The boom in coconut oil began a few years ago, when almost all beauty gurus and followers of healthy lifestyles spoke about its benefits. However, it was recently demoted from superfoods: according to the latest studies, it turned out that it harms the skin and the body. The BeautyHack editors decided not to take sides, but to find out the opinions of experts from different fields.
Going ahead, coconut oil has both positive and negative sides. But if used correctly, there is no better remedy. It is not for nothing that for centuries it has been "number one" among all women in Asia.
In skin care
Negative Opinion: Coconut oil is not recommended for use as a face care product. By trapping moisture under the skin, it clogs pores. This can lead to inflammation and acne.
What is it really?
Elena Ledeneva, a cosmetologist at the Remedy Lab clinic, says:
Coconut oil, like almost any product in cosmetology, can help some, and harm others. It depends on the type of skin and individual characteristics.
Who is it for
First of all, coconut oil has unique moisturizing properties, so it is ideal for dry and dehydrated skin. Its effect can be seen already after the first application - the product will give shine and smoothness, smooth out irregularities and mimic wrinkles.
Also, coconut oil is definitely worth using for the body. And there are no strict contraindications here. It will not only give a beautiful shine, but also moisturize well. The product will become a must-have on the beach - thanks to vitamin E in its composition, it will protect against ultraviolet radiation (but only in a mix with SPF products!) Or will help to quickly restore the skin after sunburn.
You can use this oil in lip care. It replaces any moisturizing or nourishing balm, protects against high or low temperatures, heals small cracks.
Who is not suitable
Coconut oil is contraindicated for people with oily and problem skin. Being too dense in texture, it forms a greasy film on the skin, which can aggravate the situation: it can contribute to inflammation and acne formation.
Can it be used in pure form?
For the body and lips - quite. For the face only after consulting a specialist.
In hair care
Negative opinion: Coconut oil should not be applied to the scalp, it clogs pores and can lead to breakouts. The product does not moisturize but dries the hair.
What is it really?
Sophia Pakhomova, dermatologist, cosmetologist and trichologist at the Remedy Lab clinic, says:
Coconut oil has many beneficial properties and is definitely beneficial for both scalp and hair. But there is one caveat - like other oils, they should not be abused, that is, used without measure. In order to determine the appropriate method of use (it is always individual), it is worth consulting a trichologist.
What problems does it solve
Coconut oil, like most others, has moisturizing and nourishing properties, so it will be especially indispensable for repairing damaged strands or preventing split ends.
It has another pronounced effect - it works as a powerful antiseptic. This means that the oil, when applied to the scalp, will relieve dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and various dermatoses.
The presence of omega3 acids, choline and vitamins (A, E, B, K, C) in the composition makes it also an excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hair growth enhancer.
How to use
Apply before or after shampooing. In the first case, the product will protect the strands and skin from water and surfactant molecules in products, in the second - from negative environmental factors.
The oil can also be used as a mask, including a night mask. Apply liberally over the entire length of hair or on the ends (if necessary, rub into the scalp), and leave on for 10 minutes to 5-6 hours.
Can it be used in pure form?
Yes. But preferably after consulting a trichologist (especially if you want to apply the product to the scalp).
In cooking
Negative opinion: coconut oil is not beneficial for the body and does not contribute to weight loss. It is more than 80% saturated fat, which can lead to an increase in bad cholesterol (LDL - low density lipoprotein), an increase in the risk of developing cardiovascular and other diseases.
What is it really?
The doctor of the highest category, nutritionist and author of his own method Leonid Elkin tells:
Some experts talk about the dangers of coconut oil, but in fact, this has not been confirmed by any research. Another thing is that measure is important in any product. Your health will be in excellent condition if you eat a balanced diet. It is also important to consider your own characteristics of the body.
Types of oils
It is made from the soft part of coconut using cold pressing or heat treatment. The first option is, of course, preferable, since all useful substances are preserved in it.
Benefit for health
Coconut oil strengthens the immune system, treats colds, headaches, improves metabolism, works well on the thyroid gland and improves performance.
Substances found in coconut raise the level of good cholesterol and lower the level of bad. In addition, they have an antioxidant effect.
Slimming
The calorie content of coconut oil is 899 kk per 100 grams. At the same time, due to fatty acids, it is easily absorbed and is not deposited in the form of extra pounds. On the contrary, it speeds up the metabolism and is often used in weight loss programs.
Contraindications
Among the contraindications are individual intolerance, food rejection.
How to use
The oil can be added as a salad dressing or in any food, used for baking. And despite some conflicting opinions, it does not lose its beneficial properties when frying.
Where could I buy
The best producing countries for coconut oil are Thailand and the Dominican Republic, so it's better to buy the product there.
How to store
In fridge. Usually, a natural product has a rather long life - about two years.
Text: Christina Semina
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