{"id":17853,"date":"2014-10-20T05:10:00","date_gmt":"2014-10-20T05:10:00","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2025-10-15T01:11:02","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T01:11:02","slug":"the-beauty-benefits-of-coconut-oil","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/asiancemagazine.com\/?p=17853","title":{"rendered":"The Beauty Benefits of Coconut Oil"},"content":{"rendered":"

The coconut oil craze is real. Here\u2019s why you\u2019ll want to get in on it ASAP. First it was coconut milk, then coconut water, and now coconut oil\u2014and I think a big part of the recent popularity is that it’s natural, not synthetic, which is so appealing,\u201d 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. \u201cResearch has shown that from the use of coconut oil on skin, hydration improved and skin surface lipids remained in tact,\u201d she says. And when it comes to \u201cthick, scaly, fissured feet, or rough leathery elbows and knees, coconut oil might have the advantage over regular moisturizer.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

And it could also be the answer to chronic skin conditions such as eczema, too. \u201cCoconut oil is an excellent moisturizer and good anti-inflammatory, so its use for eczema is on the rise,\u201d says Ted Lain, MD, a dermatologist in Austin, Texas. \u201cWe 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.\u201d Lain points out a recent double-blinded study comparing mineral oil to coconut oil as topical treatment for children with eczema. \u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe combination of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-bacterial and hydrating properties make it truly unique,\u201d says Whitney P. Bowe, MD, a dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology PC in Westchester and NYC. \u201cCoconut 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.\u201d 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 \u201cto help smooth the skin and trap moisture.\u201d<\/p>\n

Along with hydration, and lessening inflammation, coconut oil has also been shown to be capable of quenching free radicals. \u201cThe antioxidant property of coconut oil is thought to be due to cphenolic compounds (specifically ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid),\u201d explains Bowe. <\/p>\n

But the benefits of coconut oil don\u2019t stop at the skin, says Fusco. \u201cThe real benefit, with which I have the most experience, is with scalp and hair application,\u201d she says. In one study, coconut oil reduced protein loss in both damaged\u2014and undamaged\u2014hair when used before shampooing and as a leave-in treatment. \u201cCoconut oil is able to penetrate the hair shaft due to its low molecular weight and affinity for proteins,\u201d says Fusco, who tells her patients to use Clear Scalp and Hair Therapy Conditioner, which is formulated with coconut oil, \u201cbecause it is easier to rinse out than pure coconut oil.\u201d 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\u2014and that most don\u2019t mind the luxe feel or the results. Smoother hair. More shine. Not to mention crazy soft skin.<\/p>\n

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: \u201cI feel comfortable recommending this as a daily moisturizer to patients for their face and body,\u201d says Lain. \u201cMy 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.”<\/p>\n

