Did you know that coconut oil has been around for over 4000 years? It is widely popular for its edible and healing properties. Coconut palm tree is a member of the Arecaceae plant family. Coconut oil is made using pressed fresh coconut meat or ‘copra’, in other words dried coconut meat. In virgin coconut oil , there’s fresh meat while in refined coconut oil, there’s copra. It produces lauric acid. It has antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties, when the oil dissolves in your body. As a result, this oil greatly helps your body’s fight against pathogens and viruses. This oil contains a variety of nutrients that are beneficial to your health and diet. It’s high in essential fatty acids, These acids can help with cognitive function, metabolism, and hair and skin health. This article discusses some of the most well-known benefits and applications of coconut oil.
Benefits of Coconut oil
Coconut oil is an edible oil. This oil has been most commonly useful in both the kitchen and the bathroom since ancient times. It is an extremely versatile oil with a wide range of applications and it is frequently popular in cosmetic products in order to improve skin health and other benefits.
- Helps to protect skin
- Moisturizes dry skin
- Minimizes the wrinkles
- Soothes irritated skin
- Provides antioxidants
- Hydrates
- Calms temporary redness
- Absorbs easily
- Heals wounds
- Smells great
Let us consider some of the above facts one by one in the following section.
1. Protect the skin
Coconut oil is the highest natural source of lauric acid. Lauric acid and its derivative monolaurin account for approximately 50% of the lipid derived from coconut fat. It helps to reduce dryness and allow your skin to retain moisture.
Further to that, when applied to your skin, the oil may protect it from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, which increase your risk of skin cancer as well as cause wrinkling and brown spots.
Only 20% of the sun’s harmful rays are approximately blocked by the oil . Therefore, keep in mind that it does not provide the same level of protection as conventional sunscreen, which blocks approximately 90% of UV rays.
2. Moisturizes skin
You can immediately feel a softening and smoothing effect on your skin as soon as you rub some coconut oil on it. It works wonders on your legs, arms, and elbows. You can also use it on your face. However, it is not suitable for those with extremely oily skin.
It greatly helps in the repair of cracked heels. For instance you can simply apply a thin layer of oil to your heels at bedtime, put on socks, and repeat on a nightly basis, and it will help to improve texture over time.
3. Minimizes the wrinkles
As you are capable of hydrating your skin on a regular basis with coconut oil , it helps you to diminish the signs of aging . In other words It absorbs into your skin, making those fine lines and wrinkles less visible.
According to a study conducted by Japanese researchers, oily skin takes much longer to develop wrinkles than dry skin. So, not only does this oil make your skin feel its best, but it also works hard to prevent wrinkles from forming.
4. Soothes irritated skin
If you are prone to irritations or sensitivity, coconut oil can help to relieve your discomfort and provide soothing relief.
According to research, this oil treats dermatitis and other skin disorders just as well as mineral oil and other conventional moisturizers.
In a study of children with eczema, 47 percent of those given oil noticed significant improvements.
5. Provides antioxidants
The oil contains antioxidants, which can help boost your nutrient factor and fight environmental stressors that accelerate the signs of aging.
6. Hydrates
Coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids, such as the previously mentioned linoleic acid. It helps to reduce dryness and works similarly to any oil-based moisturizer. It traps water in the skin, creating a hydrating effect and allows your skin to retain moisture.
7. Calms temporary redness
Because of its soothing and calming properties, this oil is an excellent choice for sensitive skin. It can temporarily relieve redness and irritation.
8. Absorbs easily
Coconut oil absorbs quickly and easily into the skin. This provides instant hydration and protection, because it is primarily features medium chain fatty acids.
When using the oil for the first time, it is best to test it on a small area of the body before applying it to wider areas.
9. Heal wounds
Due to its high concentration of monolaurin, the oil promotes wound healing. Apply a small amount of oil directly to the wound and cover it with a bandage to quicken healing of minor cuts or scrapes.
In addition, using high-quality coconut oil may help reduce the risk of infection in healing wounds.
