When you think about coconut oil’s health benefits, the last thing that would probably come to your mind is rubbing the edible plant’s grease oil all over your skin and hair. But today, dermatologists and a growing body of scientific studies – are starting to bring the plant’s potential to light. You would be surprised to know that coconut oil has unique ingredients – that do magic to your skin and hair.
Coconut oil is a highly versatile health and beauty product. You might use it for all sorts of things, from cooking and cleaning to moisturizing your skin and removing makeup. Others may use the oil to help improve the health and condition of your hair. Here we explore the pros and cons of using the oil on your skin and hair.
Coconut Oil For Your Skin
The oil has long been considered a beauty cure-all. This sweet-smelling oil would magically disappear your skin conditions like acne (acne scar treatment) and eczema. It can make your hair grow thicker and longer.
The good news is the oil is a great beauty staple that can be used for several things – including the skin- and hair-care treatments. It is important to note that the wonderfully moisturizing ingredient can be used in plenty of beauty products and skin-care routines. It also works well. But no, the oil will not “cure” you of anything at the end of the day.
The oil may not be the wonder drug given its composition. But the oil can serve as an excellent moisturizer. Plus, some of the fatty acids in the oil, like lauric acid, have antimicrobial effects that can significantly help fight the virus, bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens.
And there is another reason coconut oil can make such a good moisturizer. The oil is solid just below room temperature – which we chemists define as 77 degrees. But it melts quickly when warmed with hands and efficiently into your skin with massage. Therefore, it is less messy to apply when in the semisolid state. Therefore, if you want straight coconut oil for skin care, it is best to store it away from the heat.
Now, as you are a little more about what coconut oil does, here we talk about some of its many uses.
1. Body Moisturizer
Because the oil is relatively comedogenic, many dermatologists do not recommend it for use on the face. Especially if you have naturally blemish-prone skin. Instead of using the oil to moisturize your face as it may cause breakouts, you can use it as a moisturizer for the body. Probably because the oil is rich in fatty acids. Moreover, it has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Do you know that skin on your face has more sebaceous glands than other body parts? Thus making it prone to oiliness. The most significant difference is that the skin on your face usually is thinner than the skin on your body. Moreover, the skin cell turnover rate on your face is faster, which explains why your body’s skin can be drier. The oil is an excellent moisturizer; you can use it to moisturize any body part.
2. Eczema Relief
The keyword here is that the oil will not cure any conditions, including eczema. But it can help mitigate some of the symptoms, like itchiness and dryness.
The oil can help the skin barrier and seal moisture. The oil is excellent for those with sensitive skin and eczema. The best option is to apply any other skincare you may want and seal it all with coconut oil.
3. Makeup Remover
The oil is a great makeup remover as it can easily break down lipid-soluble impurities like makeup and sebum, which is responsible for oily skin. If you wear a lot of makeup, you can use coconut oil as an initial cleanse. The oil can actually do a reasonably good job as it can help get rid of dirt and oil buildup that accumulates throughout the day.
4. Body Scrub
If your limbs look dull and feel like sandpaper – you can use coconut oil to whip up your body scrub. You can exfoliate with it for brighter and softer skin. The oil may actually help counteract the irritation caused by exfoliation. It could be an ideal option for people with sensitive skin to test out exfoliation.
5. Highlight your cheeks.
Nothing perks up a tired face like a bit of a highlighter. Simply sweep a small amount of organic oil on top of makeup and leave it alone. Your skin will start glowing – which is why many natural makeup brands use the oil as a base ingredient in their formulas.
Why Choose Coconut Oil For Your Hair?
Coconut oil is a unique combination of natural fats, making it helpful in treating the skin. These fatty acids include linoleic acid, which is beneficial for acne-prone skin. The oil also contains up to 50 percent lauric acid – which is hydrating and antimicrobial.
Several studies show that coconut oil – extracted from the meat of mature coconuts can help improve skin barrier function. The oil can also repair your skin with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Therefore, it can fight the signs of skin aging and make an effective moisturizer.
And, when your cookies smell like coconut oil – is there anything more luscious than coconut oil? Yes, you can think of fantastic beauty uses for coconut oil that does not require spending a fortune. All you need is one thing- raw, preferably organic virgin coconut oil.