The other undeniable pro? The smell. \u201cCoconut oil has an appealing aroma too,\u201d says Fusco. \u201cIt reminds us of summer, vacation and pina coladas.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Uses for Coconut Oil<\/strong>
\nIn cooking as a great oil with a high smoke point. Great for baking, stir-frys or as a dairy free replacement to butter.
\n Taken supplementally for daily energy
\n As a coffee creamer when emulsified into coffee (The only way I\u2019ll drink coffee)
\n On the skin as a basic lotion
\n In homemade lotion bars for soft, smooth skin
\n In homemade deodorant or deodorant bars
\n As an eye-makeup remover
\n As a cloth diaper safe diaper cream (just rub on baby\u2019s bottom)
\n In making your own Remineralizing Toothpaste
\n To lighten age spots when rubbed directly on the skin
\n To prevent stretch marks during pregnancy
\n To support healthy thyroid function
\n In homemade Mayo without the high PUFA vegetable oils
\n To help increase sun tolerance and avoid burning
\n As a naturally SPF 4 sunscreen
\n In homemade lotion recipes
\n 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
\n Topically to kill yeast or yeast infections
\n As a delicious tropical massage oil
\n It\u2019s high Lauric acid and MCFA content helps boost metabolism
\n A tiny dab rubbed on your hands and then through hair will help get rid of friz
\n As an intensive nighttime facial moisturizer
\n Mixed with equal parts sugar for a smoothing body scrub (use in the shower)
\n Rubbed on lips as a natural chap stick
\n Topically, can help skin heal faster after injury or infection
\n Directly on the perineum to help heal after birth
\n As an incredibly intensive natural conditioner- Rub into dry hair, put a shower cap on and leave for several hours
\n On feet to fight athlete\u2019s foot or fungus
\n In place of Lanolin cream on nursing nipples to sooth irritation (also great for baby!)
\n Can help sooth psoriasis or eczema
\n There is some evidence that regular ingestion of coconut oil can help prevent or reverse Alzheimers
\n With apple cider vinegar as a natural treatment for lice that actually works
\n In natural Homemade Sunscreen
\n In healthy brain boosting snack for kids like Coconut Clusters
\n In a filling and energy boosting Brain Power Smoothie
\n Rub coconut oil on the inside of your nose to help alleviate allergy symptoms
\n Nursing moms can take 3-4 tablespoons a day (and Vitamin D) to increase milk supply and nutrients
\n There is some evidence that coconut oil helps digestion and may even kill intestinal parasites or yeast
\n Mix a tablespoon with a tablespoon of chia seeds for an all-day energy boost (do NOT take this at night!)
\n Can help improve insulin levels
\n Oil pulling with coconut oil and a drop of oregano oil helps improve gum health
\n Can help improve cholesterol ratios
\n Blend a tablespoon into hot tea to help speed recovery from cold or flu
\n In Homemade Natural Bug-Off Lotion Bars
\n As a replacement for vegetable oils in any recipe
\n Better for high-temperature cooking than olive or vegetable oils
\n Can help reduce appearance of varicose veins
\n After initial heat is gone, can help speed healing of sunburn
\n Is an immediate source of energy when eaten and isn\u2019t stored as fat
\n As a natural personal lubricant that won\u2019t disturb vaginal flora
\n As a naturally antibacterial skin cream
\n In natural homemade diaper cream
\n As a natural shave cream and after shave lotion
\n When used consistently on skin it can help get rid of cellulite
\n To season cast iron skillets
\n It\u2019s anti-inflammatory properties can help lessen arthritis
\n Can reduce the itch of mosquito bites
\n Can help resolve acne when used regularly
\n Can be rubbed into scalp daily to stimulate hair growth
\n I\u2019ve used in kids ears to help speed ear infection healing
\n On split ends to de-frizz
\n A small amount can be rubbed into real leather to soften and condition (shiny leather only\u2026 test a small area first)
\n By itself as a great tanning oil
\n Mixed with salt to remove dry skin on feet
\n Can help speed weight loss when consumed daily
\n Can help improve sleep when taken daily
\n Can be used to speed healing of fungal infections when taken internally and used externally
\n A tablespoon melted into a cup of warm tea can help sooth a sore throat
\n To help sooth the itch of chicken pox or poison ivy
\n It has been shown to increase absorption of calcium and magnesium
\n Internally as part of the protocol to help remineralize teeth
\n Some evidence shows that the beneficial fats in coconut oil can help with depression and anxiety
\n By itself as a natural deodorant
\n By itself or with baking soda as a naturally whitening toothpaste
\n For pets struggling with skin issues when used externally
\n Some evidence suggests that the beneficial fats in coconut oil are helpful for those with Autism
\n In homemade vapor rub
\n As a safe cooking oil for deep frying
\n A tablespoon taken before each meal can help improve digestion
\n Can be taken in warm ginger tea to sooth heartburn or nausea
\n As a completely natural baby lotion
\n On hands after doing dishes to avoid dry skin
\n Mixed with catnip, rosemary, or mint essential oils as a natural bug repellent
\n Can be used on mom\u2019s nipple and baby\u2019s mouth to help treat thrush
\n Many use it as an anti-aging facial moisturizer
\n Use to make coconut cream concentrate for a brain boosting snack
\n Can be used internally and externally to speed recovery from UTIs
\n When taken regularly, it can help fight candida
\n When taken regularly, it can boost hormone production
\n Can relieve the pain of hemorrhoids when used topically
\n Can boost circulation and help those who often feel cold
\n On cuticles to help nails grow
\n Rub into elbows daily to help alleviate dry, flaky elbows
\n Add to smoothies to give them a nutritional boost
\n Internally during pregnancy to help provide baby necessary fats for development (especially when taken with Fermented Cod Liver Oil)
\n In any recipes where vegetable oils are used
\n Whipped with shea butter for a soothing body balm
\n 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.
\n Naturally clears up cold sores
\n Ingesting coconut oil daily can help with allergy symptoms
\n Ingesting coconut oil daily can increase mental alertness<\/p>\n

SOURCE:<\/strong>
\nhttp:\/\/www.harpersbazaar.com\/beauty\/skin-care\/coconut-health-and-beauty-benefits
\nhttp:\/\/wellnessmama.com\/5734\/101-uses-for-coconut-oil\/<\/p>\n

The Lion King – Coconut Song Scene<\/strong>
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