Coconut oil is considered to be a ”cure-all” kind of oil for a long time. Why? Because it is believed to have versatile health benefits on many systems of our body. It can help improve digestion, is said to be good for the heart, supports immunity, etc. Also, it is great for your skin and hair health!
Coconut oil contains a unique combination of fatty acids and antioxidants that help to prevent skin and hair damage. It contains medium-chain fatty acids such as Caprylic acid, Lauric acid, and Capric acid that show antimicrobial, moisturizing, and hormone-balancing properties. It may help fight against skin and hair infections and can be useful for several skin and hair conditions1.
In this blog, we will discuss why this simple natural remedy deserves a place in your routine skin and hair care.
Some studies show that coconut oil contains lauric acid which possesses antimicrobial activities. It is because of these properties that the use of coconut oil to take care of minor wounds might be a good idea12.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Coconut oil provides a perfect head to toe treatment as it is enriched with various components. Here we enlist a few skin and hair benefits of it.
If you are looking for an effective moisturizer, then coconut oil can be a simple, affordable option. Coconut oil acts as a great natural moisturizer for your body. Due to the presence of fatty acids and vitamin E, it provides protection and nourishment to the skin2. It provides a barrier on the skin to hold the moisture inside and prevent dryness of the skin. Regular use of coconut oil gives you perfectly soft skin.
Coconut oil may be used as a natural exfoliator and cleanser recommended for all types of skin3. If your limbs are looking dull, you can use this oil with brown sugar or salt for a beautiful glowing skin! As coconut oil has antimicrobial properties, it can help to keep your skin clean.
Coconut oil may help relieve the symptoms of eczema, although it cannot cure it. It works great by reducing skin irritation and dryness. It seals the skin moisture inside and keeps it hydrated. As per research, coconut oil can help reduce the symptoms of eczema, particularly for those who have sensitive skin and eczema4. Yet, if you have eczema, it’s best to consult a dermatologist to understand the appropriate management strategy based on your condition, as you may need steroids or other treatment.
Coconut oil is the best makeup remover because it dislodges makeup particles and excessive sebum from the skin5. If you put on a lot of makeup, then use coconut oil as an initial cleanser, following it up with a gentle water-based face wash. Coconut oil is comedogenic (can clog face pores), so always wash away the oily residue after use.
If you have chapped or dry lips, coconut oil can help you. Being rich in fatty acids, it replaces the dead skin on your lips with healthy skin6. It also acts as a barrier that locks the moisture inside the skin and prevents dryness.
Under eye dark circles are common and may occur due to several factors, including stress, dehydration, lack of sleep, excess screen time, etc. Applying coconut oil and massaging gently with your fingertips can diminish the appearance of your dark circles temporarily7. It may also help reduce puffiness around eyes.
If you are struggling with dry and frizzy hair, coconut oil can help resolve your hair problems. Coconut oil is a great conditioner and a moisturiser. It helps to repair damaged hair follicles and shaft caused by chemical or pollution-related harm8. Massage some coconut oil over the scalp and hair and leave it overnight. Wash your hair the next day with a mild shampoo and see the result for yourself.
As it has anti-fungal properties, coconut oil can be an effective treatment for dandruff9. It reduces scaly scalp by deep conditioning the scalp. All you need to do is massage your scalp and hair with warm coconut oil and let the oil sit on your scalp for 30 minutes before washing it off with water. However, for scaly scalp due to medical issues like psoriasis, its ideal to consult a dermatologist for the right treatment.
You can mix several oils with coconut oil to increase its efficacy and benefits for hair-related issues such as baldness, hair loss, dandruff, etc. Oils like castor, amla, neem, and almond are great sources of various nutrients like vitamins, antioxidants, protein, etc. These properties add up to the goodness of coconut oil11.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Whenever you are planning to get into the pool, it is always better to cover your hair with some coconut oil to protect it from the sun and chlorine. It acts like a protective shield on your hair and helps avoid damage10.
Although coconut oil is generally very safe to use, it’s ideal to start with smaller amounts and do a patch test if needed. Also, always make sure that you are using pure oil because impurities present in oil may damage your health.
Coconut oil offers several benefits for the skin and hair. Whether it is moisturising dry skin, soothing irritation, conditioning hair, or easing scalp issues, coconut oil offers a natural solution backed by both tradition and science. But remember, like with any product, consistency and proper usage are key to reap the benefits of coconut oil as well.
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