Spotlight On: Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has been surrounded by significant health and beauty industry buzz in recent years. Once reserved for use on the beach (which we do NOT endorse- we all know better now!), this natural product is now regarded as something of a miracle salve for the body, the skin and even the hair. It smells beautiful, tastes beautiful and feels beautiful on the skin, but do you know what coconut oil can actually add to your beauty routine?

What is Coconut Oil?

 Let’s start with the basics. Coconuts don’t just produce jars of oil without a little help. While both coconut flesh and coconut water can be found and consumed the second you crack a coconut open, coconut oil has to be extracted from the kernel of the coconut (this is the fleshy, white, “meaty” part of the coconut that you can eat. Once extracted, coconut oil is heat stable which means it can be heated or added to beauty products with without losing any of its benefits.

 What are the skincare benefits of Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is naturally rich in antibacterial properties, so when it’s included within facial cleansers and body scrubs it can work to give the skin a natural detox by thoroughly washing away any bad bacteria. Coconut oil has a high Lauric Acid content which helps kill the bacteria that causes acne, making it a winning natural defence against breakouts. It’s also an incredible natural anti-inflammatory, making it an effective ingredient to look for if inflammation or associated skin conditions are of concern to you.

 Coconut oil is also a potent source of several fatty acids, making it a natural antidote to the visible signs of aging. Fatty acids can support the natural skin barrier by softening, moisturizing, plumping and hydrating the skin, thus reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Coconut oil also contains Vitamin E, a rich antioxidant also known for its ability to nourish and protect dry skin.

What are the benefits of Coconut Oil for the hair? 

When applied to the hair and included within natural haircare products, the aforementioned fatty acids allow coconut oil to moisturize and add serious shine to dry hair as well as strengthening the hair follicles, preventing breakage and split ends. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are also beneficial for the hair, working to fight back against irritating scalp conditions. While coconut oil won’t combat the root cause of dandruff, it has the ability to relieve the dryness and itching dandruff brings with it.

One of the most remarkable benefits of coconut oil is its ability to assist in hair growth. Coconut oil can work to stimulate hair growth, unclogging blocked hair follicles to allow the hair to grow faster, thicker and stronger.

You can discover the natural beauty benefits of Coconut Oil for yourself here