Coconut oil has historically been used as a food source and for medicinal uses; however, it is also frequently used in hair and skin care, due to the healing properties it possesses. The coconut tree is known as the "tree of life" by many Asian people, according to the Coconut Research Center. The coconut is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it not only a good food source, but valuable for skin care too.
Properties
The coconut is a solid, oval fruit that is produced by the palm tree; coconut oil is extracted from the fruit, although unrefined coconut oil is actually a solid fat, white in color and crystalline, not an "oil" as such. The Coconut Research Center lists many medicinal properties of the coconut including its use in relieving osteoporosis, digestive disorders and inflammation of the skin, tissue healing, and the promotion of healthy hair and skin.
Using Coconut Oil for Skin Care
Asian people and people in the Pacific regions have used coconut oil for skin care for centuries. The reasons why coconut oil is used in skin care is due to the ability of coconut oil to break down harmful free radicals in the body, which prematurely age the skin and destroy the underlying tissues; a detailed explanation of this process is given in the book "The Healing Miracles of Coconut Oil" by Bruce Fife, an extract of which is published on the website Coconut Connections.
Nutrients in Coconut Oil
Unrefined, virgin coconut oil contains a number of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that help to soften, protect and heal the skin and consequently restore the vitality and elasticity of young-looking skin. However, use only unrefined, virgin coconut oil, not refined coconut oil substitutes, which do not contain the same nutrients and properties.
Benefits of Coconut Oil in Skin Care
Using coconut oil for skin care removes dead skin cells, prevents the development of liver spots, protects against sunlight exposure, prevents wrinkles, firms the skin, repairs damaged skin tissue, softens the skin and gives the skin an overall healthy glow. In some instances, coconut oil penetrates the skin's natural lipid barriers to heal underlying skin damage. Coconut oil also possesses antiseptic properties to prevent fungal and bacterial infections such as acne, herpes and warts.
How to Apply
Apply coconut oil to the skin after bathing or showering to promote maximum healing benefits; coconut oil is readily absorbed into the skin, with no greasy after effect, so there is no need to wash off any excess oil after using. Coconut oil is available as an oil, lotion or cream. Len Price, in his book "Carrier Oils for Aromatherapy and Massage," also cites the use of coconut oil in massage creams, due to its skin-softening properties.
References
- "Carrier Oils for Aromatherapy and Massage"; Len Price; 1999
- Coconut Connections--Virgin Coconut Oil and Your Skin
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