Coconut oil has faced more than its fair share of controversy in recent years, with people only just coming round to the idea that it really can feature in a healthy dietary regime and may even aid weight loss. But one feature of coconut oil that has never been in doubt is its fantastic effect on the skin.

One online reviewer revealed they are giving coconut oil a try after their mom and aunt had used it for a year as an evening moisturizer for their face, neck and hands. Another happy customer who posted on the Coconut Diet Forums website, Theresa, said:

“My husband commented yesterday on how soft and silky my skin felt, and I have not used any lotion since I started taking the oil.”

Coconut oil can be great as an everyday facial cleanser. Simply mix equal parts of coconut oil with olive oil, almond oil, avocado oil and castor oil and use it in place of soap. For a deeper cleanse, mix a small amount of coconut oil with sugar or sea salt and use it to exfoliate the skin on your face and body.

You can follow up your cleansing regime by using coconut oil as a moisturizer and even to help strengthen the connective tissues on your face and reduce the appearance of wrinkles!

Coconut oil can also be used to treat specific problems with the skin, such as age spots, razor burn, bruises, insect bites, burns, dry lips and even as an underarm deodorant. It can also help to relieve conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and hemorrhoids.

Whatever your skin ailment, there’s a good chance that coconut oil might be able to help.