Nourishing and soothing, coconut vegetable oil is the ally of dry skin. And of dull, dehydrated hair. To fully enjoy its benefits, here's how to incorporate this vegetable oil into your routine.
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How is coconut oil used?
Summary
- What are the benefits of coconut oil in cosmetics?
- When should you use coconut oil?
- Coconut oil for skin application, how to use
- How to use coconut oil for hair?
- Sources
Published June 10, 2022,
updated on October 4, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
5 min read
What are the benefits of coconut oil in cosmetics?
Coconut oil, also known as coconut butter, is renowned not only in skincare and haircare but also in cooking. It is a solid oil at a temperature of 20°C or lower. It is derived from a first cold pressing of the fruit flesh. It primarily contains saturated fatty acids, including lauric acid, which makes up between 40 and 55% of its composition.
When applied topically, coconut oil moisturizes dry skin and alleviates eczema. It restores the hydrolipidic film, thereby limiting insensible water loss and thus preventing skin dehydration. Furthermore, it soothes inflammations, particularly those caused by UV-B rays. The vitamin E and phytosterols it contains also make it an antioxidant treatment that prevents photo-aging of the skin.
Regarding hair, thecoconut oil revitalizes it and gives it a shine. By penetrating the hair fibers, fatty acids, and particularly lauric acid, are able to limit water evaporation. They form a protective film to maintain the hydration of the hair shafts.
When should you use coconut oil?
Firstly, let's clarify that coconut oil is an ingredient that does not contain any allergenic substances. It can be used by pregnant/breastfeeding women as well as young children without risk. Being comedogenic, it is simply not recommended for oily and/or acne-prone skin as it could promote the appearance of imperfections on this type of skin.
Nevertheless, it is particularly recommended for dry skin that requires a supply of nourishing elements. It is also suitable for mature skin, to counteract the effects of skin aging.
When applied to hair, coconut oil is used to repairdry, brittle, and damaged hair or to protect thehair fibers frequently exposed to oxidation factors.
Coconut oil for skin application, how to use.
The skin is primarily composed of water and a small proportion of fats. Unlike serums or moisturizing creams, oils penetrate less deeply into the skin due to their single fat phase, whereas serums or creams are mainly composed of a water phase. That's why coconut oil, and vegetable oils in general, should be the final step in skincare application, even if it leaves a thin oily film on the skin.
Thus, on aclean skinthat is dry, pour a few drops of coconut oil into the palm of your hand. Then, warm the oil between your hands and distribute it in a circular massage over your entire face to ensure the oil is well absorbed. It can be used both in the morning and in the evening.
Several formulas associated with different Typology ranges contain 100% natural coconut oil (I.N.C.I.: Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil). Among these, you can find the following treatments:
Thehand balmwith 10 ingredients also contains hyaluronic acid to provide a hydration boost.
Thebody moisturizing creamwith 10 ingredients and theface moisturizing creamwith 9 ingredientsare designed to hydrate all skin types, even the most sensitive ones. These are minimalist formulas with a light, non-greasy texture,suitable for dry, normal, and combination skin, even sensitive ones. Due to the presence of organic coconut oil, we do not recommend these creams for oily skin.
How to use coconut oil for hair?
To care for your hair with coconut oil, simply incorporate a few drops into your regular shampoo. However, some hair care products are already enriched with coconut oil, such as masks, conditioners, shampoos, or even oils. It is also possible to use pure coconut oil as a hair oil to be applied only on the lengths or as an overnight mask. You just need to apply the coconut oil and wrap your hair in a towel. To allow the active ingredients to work, let it sit overnight before shampooing the next morning.
Sources:
Wallace, T. C. Health effects of coconut oil — a narrative review of current evidence, (2019).
Mara Therese Padilla Evangelista & al., The effect of topical virgin coconut oil on SCORAD index, transepidermal water loss, and skin capacitance in mild to moderate pediatric atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial, Int J Dermatol, (2014).
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