Coconut oil is not only a healthy cooking staple, but it can also be one of the best natural skin care ingredients you can add to your regimen. Not only is it an humectant and emollient, but also contains antibacterial properties which make it an excellent moisturizer. Furthermore, its antioxidants fight free radical damage for softness and smoothness on skin.

1. Tame Frizz: To soften your locks before styling or brushing, celebrity aesthetician Sonya Sonya of Sonya Dakar Skin Clinic suggests running your fingers through some coconut oil. This helps reduce flyaway hairs, control unruly strands and even improve texture and shine.

2. It moisturizes and protects: Apply some coconut oil on your scalp prior to applying a heat-activated conditioner like Herbivore Botanicals’. This prevents dandruff and dryness while also shielding your locks from breakage or heat damage.

3. It reduces fine lines: According to Danielle Conte, founder of Conscious Coconut skincare line, coconut oil’s antimicrobial properties help keep skin smooth and hydrated. Plus, it acts as a natural exfoliator by getting rid of dead skin cells.

4. It fights acne and blemishes: Inflammation is often associated with acne, but the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil may help relieve it by reducing redness and irritation. Furthermore, coconut oil has the potential to prevent breakouts by clogging pores and blocking bacteria from entering follicles.

5. It provides relief from eczema, psoriasis and other conditions: According to dermatologist Joshua Zeichner M.D., coconut oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties which help repair damaged skin cells caused by inflammation. Furthermore, it works to relieve itching and flaking associated with psoriasis or eczema as well.

6. Coconut oil nourishes skin and strengthens its barrier: Fatty acids in coconut oil help repair and strengthen your skin’s protective layer, helping to prevent trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), a leading cause of dehydrated skin. Furthermore, its triglycerides balance out sebum production – your body’s naturally occurring oil production.

7. It can help remove makeup: According to dermatologist Carl Thornfeldt MD, coconut oil is a natural lubricant that melts away even the toughest eye makeup without irritating the eyes. This makes it an ideal option for heavy eye shadow and mascara applications since you only need to rinse away the oil, making it an efficient makeup remover.

8. Fight foot fungus with coconut oil: Apply a small amount of the natural moisturizer to your heels and feet daily to smooth away rough, cracked skin and prevent the growth of foot fungus.

9. It can help improve your oral health: Coconut oil’s triglycerides help remove harmful bacteria from the mouth, leading to fresher breath and whiter teeth. Thornfeldt recommends trying “oil pulling,” which involves swishing coconut oil around in your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes in order to flush away germs that cause bad breath, gum disease and tooth decay.