In one famous advertisement, a coconut is compared to "paradisiacal pleasure." But this exotic nut gives us not only pleasure, but also practical benefits, because the use of coconut oil at home allows you, without leaving home, to bring the state of the skin and hair to perfection.
Today, many girls have included in this "cosmetic menu" this natural product, which is created by the method of hot pressing dried nut pulp. Much less often for obtaining coconut oil, cold pressing is used: it allows to save a maximum of useful properties, because of which it is more useful, but it is not always advantageous to produce it, because in this case only 10% of the substance can be obtained. Accordingly, the price of coconut oil with cold pressing is much higher than that prescribed for the sale of oil with hot pressing.
Coconut oil - harm and benefit
Today, there are several opinions as to whether coconut oil is harmful or beneficial. But, as always, the golden mean becomes known as the "winner": yes, coconut oil can be considered harmful and useful, however contradictory it may seem.
Harm to coconut oil
This oil is considered harmful by those who adhere to the theory that the use of saturated fats ultimately leads to heart attack, the formation of plaques on the walls of blood vessels and other diseases of the cardiovascular system. Coconut oil actually contains saturated fats in large amounts - up to 90%. However, most of them are normally absorbed by the body, which only benefits. Therefore, we can say that coconut oil is harmful only if it is consumed in large quantities with fatty foods every day.
The Benefits of Coconut Oil
The benefits of this substance are much greater than the harm. This is due to the composition of coconut oil, which includes such substances:
- more than 45% lauric acid;
- more than 15% of myristic acid;
- more than 8% of palmitic acid;
- more than 5% oleic acid;
- more than 4% caprylic and capric acids;
- vitamins E, C, A.
Due to this composition, coconut oil has a powerful antioxidant effect on skin cells, and therefore it is often used in cosmetology.
Application of coconut oil in cosmetology
First of all, coconut oil is used as a cosmetic product because it moisturizes and softens the skin. The second reason why this ingredient is included in cosmetology products is to prevent cell aging. And, finally, the third reason, because of which coconut oil is used, is that it has a weak antibacterial and antifungal effect, which to some extent is the prevention of diseases.
Coconut oil for the body
If you include this oil in massage mixtures, you can achieve a good result after a week of daily use: it is used in both anti-cellulite programs and those aimed at strengthening the skin turgor.
Coconut oil for skin elasticity
Take 3 tbsp. l. coconut oil (preferably cold pressed) and mix it with 1 tablespoon. oat flakes, pre-crushed, as well as 5 drops of orange essential oil. Use this tool while taking a shower, gently massaging all skin areas except the face.
Then rinse the product with a shower gel or soap.
This procedure will help to make the skin velvety and smooth, if it is carried out regularly: orange oil speeds up the metabolic processes, oat flakes gently scrub the skin, and coconut oil will nourish the cells of the dermis with useful substances.
Coconut oil for sunburn
To get a smooth chocolate tan, coconut oil is applied to the skin (face beforehand is treated with sunscreen) and then take a sun bath. It should be noted that on the first day of sunburn it is better to use a protective cream from UV rays.
Coconut oil for eyelashes
To lashes do not fall out and cease to be brittle, lubricate them daily with coconut oil before going to bed. Within a week, the eyelashes will not only become thicker, but will also grow faster.
How to store coconut oil?
This oil should be stored in a dark container at room temperature. If it is exposed to sunlight for a long time, then substances that are harmful to the skin will appear in its composition and it will cease to be usable.