Jojoba oil, argan oil, rose hip oil? And yes, also coconut oil, all can do wonders for the face and hair. And today that’s exactly what we are going to uncover. Let’s learn more about coconut oil and its benefits. Enjoy!
The oils of vegetable origin, and coconut oil is no exception, are composed of fatty acids and also contain vitamins. They are used for their emollient function, to improve the barrier function, but also for other specific actions to each of them: healing, soothing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant…
While its use for cosmetic purposes – it works wonders on dry hair – is deeply rooted in cultures such as India and the Philippines, in Europe and the United States, it is the rise of natural skincare that has made coconut oil an almost essential part of the beauty kit.
But beware of the uses celebrities say they have for it, which are not always accurate. Blake Lively uses it on the advice of her mother to moisturize the ends of her hair and prevent it from becoming brittle; Emma Stone uses it as a makeup remover; supermodel Carolyn Murphy uses it to moisturize her skin and hair when she notices it’s dry… And so far so good, but from there to use it to whiten teeth, as the always controversial Gwyneth Paltrow supposes – a theory spread on the Internet that many dentists reject – there is a step.
Coconut Oil: What It Is in the Beauty World
Coconut oil contains more than 90% saturated fatty acids, including lauric acid, which are attributed with nourishing properties, so it can be a good ally to nourish and moisturize both skin and dry hair.
This fabulous oil is also rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that prevents premature aging and repairs tissue.
The format in which this oil is presented in its “pure” version is curious: it can be liquid – although below 25ºC it solidifies and must be heated before use – and in the form of a butter, which melts in the hands.
Although many skin and hair cosmetics include it in their formulas, it can be used on its own, but it’s important to choose a first cold-pressed oil, because not all coconut oils found on the market are equal or of the same quality, you have to choose certified products with the correct extraction process.
Coconut oil can be used as the first step in a double cleanse, but should be avoided as a moisturizer, especially for oily and combination skin.
The Benefits and the Uses of Coconut Oil
It has, as well for the skin as for the hair, the capacity to maintain and repair the cutaneous barrier.
It is used on the hair, in cure for the very dry and fragile hair, for example, after the summer, in mask. In this case, it is applied only from the middle to the ends and it is important to use a very small amount.
It also works on dry ends. It repairs them and will prevent them from becoming brittle and breaking. Moreover, you have to use a very small amount. And it should never be applied to the roots.
On the skin, it can be used as the first step of a double cleansing, to remove makeup, but keeping in mind that afterwards we need a second step, with an aqueous cleanser to remove the remains. It can be used on very dry skin, for example, on specific areas of the body, such as elbows that tend to dry out. We however do not recommend using it to moisturize facial skin, especially for combination and oily skin.
There you go! You now know all the skin and hair benefits of using coconut oil. Have we missed any? Share them in the comments below.
