Coconut oil – full compendium of knowledge
When describing Coconut oil, you can say that it has bought himself a monopoly for beauty.
It is one of the most popular, and most often purchased oils available for cosmetic purposes. Its use in cosmetics is priceless. The internet is an endless source of information on this topic, unfortunately, some of it is inconsistent or not fully explained.
In this post, you will find everything (and more) you should know about Coconut oil. How does it work on hair and skin? What does Coconut oil contain? What types of hair is Coconut oil recommended for? Is it suitable for hair oiling? Does Coconut oil whiten teeth? Can it be used on acne-prone skin? Will EVERY Coconut oil take care of your beauty? These and other facts about this precious substance can be found on this page.
What does Coconut oil contain?
What’s Coconut oil composed of? First of all, it is a source of saturated fatty acids (medium-chain triglycerides). Coconut oil is obtained from the nuts of the well-known coconut palm, and more specifically: from their flesh. Many people look for traces of its presence in cosmetics. It would be easier if you knew what the Latin name of Coconut oil was:
Cocos Nucifera Oil – this name indicates the cold-pressed, cosmetic Coconut oil. That’s what you should look for in the INCI of the cosmetic you intend to purchase.
Coconut oil raises the prestige of any cream, shampoo or conditioner. It is willingly added to cosmetics because it contains a number of vitamins and minerals that intensively nourish the body and hair.
The most important minerals that make up Coconut oil include calcium, iron and zinc. While precious vitamins contained in Coconut oil are vitamin E and K.
Coconut oil – a phenomenon in cosmetics and dietetics
Coconut oil is unusual. Although it consists of – as it would seem – harmful to the body, saturated fatty acids, more than half of the content is the unique, unsaturated lauric acid: it has incredible health and cosmetic properties, in the human body it is transformed into a monolayurin – a substance with bactericidal properties; it has antiseptic action, it cleanses, fights off a range of bacteria and viruses. Coconut oil, therefore, acts as a natural antibiotic. Women love it for the amazing beautifying and culinary properties. Coconut oil helps to lose weight and increases metabolism while being an excellent cosmetic agent as well. Thanks to improved metabolism, it stimulates thyroid activity and enhances cell regeneration. Researchers conclude that Coconut oil reduces the amount of fat deposited and improves physical condition due to medium-chain fatty acids, i.e. MCFA.
Use and cosmetic properties of Coconut oil
It is worth discussing the cosmetic properties of coconut oil – it has so many uses that it seems to be a cosmetic phenomenon.
Coconut oil for hair
As a hair conditioner, Coconut oil offers a full range of uses. It can be combined with other oils, it can be applied only to the ends or as a hair mask including roots and the scalp. Coconut oil ensures heat protection and it will work well on both dry and damp strands.
Fatty acids contained in the oil penetrate the inner hair structures deeply (through the scales), and restore hair’s proper level of moisture from within. What’s more, they deliver a range of vitamins and minerals. Coconut oil is made of very small particles that are perfect for low porosity hair. Due to their nourishing and antiseptic properties, Coconut oil is a great base for other natural oils because it does not overburden it and leaves the strands silky soft.
Coconut oil for the skin
Coconut oil has a beautiful scent (when it comes to cosmetic purposes, you should reach for the unrefined one). If rubbed into the skin – preferably into a damp skin after shower – it moisturises and prevents dehydrating. Coconut oil also protects from free radicals, delays aging processes, brings relief and soothes the body. On the other hand, if applied onto dry skin, it moisturises and is quickly absorbed. The cosmetic companies like to add it to hand creams and foot masks.
Coconut oil for massaging
It is this oil that is mainly used for massage – it is irreplaceable for soothing strained and tense muscles. Athletes and people who are struggling with excessive muscular contractions will benefit from its wonderful properties.
Coconut oil for the face
Coconut oil applied to the face, works as an anti-aging serum. The substance improves elasticity, rejuvenates the complexion and its antibacterial properties makes all people with acne-prone skin, reach for it on a daily basis. Coconut oil combats blemishes and soothes any skin irritations. Simply rub it gently into the face – once a day before bedtime. Coconut oil contains SPF10 so it protects the skin against solar radiation.
Coconut oil for the under-eye area
Coconut oil takes perfect care of the delicate skin around the eye: it prevents it from dehydrating and makes it perfectly moisturised throughout the day. Also, it works well as a serum for smoothing out fine lines. Thanks to improving the skin’s elasticity, it provides a lifting effect.
Coconut oil for makeup removal
A good makeup removal should cleanse the skin of any toxins, while providing it with valuable vitamins and minerals. Coconut oil is therefore the ideal makeup remover – not only does it take away all toxins and impurities from the skin, it also perfectly moisturises and nourishes it, improving its elasticity and making and all irritations disappear.
Coconut oil for teeth whitening
Coconut oil contains compounds that whiten teeth and at the same time (owing to the antiseptic and bactericidal properties) takes care of proper bacterial flora in the mouth and provides fresh breath.
Coconut oil for nails
Weak, brittle and breakage-prone nails regain elasticity and health after rubbing Coconut oil in them.
Coconut oil refined or unrefined?
Coconut oil can be found in stores in two versions: refined and unrefined. Which one is better suited for beauty purposes? The principle is simple: for cosmetic purposes, unrefined Coconut oil is the only choice. It is extracted by cold-pressing and preserves all valuable minerals and vitamins. It is worth remembering that refined Coconut oil is odourless, and the ingredients used for its “purification” very often have little to do with naturalness.
Coconut oil – opinions
Coconut oil collects various reviews – especially as a product used mainly in the kitchen. It has many supporters as well as a group of opponents, therefore, you might encounter inconsistent opinions about it. The most important thing is that Coconut oil is, undeniably, one of the best products available in the beauty industry. It is most often used for hair care, although in this regard there are opinions that Coconut oil can increase hair’s frizziness. This is true because the it is made of extremely small particles and is best suited for thick and heavy hair with low porosity. The other types can become frizzy. Thus, if you do not have hair with low porosity – it’s best not to use it, but to reach for properly prepared blends of various oils.
Coconut oil – where to buy it and what’s the price of it?
Coconut oil is one of the few oils that are so widely available – unrefined, cold-pressed Coconut oil of good quality can be bought in every supermarket, in the healthy food department. It does not cost a lot and is very efficient: it is undoubtedly its major advantage. In terms of price, Coconut oil outclasses Argan oil or Shea butter.
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