Coconut oil is hardly a stranger to Indian beauty shelves – we’ll give you a minute to indulge in a throwback to those leisurely childhood evenings spent with your grandma massaging a vat of the elixir into your hair. While you may have managed to evade her apocalyptic warnings of feeding your hair with too many chemicals till now, it is never too late to take the natural route with your beauty routine.
The oil obtained from coconut is loaded with benefits, whether it’s on your plate or your beauty shelf. When consumed in your diet, it serves as an effective agent for weight loss – the medium chain fatty acids it contains help burn fat by pushing the body in a state of ketosis, wherein the body uses fat as a source of energy. It also plays a vital role in improving nutrient absorption, specifically fat-soluble vitamins, calcium and magnesium. In addition to its quest to enrich your body from within, the humble jar of coconut oil also comes bearing a host of gifts for your visage and hair. As the influx of pollutants and skin aggressors increasingly take their toll on your complexion, it is time to go old school by taking a leaf out of granny’s book. To help you make the most of this skincare superhero in your beauty regimen, we got in the experts in the biz to help draw a roadmap.
Coconut Oil For The Face
Celebrity dermatologist Dr. Rashmi explains, “Since coconut oil is light in texture with a linear chain, it becomes easier for it to penetrate any surface – skin, scalp or hair shaft. It also holds the credit of being one of the richest sources of alpha linoleic fatty acids, that hydrates any surface it is applied on. These benefits combine to make it a handy tool for face packs, whether you are mixing half a teaspoon with Fuller’s earth or improvising by adding it to any DIY skincare recipe passed down in your family, as it multiples the hydration and acts as an agent for speedy absorption”.
Kejal Sheth, Mumbai-based nutritionist, adds, “Coconut oil also works as a handy remedy for repairing chapped lips – the minerals presented in the oil add essential moisture, which nixes the dryness and leaves behind soft, supple lips. In a pinch, it doubles up as a makeup remover, with even the most waterproof products melting away under this oil cleanser. You can also dip a slob of cotton pads and rest it on your eyes for relief from under – eye bags and fine lines”.
Coconut Oil For Hair
“Coconut oil’s utility for haircare dates back to the olden times when it was used for at-home scalp treatments. Regular head massages with this elixir promote lustrous hair growth, and it also works as a handy leave-in moisturizer – simply apply all over the scalp and leave it overnight. Rinse it out the next morning with a mild soap for shiny, smooth tresses. You can also whip up a quick hair mask by mixing coconut oil with sandalwood or rosemary to treat a dry scalp or dandruff”, Sheth explains.
Coconut Oil For Skin
“The ancient text of Aurveda stands testimony to the virtues of coconut oil as a moisturizer for improved complexion and elasticity. To make the most of its benefits, apply some oil in between your palms and rub upwards and downwards over your skin in firm movements to stimulate the blood circulation in the facial muscles. When combined with honey, it works as a therapeutic agent for soothing wrinkles and dark spots. For some special skin TLC on the weekend, you can blend in your favorite essential oils for a deep – acting body moisturizer that sinks into your skin and nourishes it from within. Expectant mothers can also use this as a topical applicant to ward off stretch marks”, adds Sheth.
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