The Health and Beauty Benefits of Coconut Oil
The health and beauty benefits of coconut oil are immense. Lauric acid is abundant in coconut oil, which accounts for most of the advantages it bestows. Lauric acid is a saturated fatty acid with antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory characteristics [1]. Coconut oil is also considered to be a superfood, providing benefits when ingested as well as when used topically. It is a versatile component that can serve a multitude of purposes, and can even be used in conjunction with treatments like at-home red light therapy for enhanced skin benefits.
Table of Contents
Hair Care
- Coconut oil can penetrate your hair shaft to strengthen your hair and restore its lustre [2].
- Massage coconut oil into your scalp to relieve dry itchy scalp and eliminate dandruff.
- Coconut oil may help prevent premature graying due to suppressed melanin production. Learn more about red light therapy for hair and its benefits.
- Coconut oil provides a barrier that protects your hair from damage caused by chlorine, the sun, and heat-styling.
Skin Cleansing
- When mixed with rose water and a mild liquid cleanser, coconut oil creates a moisturizing body wash.
- Add sugar or sea salt to coconut oil to create an exfoliating body scrub.
- When applied to areas prone to bacteria growth, coconut oil’s microbial properties can serve as a deodorant.
Skin Moisturizing
- One of the most popular uses of coconut oil is as a direct skin moisturizer.
- Use coconut oil as a substitute for shaving gel and as an after-shave moisturizer.
- Apply coconut oil as an after-sun skin reliever.
Cosmetic: Makeup Application and Removal
- Use coconut oil as a highlighter on your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and mid-forehead.
- Coconut oil makes a wonderful natural lip balm and lip gloss.
- Coconut oil is a gentle makeup remover that will even remove waterproof mascara.
Hands and Feet
- Coconut oil is an effective means of treating cracked, dry cuticles on your fingernails and toenails, and can help with conditions like nail fungus.
- Apply coconut oil to your hands or feet and wear gloves or socks for a few hours for smooth, soft skin.
- Soothe aching feet by soaking them in a warm-water foot bath containing dissolved coconut oil.
Healing and Overall Wellness
- The antibacterial properties of coconut oil can relieve the painful, relentless itch of eczema and other allergic skin conditions [3, 4].
- Collagen production also stimulates skin healing and reduces the incidence of scarring. Applying coconut oil to minor skin abrasions speeds healing and protects from infection [5].
- When you have a cold or respiratory infection like sinusitis, a little coconut oil inside your nose can help relieve congestion.
Integrate coconut oil into your beauty regime today to reap the plethora of benefits provided by this organic substance! For enhanced skin benefits, consider pairing it with a high-quality RLT Home device.
Resources
- Natural Oils for Skin-Barrier Repair
- Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage
- Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils
- In vitro anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of Virgin coconut oil
- Vegetable butters and oils in skin wound healing