The Beauty Benefits of Coconut Oil

October 20, 2014 Joshua 0 Comments

The coconut oil craze is real. Here’s why you’ll want to get in on it ASAP. First it was coconut milk, then coconut water, and now coconut oil—and I think a big part of the recent popularity is that it’s natural, not synthetic, which is so appealing,” says Francesca Fusco, MD, a dermatologist at Wexler Dermatology in NYC. Coconut oil, unlike mineral oil (another proven highly effective moisturizer) delivers on the same skin softening but possibly more effectively. “Research has shown that from the use of coconut oil on skin, hydration improved and skin surface lipids remained in tact,” she says. And when it comes to “thick, scaly, fissured feet, or rough leathery elbows and knees, coconut oil might have the advantage over regular moisturizer.”

And it could also be the answer to chronic skin conditions such as eczema, too. “Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer and good anti-inflammatory, so its use for eczema is on the rise,” says Ted Lain, MD, a dermatologist in Austin, Texas. “We know that it has inherent moisturizing properties just from its oily consistency, and that the anti-inflammatory effects are likely related to antioxidants such as polyphenols.” Lain points out a recent double-blinded study comparing mineral oil to coconut oil as topical treatment for children with eczema. “It showed that 46 percent of patients using the coconut oil had an excellent response as compared to only 19 percent of patients using only mineral oil.”

“The combination of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-bacterial and hydrating properties make it truly unique,” says Whitney P. Bowe, MD, a dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology PC in Westchester and NYC. “Coconut oil is primarily composed of saturated fats and contains medium-chain fatty acids, which not only help to repair the skin barrier and trap water, thus hydrating the skin, they also reduce inflammation.” Bowe suggests gently rubbing a few drops of the oil into the skin around the eyes nightly using your fingertips, but rubbing a more generous amount onto legs, elbows, knees and heels “to help smooth the skin and trap moisture.”

Along with hydration, and lessening inflammation, coconut oil has also been shown to be capable of quenching free radicals. “The antioxidant property of coconut oil is thought to be due to cphenolic compounds (specifically ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid),” explains Bowe.

But the benefits of coconut oil don’t stop at the skin, says Fusco. “The real benefit, with which I have the most experience, is with scalp and hair application,” she says. In one study, coconut oil reduced protein loss in both damaged—and undamaged—hair when used before shampooing and as a leave-in treatment. “Coconut oil is able to penetrate the hair shaft due to its low molecular weight and affinity for proteins,” says Fusco, who tells her patients to use Clear Scalp and Hair Therapy Conditioner, which is formulated with coconut oil, “because it is easier to rinse out than pure coconut oil.” However, there are tons of real life testimonials that say slathering the real deal on strands and skin are all a part of a daily beauty routine—and that most don’t mind the luxe feel or the results. Smoother hair. More shine. Not to mention crazy soft skin.

But not everyone should apply it head-to-toe, such as those prone to breakouts and who have very oily skin. Fusco suggests dropping some into your go-to face cream to take the hydration factor up a notch without going oil overboard. And Lain agrees: “I feel comfortable recommending this as a daily moisturizer to patients for their face and body,” says Lain. “My only reservation is for people with acne-prone skin, as it may be comedogenic, however, the anti-inflammatory and anti-aging benefits of the polyphenols also make coconut oil part of a rejuvenating skincare regimen.”

The other undeniable pro? The smell. “Coconut oil has an appealing aroma too,” says Fusco. “It reminds us of summer, vacation and pina coladas.”

