Mae West’s Secret to Youthful Skin Was Surprisingly Simple

The classic starlet Mae West was famous for her acting talent as well as her jaw-dropping beauty. But did you know it wasn’t until she was 38-years-old that she scored her first big Hollywood role? It’s a surprising fact because actresses were (and sadly still are) usually much younger if they were going to be considered for the big screen. But no matter what Mae’s age was, she seemed to be a perpetual fountain of youth — and her affinity for coconut oil may explain why.

Back in 1974, Caroline Boucher interviewed Mae for The Guardian, during an unconventional afternoon tea. The journalist found herself at the Hollywood penthouse of the legendary star (who was 83 at the time) surrounded by nude sculptures of no other than Mae herself. While Boucher had a hard time concentrating, Mae waxed on about the benefits of putting coconut oil on her skin. Perhaps why she wasn’t shy about showing off her body? She even invited another reporter to touch her skin for confirmation.

Considering that experts have shown that applying coconut oil topically can improve the appearance of skin and may even help with skin conditions like eczema and that it has been popping up in beauty blogs all over the world, it’s no surprise that it worked for Mae. But she was certainly ahead of her time!   

Because of its extreme moisturizing abilities, coconut oil is also said to be helpful for soothing sunburns, removing eye makeup, and even shaving legs. 

If you’re hesitant about using coconut oil outside of the kitchen, let Mae’s dewey skin, that lasted well into her 80s, convince you! Of course, you can find the budget-friendly moisturizer at most stores or online (Buy on Amazon, $11.96).

But why stop there? Learn 22 other cool things you can do with coconut oil.