10. It smells great
Coconut Oil has a tropical coconut scent, which is an added bonus along with the other benefits of this oil.
Types of Coconut oils
Today, coconut oil is available in a variety of species all over the world and very popular in both the culinary and cosmetic industries. As a result, distinguishing between them may be difficult for you. Because you should avoid purchasing processed varieties that are primarily produced for food purposes.
The best coconut oils for skin are,
- Virgin oil
- Cold-pressed oil
1. Virgin coconut oil
Virgin coconut oil, also known as unrefined oil, extracts from the copra with no further processing.
2. Cold-pressed coconut oil
Cold-pressed coconut oil is produced without the use of heat. The copra is scooped out and pressed, leaving only a pure amount of this oil.
These are the oils that have undergone the least amount of processing. As a result, the most nutrients are retained. Therefore, these oils can be considered the best skincare options.
How to choose coconut oil?
As you are already aware of the best coconut oils for skin care, you may be wondering what other factors you should consider before purchasing. Here are some other things to consider before buying the oil.
- Always read the label and select a high-quality, organic oil that is either cold pressed or virgin.
- Look for seals of approval as well. The symbols “Fairtrade Certified” and “Non-GMO Seal of Approval” indicate that the oil is of high quality.
- You should avoid purchasing products with RBD on the label. It signifies that the oil has been refined and deodorized. Many of the beneficial polyphenols, antioxidants, and phytonutrients in this oil are lost when it is refined.
- You should not buy coconut oil if it does not have a yellow or gray tint, as this could indicate contamination.
Majestic Pure Fractionated Coconut Oil
This Premium Quality Fractionated Coconut Oil is a fraction of coconut oil that has almost all of the long chain triglycerides removed, leaving mostly medium chain triglycerides and making it a great MCT oil.
It has no odor, a clear to yellow tint, no greasy sensations, does not stain, and is easily washed out of clothing and sheets. It does not solidify like regular coconut oil, but it retains all of its beneficial properties and also It has an extremely long shelf life.
Fractionated Coconut Oil is also an excellent carrier for essential oils. You can also combine it with more costly carrier oils. It’s great as a massage oil and in aromatherapy recipes.
“I live in a dry climate, and for many years my wife and I used the lotions you could buy at grocery stores. They were not cheap, but always felt waxy or sticky. They never fully absorbed into my skin. I never liked them, but I didn’t know anything better. THIS oil is at least ten times better than the lotions we bought – and we bought the good lotions. It has no odor, and leaves no residue on your skin. My skin feels noticeably better. Softer and more flexible. This is now on our list of things we need – forever. Great stuff. It is ideally suited for a massage too. This is something everyone deserves to treat themselves to!” – Happy customer on Amazon
How to use Coconut oil
It is advised that coconut oil should only be used externally. This oil is one of the most adaptable oils. When applied, the methods can vary depending on your preferences. As a result, this oil can be useful in,
- Moisturizer
- Lip balm
- Natural deodorant
- Hair shampoo and conditioner
- Eye makeup remover
- Shaving cream
- Sunburn remedies
- Massage
- Aromatherapy
Before using this oil you should also keep in mind,
- It’s only for external use only
- Rub a very small amount on the inside of your elbow area to test for any allergic reaction before use
- Avoid contact with eyes
- keep out of the reach of children
- If pregnant, consult with your health care provider before use
Potential Risks of Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is usually a safe product to use by the majority of people. Even so, in some folks, this oil can cause contact dermatitis, which is characterized as;
- Causing allergies
- Headache
- Acne breakout
If you notice any of these signs, stop using Coconut oil right away.
Conclusion
Coconut oil is another fantastic ingredient that will undoubtedly provide you numerous benefits. So why not become acquainted with it and reap all of the benefits mentioned in this article?
If you are interested about essential oils and other useful oils, don’t hesitate to read our articles about sandalwood oil, rosehip oil, lavender oil, castor oil, argan oil, grapeseed oil, tea tree oil, hemp seed oil etc.
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