps to have a flawless complexion. Ayurved believes that a healthy digestion can help to have a healthy skin. Coconut improves digestion and metabolism and helps to balance vata and pitta keeping your skin healthy and free from ailments. Make sure you garnish your soups, veggies and salads with freshly grated coconut this winter as a simple skin care routine.
If it is the sun and tanning that bothers you even in winters, no need to worry now. Coconut water can also help reduce tanning. Make a pack of multani miti with coconut water and apply it all over the skin. Leave it for 20 minutes and then wash it off with warm water. Using this pack twice a week for your skin can take care of tanning.
Coconut milk is another refreshing way of using coconut to reduce dryness in winters. Coconut milk is highly moisturizing and suitable for all skin types. Make fresh coconut milk and apply all over the body for this unbeatable moisturizing effect. Coconut milk has high levels of vitamin C which maintains the elasticity and flexibility of skin and makes it soft and supple.
Dryness in winters can increase the amount of dead rough skin and make it look dull and tired. Hence it is essential to use a scrub at least once a week along with the regular moisturizing routine. A homemade scrub made with coconut oil, scarped coconut shell and little amount of masoor dal flour can provide adequate exfoliation and moisturizing effect at the same time and maintain skin health.
We hope you would try these simple tips for overall skincare in winter with coconut- our very dear, easily available magic ingredient!
