Coconut oil: 5 ways to use the oil in your daily self care rituals

Coconut oil has been used by our ancestors since ages as a 'gharelu nuskha' for dry skin, dry lips, dry hair, for general hair care, and as a cooking oil. Here are some of the known coconut oil benefits and uses, supported by researches and scientists. 

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Coconut Oil uses: Haircare

In an article in Prevention magazine, consultant trichologist, Sally-Ann Tarver, said that coconut oil is intensely moisturising and is especially good for naturally curly or naturally dry hair. According to Jason Collier, coconut oil also helps in eradicating dandruff along with keeping the scalp hydrated.

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Coconut Oil uses: Skincare

In an article published in Prevention magazine, Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, said that the fatty acids present in the coconut oil are beneficial to the skin because of it's hydrating and antimicrobial properties. Coconut oil is also credited as a great skin emollient, especially when the skin barrier function is disturbed, as it gets quickly absorbed in the skin. (Source: Dr Frances Prenna Jones, one of Mayfair's top dermatologists)

Note - People with acne-prone skin should avoid applying coconut oil on the face as they are highly comedogenic and may cause blockages and blackheads. 

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Coconut Oil uses: Cooking

It has been found that in parts of the world where the coconut oil was used as a staple cooking oil, people had very low rates of heart disease. For example, the population in the Tokelauans, which live in the South Pacific were found to have great heart health in general. (Source: PubMed)

Coconut Oil uses: Dental care

Oil pulling, which has recently made a lot of hype in the western world, actually originated in Ayurveda. Oil pulling is believed to draw out toxins from your body, thus aiding in good dental hygiene. However, sufficient evidence is unavailable to prove the benefits of oil pulling. As per a review of research published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, oil pulling generates antioxidants that kill the microorganisms by damaging their cell wall.

Coconut Oil uses: Lip care

Coconut oil is widely used as a lip scrub for exfoliating the lips. For using it as a DIY lip scrub, mix honey, brown sugar, and coconut oil together. The brown sugar will help in exfoliating whereas coconut oil provides moisturisation. 

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