Experts break down the benefits of adding coconut oil to your beauty routine.
What Is Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil comes from pressing the meat in coconuts (the edible white flesh).
Photo: Povareshka/Getty Images
It’s edible, plant-based, and can be used for cooking as well as a versatile beauty product.
At room temperature, coconut oil is solid, and when heated, it becomes a liquid.
You’ll find two main types of coconut oil: refined and virgin.
It’s best to purchase cold-pressed virgin or extra virgin coconut oil, advises board-certified dermatologist Ife J. Rodney.
These pure forms contain more nutrients than versions that have been processed.
The unique composition of coconut oil is why it offers a laundry list of benefits for hair and skin.
First, let’s go over how coconut oil helps hair.
The lauric acid in coconut oil can helpprevent split endsfrom happening, as well as heal existing split ends.
The same hydrating properties of coconut oil make it helpful formanaging frizz.
Applying some to your strands (especially if humid) will help you keep those flyaways under control.
Promotes Shine and Minimizes Inflammation
Lauric acid to the rescue again.
This fatty acid plus vitamins in coconut oil will help your hair shine brighter.
Coconut oil also strengthens your strands, and healthy hair equals shiny hair.
The lauric acid in coconut oil also makes it naturally antimicrobial (helping to fight bacteria and fungi).
This minimizes inflammation and promotes wound healing, says Mikaliov.
It’s for those reasons that this oil is especiallybeneficial for eczemasufferers, Mikaliov adds.
Reduces Dandruff
Studies show that coconut oil is beneficial in combatting adry scalpand dandruff.
The oil has anti-fungal benefits and, when topically applied, promotes a healthy scalp.
Additionally, theantioxidant benefits of coconut oilcan help with inflammation, which leads to dandruff.
It absorbs quickly into your hair and effectively penetrates the hair shaft, notes Koestline.
This barrier and stronger cuticle help protect hair from sun damage and toxins in the air.
Smooths and Softens the Skin
Like most oils, coconut oil is a great emollient.
This means that it helps add moisture to smooth and soften the skin.
you’re free to thank the myristic and palmitic acids for that.
Lauric acid, specifically, has been shown to kill acne-causing bacteria.
Full transparency: Our experts are split regarding the benefits of coconut oil for acne.
But Koestline disagrees, saying that coconut oil’s reputation as a pore-clogger isn’t warranted.
Start with a teaspoon and add more if necessary when trying any of the following ideas.
Then, let it sit for a few hours to overnight before washing it out thoroughly, suggests Rodney.
For optimal absorption, apply the oil at night and let it work while you sleep.
Combining coconut oil with other nourishing ingredients will give your hair added moisture.
Try adding yogurt or avocado to the oil to make the hair mask even more nourishing.
you might also rub it in your hands until it liquifies.Do not microwave coconut oil.
Use a shower cap in the shower while your hair soaks up coconut oil.
The steam from the hot water will help the coconut oil absorb better.
Leave on for 15 to 30 minutes before washing your hair as usual.
Conditioner
Instead of applying a standardhair conditionerafter washing, try coconut oil.
If all is good, here are a few ways to add coconut oil to your skincare routine.
Makeup Remover
Just about anyone can use coconut oil toremove makeupeven those with sensitive skin.
The important thing is to follow it up with an effective cleanser after the fact, says Rodney.
No cotton rounds or wipes required.
Nails and Cuticle Oil
Coconut oil is great for strengthening brittle nails and conditioning cuticles.
Coconut oil should be used on its own and not with another moisturizer.
If you have oily oracne-prone skin, you may want to proceed with caution just to be safe.
Lip Balm
For dry lips, coconut oil works great as a naturallip balm.
Plus, since it’s edible, you don’t have to worry if you accidentally lick your lips.
Apply periodically throughout the day and especially at night to combat chapped lips with a clean finger.
A buildup of coconut oil can lead to greasy hair, which can weigh down thinner hair types.
It is best to use coconut a few times a week to see how your hair reacts to it.
Build up use as needed.
Yes, coconut oil can be mixed with other oils in equal parts.
Recommendations include almond oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, and castor oil.
How you plan to use coconut oil can help when deciding which essential oil to blend with.
For example, lavender is calming, and peppermint oil is soothing for inflammation.
