Most of my "grocery shopping" involves more edible treats for my hair and skin than actual meals I can cook. This includes the dozen boxes of coconut milk I pick up every time I hit the store. Coconut milk benefits skin and hair in such a way, that it's something I live and breathe daily. When I unload my groceries, I too often realize that I will have to find away to incorporate coconut milk into dinner because it's clearly the only thing that was on my mind. Fortunately, drinking and wearing coconut milk can keep me looking and feeling young.
Coconut milk is extracted through the meat of the coconut — something that's actually pretty easy to do yourself. Plus, if you DIY it, you can have some leftover coconut water to drink too. Coconut milk has a variety of anti-aging benefits — and not just the skin deep kind. My own obsession with coconut milk began a few years ago when I read an article of a doctor whose husband was suffering from Alzheimer's disease at a very young age. Alzheimer's runs in my family and after watching my grandmother suffer for years, it is easily one of my biggest fears of aging. Research is continuing to develop on coconut milk offsetting symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. It was only a matter of time that coconut milk became a staple in my hair and skin routine — aka my everything.
According to sources at Stylecraze, coconut milk can alleviate wrinkles and give skin an overall firmer appearance. It's made up of protein, copper, and distinctive fatty acids; the lauric acid contains antibacterial and antiviral properties which help fight free radicals that are skin and hair are often exposed to. Coconut milk has endless uses in our hair; it can ward off dandruff, gray hair, and baldness while strengthening fragile, brittle locks.
Coconut milk does not discriminate, it's literally great for all skin and hair types. According to sources at Livestrong, the fatty acids that coconut milk is moisturizing and nourishing; it's exceptionally great for oily skin because the fatty acids that coconut milk is known for are naturally antiseptic and do not have a habit of clogging pores, meaning you can clean and hydrate your skin at the same time.
If you are looking to sooth minor skin conditions or solve your quest for healthy hair, then these coconut milk recipes should get you started right. You can make your own coconut milk or purchase a raw, unrefined milk at your local grocery.
1. Sunburn Spray
To quickly relieve the discomfort and appearance of a sunburn all you need is a little coconut milk in your life. It will reduce redness that the sun left behind while it was stealing your skin's moisture. Use three tablespoons of coconut milk, one tablespoon of aloe vera, and one tablespoon of fresh cucumber pulp. Temporarily store your sunburn treatment in a spray bottle and refrigerate after each use. Do not attempt to save this for next year's sunburn though; this treatment is highly perishable.
2. Coconut Milk Hydrating Face Mask
There are several ways I put coconut milk on my face, but the latest of my beauty hacks has my face feeling soft, hydrated, and clear. I use half an overripe avocado, one teaspoon of lemon juice, two teaspoons of raw honey, and about a quarter cup of coconut milk. This mask is especially great right after exfoliating because of the soothing, moisturizing qualities.
3. Coconut Milk Detangling Leave-In Conditioner
Recently, I've been enjoying a "just-out-of-bed" look with my natural curls. This lasted about three days until I woke up and realized that my hair was dangerously close to dreading. I knew exactly how to reverse the effects of tangled knots in my hair: I use three parts coconut milk, one part avocado oil, and 12 drops of rosemary and sage essential oils to keep damage and breakage out of my 'do. Heat the coconut milk and avocado oil together over a low-flame and then add your essential oils. Section and apply on damp hair and work from the edges to the root of the hair.
4. Coconut Makeup Remover
I've always had a problem removing my makeup with olive oil; olive oil certainly removes makeup quickly, but it has left me with pimples on more than a few occasions. I prefer to use a more antiseptic potion that will clean and remove makeup without drying out my skin. Combine equal parts of coconut milk and rose water, a teaspoon of witch hazel, and a few drops of rosehips oil in a tinted container for an awesome makeup remover that you can use all over your face.
5. Coconut Milk Restorative Exfoliate
This face mask is a natural at curing acne, skin irritation, and signs of aging and it will leave your skin feeling incredibly soft. First, heat a quarter cup of plain oatmeal in a half cup of coconut milk. Strain the oatmeal from the milk, discarding the oatmeal for another use. (You should probably eat the oatmeal — it's loaded with vitamins). Allow your milk to cool slightly before adding a quarter cup of freshly ground nutmeg. Gently exfoliate your face and neck with your fingers, focusing on any problem areas with blackheads or wrinkles. Rinse with lukewarm water.
Image: Vegan Feast Catering , Kevin O'Mara/Flickr; Giphy; Kristin Collins Jackson
