Coconut oil, in simple terms, refers to the oil that is derived from coconuts. It is an edible oil that is extracted from the wick, meat and milk of the fruit of coconut palms. Coconut oil is very easy to identify by its unique and characteristically recognisable scent. This oil is clear, colourless and relatively tasteless, and has an iconically mild and slightly sweetish taste. It is an oil that holds a special place in the lifestyles of not just the people in India, but in those of people in other countries across the world as well.
Coconut trees are abundantly present in countries with a tropical climate, and the oil from the coconut palm fruits are used for culinary purposes, in industrial processes and even for personal care. Coconut oil has a host of properties that are beneficial for hair care, skin care, as a lip balm, for treating inflammation and arthritis, and many more. Coconut hair oil is highly recommended for moisturising hair and scalp, in turn promoting stronger and healthier hair. As a skin care product, coconut oil helps to moisturise and contribute towards smoother skin.
A highly versatile oil, coconut oil is rich in antiviral and antibacterial properties. It also contains beneficial fatty acids such as lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, among others. In this blog, we take a closer look at the various benefits that this wonder oil can offer you:
- Serves as a deep hair conditioner
Coconut oil is a very effective hair conditioner. It has been seen that applying coconut oil on your hair and keeping it covered under a shower cap for several hours helps to rejuvenate and transform dry hair. Coconut oil percolates better through dry hair, so it is important that you apply coconut oil that has been warmed onto dry hair for best results. That being said, applying the oil on your hair before going to sleep, letting it work its magic and then shampooing in the morning is a recommended method to thoroughly condition your hair.
- Combats frizzy hair and curls
Coconut oil is renowned for its hair care properties. It is an excellent oil for combating hair curls as well as frizzy hair. By applying coconut oil on your hair on a regular basis, you can restore shine as well as strength to hair. Coconut oil is a great anti-humectant (or anti-humidity product), and the molecules of this oil are small enough to easily penetrate inside hair strands.
- Conditions scalp
Massaging coconut oil on your scalp is highly effective in promoting stronger hair and overall hair health. The lauric acid the coconut oil contains is what helps the skin absorb the oil efficiently. Therefore, as coconut oil is an oil that is easily absorbed, it functions better than other oils in repairing hair and nourishing the scalp. By rubbing coconut oil at the roots of your hair, you can relieve itching on your hair and stimulate better and firmer hair growth.
- Moisturises skin and hair
Coconut hair oil is a great moisturiser for skin and hair. According to Dr. Shereene Idriss, a reputed dermatologist from New York, the occlusive and waxy nature of coconut oil, combined with its richness of Omega-3 fatty acids as well as Vitamin E are what help it seal moisture into the skin. As mentioned previously, coco oil is easily absorbed by both the skin as well as hair strands, so its nutrients and moisturising properties help to keep frizz in check and mend hair breakage. Coco oil can be used both before and after washing your hair to keep it moisturised and healthy.
- Can be used as a body scrub
Coconut oil, being a natural moisturiser, can be used as a body scrub. It functions as an exfoliant for the skin, and this, in turn, contributes to smoother and healthier skin.
- Can be used as a lip balm
Coco oil is so versatile that it can be used as a lip balm when conventional lip balms or chapsticks are not readily available. As it is easily absorbed, it adds glow and shine to the skin while helping to prevent dryness.
- Helps to whiten teeth
In Ayurveda, which is India’s traditional system of medicine, coconut hair oil is used to keep one’s teeth clean and white. It has been said that coconut oil helps to reduce bad breath and strengthen the gums. This is done through a process known as ‘oil pulling’, and it involves swishing the oil in one’s mouth and pulling it between the teeth, following which it needs to be spat out. The antimicrobial properties of coconut oil will also help to remove harmful bacteria from the mouth and prevent conditions such as gingivitis.
- Can be used as a makeup remover
Coco oil is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. This makes the oil a powerful lubricant that is capable of dislodging and removing makeup particles from the skin. Coconut oil helps to break up water resistant substances that are contained in cosmetic products like mascara and eye shadow. This oil can even make your skin feeling softer and appear younger looking compared to conventional makeup removing products. Of course, it is also recommended that a cleanser is used afterwards to wash away any oily residues.
- Can double up as a foot cream
To combat dryness, coconut oil can be applied on your feet to get rid of cracks on the heels. This helps to make sure the skin of your feet is thoroughly moisturised.
- Has anti-dandruff properties
Coconut oil, being an oil that nourishes the hair and the scalp, can be used to remove and prevent the development of dandruff. Due to the hydrating and moisturising properties of coconut oil, it is an effective solution for itchiness and dryness of hair, as well as eliminating flaky skin on the scalp.
In view of the above, there remains no doubt that coconut oil is a highly beneficial oil for personal care. With its variety of applications in numerous skin, body, hair and even oral conditions, this is an oil that nourishes like no other. KMP Coconut Oil is made from the finest coconuts and by applying it regularly, you will be able to reap the diverse benefits of this wonderful oil.
