9 Amazing Benefits Of Coconut Oil For Skin And Hair

Coconut oil is commonly used in skin moisturizers, bath soaps and hair oils. It is extracted from the kernel or the meat of matured coconuts that are harvested from the coconut palm.

Often called as “Wonder Oil”, it is rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids such as lauric acid, myristic acid and capric acid that offer anti-fungal, anti-oxidizing and anti-bacterial properties.

Coconut Oil Benefits

Following are some of the most well known benefits of Coconut Oil:

Coconut Oil for Skin:

1. Skin Moisturiser: 

This is one of the most effect functions of coconut oil for face! You must have noticed that coconut oil is a major ingredient in many skin creams and lotions due to high fat content. It consists of 90% of saturated fats which act as a great skin moisturiser. Coconut oil also contains Vitamin E, which is known for its skin smoothing properties.

• Regular application of the coconut oil is highly effective for dry skin and flaky skin.

[ Read: Clove Oil Benefits ]

2. Fights Skin Infections:

• Coconut oil has anti-bacterial and anti-viral and anti-fungal properties which help to fight minor skin infections. Apply the oil over the affected area twice a day to reduce the irritation, redness and pain.

• Also a thin layer of the coconut oil keeps away dirt and microbes from reaching the affected skin.

• Coconut oil is also effective in curing certain skin diseases like psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis.

3. Massage Oil:

• Many massage oils which contains essential oils like lavender oil, jojoba oil, wheat germ oil etc use coconut oil as a base.

• It is light in nature, has a pleasant aroma, skin beneficial properties and has no toxic side effects, allowing for regular massage.

• If you want to indulge in a relaxing massage during the weekends at home, here is a DIY. In 2 teaspoons of coconut oil, add 2 teaspoons of almond oil. Then add 10 drops of lavender or jasmine essential oil and mix well. Use this as massage oil.

4. Sunburns:

You must have seen coconut oil in the ingredient list of many sunburn lotions. It is because coconut oil has small molecular structure which allows easy absorption into the skin layers. Coconut oil is very useful for treatment of minor burns, sunburns, rashes etc.

5. Skin Repair:

Coconut oil when applied regularly heals the damaged skin cells. It increases the flexibility and provides internal moisturising which results in healthy skin. It helps in healthy skin regeneration due to active antioxidants present in it.

6. Wrinkles:

Due to high concentration of antioxidants which fights off the formation of free radicals, coconut oil helps in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Massage regularly with coconut oil every day before going to bed to reduce premature ageing.

Coconut Oil for Hair:

1. Hair Conditioner:

Coconut oil has been used since ages for deep conditioning hair. It is a popular hair treatment as it restores the natural moisture and helps to reduce the loss of protein. It penetrates into the hair shaft and the deep layers of the scalp making the hair smooth and shiny. Coconut oil is an excellent home remedy for dry and frizzy hair.

Indulge in hot oil treatment twice a week for lustrous hair.

2. Dandruff Treatment:

Coconut oil works as an effective anti-dandruff treatment. It helps to reduce the appearance of dandruff caused either by dryness or fungi. It maintains the moisture balance of the scalp and works as an anti-fungal agent. Massage your scalp with coconut oil and leave it overnight. Wash your hair the next morning. You can also mix 3 teaspoons of lemon juice into coconut oil and apply the mixture on the scalp. Continue this treatment regularly to keep dandruff at bay.

3. Promotes Hair Growth:

Coconut oil strengthens hair follicles, promotes hair growth and prevents further breakage of hair. It also reduces split ends and repairs damaged hair. Apply pure coconut oil daily on the scalp for best results. You can also add coconut oil in your diet or take coconut oil supplements daily.

How to select the right coconut oil?

There are two types of coconut oil- refined and unrefined coconut oil.

• Refined coconut oil is tasteless and odourless. It is mainly used for cooking purposes as it is resistant to high temperature.

• Unrefined coconut oil is often known as the “virgin coconut oil”, and has a pleasant taste and odour. It is used in many cosmetics and creams. Checkout the benefits of Virgin coconut oil here.

Select the coconut oil according to your needs.

How to store coconut oil?

1. Once you open the bottle of the coconut oil, store it in the fridge. This extends the shelf life of the oil for about 6 months.

2. Store the oil in dark places as sunlight can damage it easily.

3. Always keep the lid shut, as oxygen reacts with oil and breaks it down.

Follow these tips to keep the oil pure for a longer period of time.