Coconut oil has received a lot of attention in recent years due to its unbelievable health benefits. Coconut oil comes from the nut (fruit) of the coconut palm. Coconut oil can be extracted through different processes. But the most primitive way to extract coconut oil is the Dry process, in this process coconut is taken out from its shell and dried in sunlight or fire. Then a screw press is used for grinding the coconut and extracting the oil, the coconut meat is processed two to three times until all its oil is squeezed out. It is often used in cooking and works wonders for the body and skin when used regularly. In this article, you’ll learn about the benefits of coconut oil for hair & skin.
Coconut Oil Benefits for Skin
- Coconut oil reduces inflammation
Coconut oil is said to have anti-inflammatory properties that help cure many skin disorders including psoriasis, contact dermatitis, and eczema. Some studies have shown that virgin coconut oil can soothe eczema better than mineral oil.
- Coconut oil hydrates the skin
Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids that reduce dryness and keep your skin hydrated allowing the skin to retain moisture.
- Provides Antioxidants to Skin
With antioxidant properties, using coconut oil for the face can help boost your nutrient factor and fight against environmental stressors that accelerate signs of aging.
- Protects Skin from certain Infections
Coconut oil has antifungal properties that help treat yeast infections or candidiasis. The saturated fats present in the oil protect from various skin infections.
- Smoothes Skin
Applying coconut oil to your skin regularly can have a soothing and softening effect on the skin improving skin’s texture.
- Repairs Skin
Coconut oil works amazingly for all types of skin. It is a nourishing oil with versatile properties as it is nutrient-rich and offers prolonged hydration and moisture to your skin that penetrates your skin and repairs your skin.
Coconut Oil Benefits for Hair
Coconut oil contains fatty acids, which can help in improving hair health. Nowadays it is commonly found in many conditioners, shampoos, styling gels, and other haircare products. It is claimed that consuming coconut oil is also beneficial for hair health due to the nutrients it provides.
Some of the benefits of Coconut Oil for hair are described below.
- Sun protection
Ultraviolet and visible radiations are the main reason for hair damage. UV filters can aid in preventing sun damage to your hair. In some skin and vitro studies it is found that coconut oil provides UV protection to your hair, so putting it on your hair could be useful.
- Dandruff treatment
The major causes of dandruff are the as dry scalp, dermatitis, or overgrowth of fungus or yeast on the scalp. Coconut oil provides nutrients to your scalp. Coconut oil contains antimicrobial properties which could be very useful in treating dandruff.
- Hair loss prevention
It is claimed that excessive grooming can damage your hair shaft, which can result in extreme hair loss in many circumstances. Coconut oil provides nutrients and conditioning to your hair. That can help keep your hair healthy and prevent hence prevent hair loss.
- Lice prevention
Some of the studies found that when coconut oil is combined with anise (The essential oil, is obtained from ripe dried fruits) in a spray, then it will be 40% more effective in treating head lice as compared to any chemical permethrin.
- Natural styling Agent
Coconut oil is a great natural styling product for hair. Additionally, it is free from harmful chemicals in many hair styling alternatives. Nowadays hairdryers are very common in use but also remove the moisture from your hair, leaving it brittle. Appling coconut oil before air drying in the right amount can help you to get rid of frizziness, adds texture, and controls flyaway hairs. Also, it is safe to use on most hair types.