Coconut oil has been used for several purposes over the years. While some use it for cooking, others use it for cosmetic purposes. Coconut oil is good for the skin as it is rich in oils and is very moisturizing. Plus, there are hardly any side effects either. There was a time when sourcing coconuts was slightly difficult but today, coconut oils are easily available at local superstores. Let’s discuss some of the known benefits coconut oil has to offer.
Best Coconut Oil Benefits
Skin Softener
Coconut oil is a great moisturizer as it contains a wide variety of oils. In fact, it is a non-greasy layer with lightweight hydration. This means, that if you were to apply coconut oil overnight on your skin, you will not wake up with greasy or sticky skin, which can be irritating.
In addition to that, it is heavy on the skin either. As a result, you do not have to worry about any side effects. When it comes to using cosmetic products, users have to prep their skin before the oil can be applied. This preparation can take a few minutes, which can be a total waste of time.
However, in the case of coconut oil, you simply need to find the best coconut oil out there and apply it either during the day or at night consistently to reap the benefits. Once it is completely absorbed in the skin, you will hardly notice the residue.
Exfoliant
Along with being a great moisturizer Coconut oil is also a powerful exfoliant. The skin replenishes by removing the dead cells and replacing them with new ones. However, if the dead cells are not removed, it makes you look older and dulls the complexion of the skin.
Coconut oil in that respect helps keep your skin hydrated and unclogs the pores. As a result, you can use either use it on your face or the entire body. Irrespective of where it is applied, coconut oils tend to offer the best benefits. For the best benefits of coconut oil on your skin, apply it using a soft cloth in small, circular motions.
Let it sit for a while and then remove the residue using warm water. However, make sure that you always opt for 100% pure coconut oils. Some brands tend to mix some other ingredients that might cause allergies or other health concerns.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Not only are the benefits of coconut oil limited to the application but it can also be consumed. For instance, it has been praised for its anti-inflammatory properties within the body. If your skin tends to be inflamed due to rash, acne, burn or infection, you should apply some coconut oil. This will help your skin look a lot healthier.
Alternatively, you can also ingest coconut oil so that it can provide anti-inflammatory agents to your body, helping you glow from the inside out. Keep in mind when ingesting coconut oil that you only need a moderate amount. Excessive consumption will not make your skin healthier overnight.
Therefore, 2-3 teaspoons of coconut oil a day will be sufficient to help your skin repair.
Antibacterial Benefits
Coconut oil contains capric acid, lauric acid, and caprylic acid that give it antibacterial properties. These properties are important to help protect your skin against pathogens that will eventually turn into bacteria, causing acne and blemishes. In addition to that, considering the amount of dust, dirt, and pollution your skin has to tackle, it needs something to protect it against external factors.
With that said, the antibacterial properties are amongst the top coconut oil benefits. You can apply it to any part of the body, especially those that are more exposed, to help protect against harmful external factors.
Scalp Treatment
While we have discussed some of the benefits of coconut oil on your face, it is important that we mention the amazing benefits interms of scalp treatment as well. A lot of people are not aware of the fact that coconut oil can also be used to fight dandruff.
It acts as a fungus fighter and an intense moisturizer, providing a formidable scalp treatment. As a result, it will help your skin cleanse and condition, leaving your hair shiny and soft.
To use coconut oil on your scalp, use a few tablespoons. The amount will depend on the length of your hair. Once the oil has been applied, wrap a towel around your head and let the oil soak in for atleast two hours. Then, shampoo and condition your hair.
Fights Fine Lines & Wrinkles
Coconut oil is known to fight fine lines & wrinkles, which helps ward off future aging signs. Since everyone wants to grow younger, with time, the skin develops fine lines and wrinkles that make a person look older than he/she actually is.
Therefore, using coconut oil not only helps the skin replenish and rejuvenate itself but also helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The reason is that coconut oil increases the production of collagen, making your skin look and feel more youthful.
It also contains vitamin E, which helps with the skin’s ability to repair itself. You can apply coconut oil to the concerned areas overnight and remove the residue as you wake up in the morning.
Soothe Cracked Heels
Having cracked heels can be both painful and irritating. Your skin actually splits, forming deep and rough crevices that bleed and are prone to infection. Cracked heels are a result of chronic skin dryness and exposure to cold elements. It can also be due to several skin diseases such as fungal infections.
To help heal the cracked heels, you should apply coconut oil, which features the ability to bond well with your skin’s proteins. This means that coconut oil penetrates more effectively than most cosmetic products. For the best results, apply before bedtime and wear socks to prevent the oil from smearing all over your bed linen. You can use it for cracked palms or fingertips as well.
Final Word
Coconut oil is readily available at health stores and supermarkets. However, keep in mind that with any new skincare routine, it will take time to adjust and you have to be consistent to reap the benefits. If you are suffering from any health concerns, it is better that you consult a dermatologist before using coconut oil.