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5 ways the humble coconut milk can give you amazing skin and hair

Harsh winter is upon us, and hence our skin and hair needs extra TLC. Enter: coconut milk, a great moisturiser for your face and conditioner for your mane.
coconut
You need coconut malai to make its oil. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Shahnaz Husain Updated: 17 Dec 2019, 05:23 pm IST
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Coconut is a versatile fruit. Every bit of coconut is beneficial—from its water to kernel to oil to its milk, especially for your skin and hair. Green coconuts contain mostly water, while mature coconuts are rich in coconut milk.

According to nutritionists, coconut milk has a high concentration of healthy saturated fatty acids. In fact, it also has antibacterial properties. Additionally, it is rich in vitamins C and E, which keep the skin looking youthful. Moreover, it has protein and several B Vitamins, along with minerals like copper, selenium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. These properties not only nourish the skin, but are also said to promote hair growth and control hair loss.

But how can you reap the benefits of coconut milk for your skin and hair? Here are a few recipes to help you indulge in the goodness of this wonder ingredient:

1. Do a coconut milk hair spa
Coconut milk is an excellent moisturiser for your hair. When applied on dry and damaged hair, it restores the health of the hair and makes it soft and manageable. In fact, it also helps to prevent split ends. If your mane has been subjected to repeated chemical treatments, it can really come to your rescue.

Also read: My #momsays coconut oil and camphor are a godsend burn scar remedy

Massage fresh coconut milk onto your scalp and apply the liquid liberally along the length of your hair. Leave it on for half-an-hour. Next, dip a towel in hot water, squeeze out the water, and wrap it around your head like a turban. Keep it on for five minutes. Repeat the hot towel wrap three to four times.

The hot towel wrap helps the hair and scalp absorb it better. Lastly rinse your hair with just water for a soft and silky mane.

2. Or use it like a conditioner
It can also help to condition your hair. After shampooing, massage a small quantity of coconut milk lightly into your hair. Leave it on for two minutes and wash off with plain water.

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3. Coconut milk is a great cleanser
Coconut milk not only moisturises the skin, but also nourishes it. In fact, it can be used as a cleanser for dry skin to remove make-up. Add two teaspoons of coconut oil to one teaspoon coconut milk. Lightly massage the concoction onto your face for a couple of minutes, then wipe it off with a moist cotton ball.

If your skin is oily and acne-prone, you can still use it as a cleanser thanks to its antibacterial properties.

Also read: This quick guide to winter skincare for oily skin will make you soft and supple

4. Add it to your face masque
Coconut milk is rich in antioxidants and can delay visible signs of ageing, like lines, wrinkles, and even age spots. This makes it a great addition to face masques.

It can be mixed with ground almonds and used as a scrub or a masque. Alternatively, you can mix one tablespoon of coconut milk with two teaspoons of wheat bran and one teaspoon each of ground almonds and honey, until you achieve the desired consistency. Apply the mixture onto your face, avoiding the eye and lip area. Wash it off with plain water after 20 minutes.

5. Use it as a skin salve for sunburn
Going for a beach holiday? Well, if you tend to get sunburnt, keep some coconut milk handy. According to dermatologists, it soothes the skin and reduces inflammation.

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About the Author

Shahnaz Husain is the founder, chairperson, and managing director of The Shahnaz Husain Group and is considered a pioneer in the realm of herbal beauty in India. ...Read More

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