Now, as tempted as you might be to use it on your peeling sunburn (hello, trapped heat!) or on a fresh cut (stick to antibiotic ointment), you may want to hit pause.
It is important to note that coconut oil will not work for every ailment or every skin type. Especially if you are acne-prone – since it may clog the pores. Instead, these are the natural few DIY coconut oil tricks your doctor may recommend.
1. Deep Conditioner
Are you struggling with dry, brittle hair that is damaged and even prone to breakage? The oil can be a great thing to condition. Or you can leave it in to help repair the hair damage that occurs to your hair shafts from heat, coloring, and the sun. Leave the oil for at least an hour to let it sink in and penetrate your strands.
Most hair conditioners often contain coconut oil because it quickly penetrates your hair strands and can even prevent protein loss. Just apply a quarter-sized dollop to your hair, comb it – and let it rest by piling it into a loose bun. You may place a soft towel over your pillow or sleep in a shower cap. In the morning, just rinse with a gentle shampoo.
2. Minimizes Dandruff
Coconut oil is beneficial for your hair as it can help lower the levels of yeast on the skin that drive flaking, inflammation, and itching. All of which are associated with dandruff.
Therefore, you can try minimizing the problem with an ultra-moisturizing coconut oil treatment. Only heat 2 or 3 tablespoons of oil on the stove over a low flame. Once the oil liquefies, immediately remove it from the stove. This is to avoid the hair getting too hot.
Then, gently massage the oil into your scalp. If you have oil left over, you can use it to coat the rest of your hair. Next, allow the oil to sit on your scalp for 30 minutes. Finally, wash it out with shampoo.
3. Tame frizz
Are you struggling to tame your mane? Coconut oil can help. Only rub a tiny bit of coconut oil between the pads of your fingers. And then, run through the frizzy areas to leave your hair looking polished and smooth.
You can also easily use frizz-fighting serums as an alternative to straight oil. These serums contain a good portion of the oil to nourish and strengthen the hair.
Conclusion
The oil may have several benefits for your hair, scalp, and skin. Using it as a hair mask and leave-in treatment may help moisturize and seal hair. The oil can also help prevent dry, flaky scalp, dandruff, split ends, and hair breakage. The oil is also good for the skin and is a good moisturizer.
For these reasons, the oil may make your hair look longer, shinier, and stronger. If you have any questions, you can talk to your dermatologist.
Read more about coconut oil benefits, castor oil, castor oil benefits, oil pulling, tree tea oil, and more.
Coconut oil is a highly versatile health and beauty product. You might use it for all sorts of things, from cooking and cleaning to moisturizing your skin and removing makeup. Others may use the oil to help improve the health and condition of your hair. Here we explore the pros and cons of using the oil on your skin and hair.
The good news is the oil is a great beauty staple that can be used for several things – including the skin- and hair-care treatments. It is important to note that the wonderfully moisturizing ingredient can be used in plenty of beauty products and skin-care routines. It also works well. But no, the oil will not “cure” you of anything at the end of the day.
And there is another reason coconut oil can make such a good moisturizer. The oil is solid just below room temperature – which we chemists define as 77 degrees. But it melts quickly when warmed with hands and efficiently into your skin with massage. Therefore, it is less messy to apply when in the semisolid state. Therefore, if you want straight coconut oil for 
Do you know that skin on your face has more sebaceous glands than other body parts? Thus making it prone to oiliness. The most significant difference is that the skin on your face usually is thinner than the skin on your body. Moreover, the skin cell turnover rate on your face is faster, which explains why your body’s skin can be drier. The oil is an excellent moisturizer; you can use it to moisturize any body part. 
Several studies show that coconut oil – extracted from the meat of mature coconuts can help improve skin barrier function. The oil can also repair your skin with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Therefore, it can fight the signs of skin aging and make an effective moisturizer.
Most hair conditioners often contain coconut oil because it quickly penetrates your hair strands and can even prevent protein loss. Just apply a quarter-sized dollop to your hair, comb it – and let it rest by piling it into a loose bun. You may place a soft towel over your pillow or sleep in a shower cap. In the morning, just rinse with a gentle shampoo.