If you're like most people, you probably think of coconut oil as a healthy cooking oil or a good natural moisturizer for your skin. But did you know that coconut oil can also be used on your lips? In fact, coconut oil is a great way to hydrate and nourish your lips, and it even has some antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Can You Put Coconut Oil On Your Lips?
Coconut oil is an incredibly versatile product that can be used for everything from cooking to skincare to haircare—and yes, even as a lip balm! Coconut oil is a popular natural remedy for dry lips. The oil is thought to help hydrate and protect the lips from further damage.
What are the Benefits of Coconut Oil for Lips?
We all want soft, kissable lips. And while there are a multitude of products on the market that claim to give you the perfect pout, they often contain harsh chemicals that can do more harm than good. Enter coconut oil. This natural product has a host of benefits for your lips, from hydration to protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Here are 5 ways coconut oil can help you get the perfect lips.
1. It’s a natural moisturizer
If your lips are feeling dry and chapped, coconut oil can help. Unlike some commercial lip balms that contain petroleum or other ingredients that can actually dry out your lips, coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that won’t leave your lips feeling sticky or greasy. Simply apply a small amount of oil to your lips as needed throughout the day.
2. It helps heal cracked lips
In addition to being a great moisturizer, coconut oil can also help heal cracked lips. The anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil help soothe irritation and reduce redness, while its antibacterial properties can help prevent infection. Apply a thin layer of coconut oil to cracked lips several times a day until they heal.
3. It provides protection from the sun
Coconut oil can also help protect your lips from the damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. The antioxidants in coconut oil help scavenge free radicals that can damage skin cells, while its SPF helps shield your lips from the sun’s harmful rays.
4. It may help relieve cold sores
If you suffer from cold sores, you know how painful and unsightly they can be. Fortunately, coconut oil may help shorten the duration of cold sores and speed up healing time. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has antiviral and antibacterial properties that can help fight the virus that causes cold sores.
Apply a small amount of coconut oil to cold sores several times a day until they disappear, you can add essential oils for cold sores to boost fighting power.
5. It can give you softer, smoother lips
In addition to all of these other benefits, using coconut oil on your lips can also give you softer, smoother lips over time. The fatty acids in coconut oil bind to the proteins in your skin and help repair damaged cells—leaving you with healthy, smooth lips that look and feel great! Simply massage a small amount of virgin coconut oil into your lips every night before bed and wake up to gorgeous looking lips!
How to Use Coconut Oil on Your Lips
Here's a quick guide on how to use coconut oil on your lips.
Start with clean, dry lips. You can either use a lip scrub to exfoliate your lips or simply rub them gently with a clean, damp washcloth. This will help remove any dead skin cells so that the coconut oil can better penetrate your lips.
To use as lip balm, apply a small amount evenly to lips.
Favorite Recipe: Coconut Oil Lip Balm
Coconut Oil Lip Mask
To use as a lip mask, apply a small amount of virgin coconut oil to your fingertips and deeply massage it in for 1-2 minutes. You can also leave the coconut oil on your lips for a few minutes as a hydrating lip mask.
If using as a lip mask then rinse off the excess oil with warm water and pat your lips dry with a clean towel. Apply your favorite lip balm or lipstick as usual.
How to Use Coconut Oil as an Overnight Lip Treatment
Simply apply a small amount of coconut oil to your lips before bedtime and allow it to work its magic overnight. In the morning, simply rinse off the excess with warm water and apply your regular lip balm or lipstick. You'll notice that your lips will appear softer and smoother!
Final Thoughts on Using Coconut Oil on Your Lips
To use coconut oil on your lips, start by scrubbing your lips with a sugar scrub to remove any dead skin cells. Next, apply a thin layer of coconut oil to your lips and massage it in for a few seconds and let sit for 1-2 minutes. Finally, wipe away any excess oil with a clean cloth.
You can repeat this process once or twice a day as needed, or you can just apply a thin layer of coconut oil as lip balm. When used correctly, coconut oil can help hydrate and nourish your lips, leaving them soft, supple, and healthy. So the next time you're looking for a natural way to take care of your lips, reach for the coconut oil!