Uses for Coconut Oil
In cooking as a great oil with a high smoke point. Great for baking, stir-frys or as a dairy free replacement to butter.
Taken supplementally for daily energy
As a coffee creamer when emulsified into coffee (The only way I’ll drink coffee)
On the skin as a basic lotion
In homemade lotion bars for soft, smooth skin
In homemade deodorant or deodorant bars
As an eye-makeup remover
As a cloth diaper safe diaper cream (just rub on baby’s bottom)
In making your own Remineralizing Toothpaste
To lighten age spots when rubbed directly on the skin
To prevent stretch marks during pregnancy
To support healthy thyroid function
In homemade Mayo without the high PUFA vegetable oils
To help increase sun tolerance and avoid burning
As a naturally SPF 4 sunscreen
In homemade lotion recipes
To get rid of cradle cap on baby- just massage in to head, leave on for a few minutes and gently rinse with a warm wash cloth
Topically to kill yeast or yeast infections
As a delicious tropical massage oil
It’s high Lauric acid and MCFA content helps boost metabolism
A tiny dab rubbed on your hands and then through hair will help get rid of friz
As an intensive nighttime facial moisturizer
Mixed with equal parts sugar for a smoothing body scrub (use in the shower)
Rubbed on lips as a natural chap stick
Topically, can help skin heal faster after injury or infection
Directly on the perineum to help heal after birth
As an incredibly intensive natural conditioner- Rub into dry hair, put a shower cap on and leave for several hours
On feet to fight athlete’s foot or fungus
In place of Lanolin cream on nursing nipples to sooth irritation (also great for baby!)
Can help sooth psoriasis or eczema
There is some evidence that regular ingestion of coconut oil can help prevent or reverse Alzheimers
With apple cider vinegar as a natural treatment for lice that actually works
In natural Homemade Sunscreen
In healthy brain boosting snack for kids like Coconut Clusters
In a filling and energy boosting Brain Power Smoothie
Rub coconut oil on the inside of your nose to help alleviate allergy symptoms
Nursing moms can take 3-4 tablespoons a day (and Vitamin D) to increase milk supply and nutrients
There is some evidence that coconut oil helps digestion and may even kill intestinal parasites or yeast
Mix a tablespoon with a tablespoon of chia seeds for an all-day energy boost (do NOT take this at night!)
Can help improve insulin levels
Oil pulling with coconut oil and a drop of oregano oil helps improve gum health
Can help improve cholesterol ratios
Blend a tablespoon into hot tea to help speed recovery from cold or flu
In Homemade Natural Bug-Off Lotion Bars
As a replacement for vegetable oils in any recipe
Better for high-temperature cooking than olive or vegetable oils
Can help reduce appearance of varicose veins
After initial heat is gone, can help speed healing of sunburn
Is an immediate source of energy when eaten and isn’t stored as fat
As a natural personal lubricant that won’t disturb vaginal flora
As a naturally antibacterial skin cream
In natural homemade diaper cream
As a natural shave cream and after shave lotion
When used consistently on skin it can help get rid of cellulite
To season cast iron skillets
It’s anti-inflammatory properties can help lessen arthritis
Can reduce the itch of mosquito bites
Can help resolve acne when used regularly
Can be rubbed into scalp daily to stimulate hair growth
I’ve used in kids ears to help speed ear infection healing
On split ends to de-frizz
A small amount can be rubbed into real leather to soften and condition (shiny leather only… test a small area first)
By itself as a great tanning oil
Mixed with salt to remove dry skin on feet
Can help speed weight loss when consumed daily
Can help improve sleep when taken daily
Can be used to speed healing of fungal infections when taken internally and used externally
A tablespoon melted into a cup of warm tea can help sooth a sore throat
To help sooth the itch of chicken pox or poison ivy
It has been shown to increase absorption of calcium and magnesium
Internally as part of the protocol to help remineralize teeth
Some evidence shows that the beneficial fats in coconut oil can help with depression and anxiety
By itself as a natural deodorant
By itself or with baking soda as a naturally whitening toothpaste
For pets struggling with skin issues when used externally
Some evidence suggests that the beneficial fats in coconut oil are helpful for those with Autism
In homemade vapor rub
As a safe cooking oil for deep frying
A tablespoon taken before each meal can help improve digestion
Can be taken in warm ginger tea to sooth heartburn or nausea
As a completely natural baby lotion
On hands after doing dishes to avoid dry skin
Mixed with catnip, rosemary, or mint essential oils as a natural bug repellent
Can be used on mom’s nipple and baby’s mouth to help treat thrush
Many use it as an anti-aging facial moisturizer
Use to make coconut cream concentrate for a brain boosting snack
Can be used internally and externally to speed recovery from UTIs
When taken regularly, it can help fight candida
When taken regularly, it can boost hormone production
Can relieve the pain of hemorrhoids when used topically
Can boost circulation and help those who often feel cold
On cuticles to help nails grow
Rub into elbows daily to help alleviate dry, flaky elbows
Add to smoothies to give them a nutritional boost
Internally during pregnancy to help provide baby necessary fats for development (especially when taken with Fermented Cod Liver Oil)
In any recipes where vegetable oils are used
Whipped with shea butter for a soothing body balm
One reader swears by using coconut oil to treat yeast infection. She suggests soaking a tampon in it and inserting the tampon for a few hours.
Naturally clears up cold sores
Ingesting coconut oil daily can help with allergy symptoms
Ingesting coconut oil daily can increase mental alertness