7 Uses and Benefits of Coconut Oil for Hair and Skin
Coconuts, rich with protein and have a low sugar level, can be used for their water, oil, milk and meat or kernel. Coconut oil is produced through pressing the raw grated meat of the coconut and is considered the most useful ingredient in the coconut fruit. It has numerous health benefits that include improving heart health, increasing metabolism and boosting brain health. In addition to all the health benefits that coconut oil yields for your body, it recently gained increased popularity in the beauty industry for the positive effects it can have on hair and skin health.
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When looking for the perfect hair care and skincare routine, it’s always best if you use naturally-sourced and organic ingredients. Many people use EVOO, argan oil, jojoba oil and pure cow ghee as part of their daily hair grooming and skincare routine. These natural oils are known for their ability to moisturize and protect the skin, and also hydrate and tame different hair types. Coconut oil, however, remains one of the most preferred natural oils when it comes to beauty and grooming. Here are 7 benefits coconut oil can have for your hair and skin.
Coconut Oil Benefits for Hair Care
1. Coconut oil moisturizes the hair and scalp
Coconut oil can be used as a conditioner to strengthen the hair shaft and prevent breakage or frizz. It helps smoothen the hair and makes it easier to detangle your hair in the shower in addition to its nourishing effects when used as a hair treatment for dry hair.
2. Coconut oil protects hair and prevents damage
In comparison to sunflower oil and mineral oil, coconut oil proved to be the best oil for hair protection. It is easily absorbed into the hair shaft to help reduce protein loss and keep your hair looking healthy.
3. Coconut oil helps boost hair growth
Hair damage can result from daily grooming habits like styling and brushing your hair or environmental factors like humidity and pollutants, leaving your hair worn and tired. This may make it harder for your hair to grow healthier and longer. If you add coconut oil to your hair care regimen, it will help moisturize your hair, protect it from protein loss and prevent possible damage from exposure to the sun, wind or humidity.
4. Coconut oil can reduce the appearance of dandruff
Since it has anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties, coconut oil is a great solution to minimize dandruff by lowering the levels of yeast that causes inflammation and flaking. In addition to using anti-dandruff shampoo, a coconut oil massage treatment for your scalp can reduce itching and flaking associated with dandruff.
Coconut Oil Uses for Skin and Face Care
1 . Face cleansing and makeup removal
Coconut oil is a natural anti-bacterial agent that helps purify and moisturize the skin at the same time. Massaging coconut oil gently onto your skin before using a facial wash is an excellent way to remove makeup residue and prevent dry skin. It is especially perfect for waterproof eye makeup, as it gently removes makeup around the delicate eye area and hydrates it simultaneously.
2. A natural ingredient for lip scrub and balm
Many lip care products contain coconut oil as one of the main ingredients for its ability to soften and moisturize the lips. You can make your own DIY lip scrub by mixing coconut oil with brown sugar and honey for an intensely moisturizing effect. You can also make a natural DIY lip balm using coconut oil, beeswax and cocoa butter with your favourite essential oil to enjoy softer and plumper lips.
3. Coconut oil for body moisturization
Coconut oil is perfect for dry, itchy skin; it can help hydrate your hands and body to keep them moisturized and soft. After washing the dishes or whenever you feel your hands are dry, you can use coconut oil to rehydrate your hands instantly. It is also great for extremely dry and cracked areas like heels and elbows. It can also be used for the rest of the body instead of body lotion to nourish dry skin and smoothen it.
Overall, coconut oil can improve antioxidant status, and help ease inflammation by stabilizing free radicals in the body. Additionally, it has exceptional moisturizing properties that can effectively help improve skin hydration. You can easily incorporate coconut oil into your beauty and hair care routine to make the best out of its benefits.