The skin care and hair care industry is brimming with impressive and highly effective solutions. However, when it falls upon maintaining the health of your skin and hair, the scientifically engineered solutions aren’t your only alternative. A study published in the International Journal of Dermatology unravels the astonishing yet incredible benefits of coconut oil not just for your body but also your skin and hair. The study further elaborates that this oil is extracted from the kernel of matured coconuts. It helps in combating numerous skin and hair woes like dry skin, dandruff, skin inflammation and many more. In addition, this natural ingredient offers you the best of both worlds as it is not only highly effective but also easy on the pocket.
TOP BENEFITS
- Nourishes your skin
- Minimizes dandruff
- Increases collagen production
- Treats and prevent head lice
- Reduces skin inflammations
- Curbs frizziness
1. Nourishes your skin
Coconut oil is one of the best natural moisturizers, especially for people with dry and combination skin. A study conducted in the US Journal of Medicine found that coconut oil helps in fortifying your skin’s protective barrier layers. This mainly helps to trap the moisture inside your skin layers, thereby keeping your skin nourished and healthy. Furthermore, a study conducted by the International Journal of Dermatology has found that the topical application of virgin coconut oil helps to improve hydration in the skin of children.
How to use it?
- Warm 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil in a bowl with the help of a microwave.
- Once the oil is warmed up to your liking, gently massage the oil on your skin.
- Allow the sweet-smelling oil to absorb in your skin for at least 25-30 minutes before washing it off.
- Repeat this process every day for radiant and supple skin.
2. Minimizes dandruff
Dandruff is a fairly common yet tricky scalp problem. Many studies show that dandruff is mostly experienced by people with dry skin. As a consequence, it is imperative to keep your scalp and manes nourished and hydrated at all times. Massaging your scalp with coconut oil helps to nourish scalp skin which subsequently promotes good hair health. It helps in clearing off any dryness present on your skin, hence helping you get rid of dandruff.
How to use it?
- Add a few drops of coconut oil in your shampoo or conditioner.
- Apply it to your scalp while washing your hair and massage the product in your scalp.
- Gently comb throughout your damp scalp and hair before rinsing the product away.
- Repeat this remedy at least once a week for a fruitful outcome.
3. Increases collagen production
Your body produces collagen naturally. However, with the progression in age, the collagen production starts to decline, thereby resulting in the development of wrinkles, fine lines, skin sagging etc. This is where the need for coconut oil rises. Coconut helps in diminishing any premature signs of ageing. Top skin specialists explain that the lauric acid present in coconut oil allows it to fight against free radical damage to avoid collagen destruction. Moreover, it helps in retaining the water content of your skin, thus helping you attain healthy and youthful-looking skin.
How to use it?
- Thoroughly wash your face with a non-comedogenic cleanser and pat dry.
- Take a few drops of coconut oil in your palm and gently massage it evenly across your skin.
- Wait for the oil to dry before rinsing it away.
4. Treat and prevent head lice
You would be astonished to know that coconut oil is one of the best natural remedies to treat and prevent lice. In fact, coconut oil has been gaining attention and popularity due to its possible treatment to get rid of head lice. Studies show that the lauric acid present in coconut oil helps to get rid of head lice. Furthermore, it helps in hydrating your scalp and preventing any white flakes.
How to use it?
- Rinse your scalp and manes thoroughly with warm water and let it dry.
- Warm 4-5 tablespoons of coconut oil in a bowl for 1-2 minutes in a microwave.
- Massage the coconut oil generously throughout your scalp and apply a plastic shower cap right away.
- Leave the cap on for about 4-5 hours to suffocate the head lice.
- Use a fine-toothed comb to brush out the head lice and any nits (eggs) present.
- Wash your scalp and manes thoroughly with the help of water and shampoo.
- Repeating this process twice a week for best results.
5. Reduces skin inflammations
Are you constantly dealing with painful inflamed skin? Much to your fortune, coconut oil is just the solution for you. Studies show that coconut oil contains potent inflammatory properties amongst others. This allows it to effectively treat irritated and inflamed skin. Moreover, the beneficial properties of coconut oil help in preventing any potential redness or itching.
How to use it?
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a bowl and leave it at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Damp your skin slightly before gently massaging the oil on your skin.
- Allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it off.
6. Curbs frizziness
Top trichologists explain that the frizzy hair is mainly the result of uneven absorption of water in the outer layers of your manes. Coconut oil helps in building moisture barriers while creating humidity. This helps in protecting the fibers of your hair from uneven swelling, thereby preventing and pacifying frizziness. Aside from that, coconut oil delivers moisturization to your scalp and manes, thus leaving your hair feeling silky soft and voluminous.
How to use it?
- Warm 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil in a bowl.
- Place a small amount of coconut oil into your palms and gently massage it through your hair and scalp.
- Leave on for 15 minutes before washing your hair with lukewarm water and shampoo.
Natural oils are impressively popular and broadly used for treating numerous skin and hair woes. Furthermore, numerous experts also confirm the usage and efficacy of natural oils for cosmetic purposes. As a result, we would recommend you including these in your everyday skin and hair care regimen for best results. However, while many research shows that coconut oil and various other natural oils are beneficial for your skin and hair health, applying it may not be ideal for everyone. This is why it is always vital to conduct a patch test on a small area of your skin before trying out these remedies. Doing so will help you prevent any damage like rashes, sensitivity, breakouts etc.
P.S.
Various experts suggest maintaining a night skin and hair care regimen along with your morning regimen. This will not only keep your skin squeaky fresh throughout the course of day and night but also help you attain youthful-looking skin. Moreover, religiously following proper hair and skin care regimen will help in preventing any skin or hair woes like dandruff, acne, hair fall, dull skin etc.
