Over the last few years, coconut oil has become one of the most popular (and recommended) foods, but also a often used ingredient in the skin and hair care industry.
Lubricate your relationship – with coconut oil
Do you have dry skin on the elbows? Try coconut oil. Do you have high blood pressure? Try coconut. Do you have relationship issues? Try coconut oil. (Just google it if you don’t believe us!)
And while experts in many fields swear by the coconut and its multiple benefits on our health, there is one thing that we tend to lose sight of. It is not something unique or overly complicated. Actually, it’s rather simple – nothing can be good for everyone, all the time, not even coconut oil.
Indeed it comes with certain benefits for your health and skin, but does this mean that you need to switch immediately to a coconut oil-based product? Let us have a look at the “good” and the “bad” in this oil and why you might better avoid it.
Coconut Oil – The Good
Coconut oil is packed with antioxidants and vitamins. And this is, without a doubt, great to fight premature aging and to keep the skin happy, glowing, and hydrated. Also, the coconut oil molecules structure allows for a rather fast absorption rate, which is great if you do not have a lot of time for daily hour-long massages. We would surely love to take that time though. 😉
Coconut Oil – The Bad
It might be hard to believe that such a perceived miracle ingredient can actually have some “bad” to its name. However, it is just as accurate. Despite all the health benefits, coconut oil used on skin comes with disadvantages too. For example, coconut oil is comedogenic. This means that after application, it leaves behind an oily film at the level of the skin that can clog pores.
If you ever struggled with acne in your teen years or later on, you probably know already that this is really bad news. Clogged pores can become larger than life (if you have them, you know exactly what I mean). And they can also lead to blackheads, whiteheads, and even cystic acne. Yes, it is just as bad as it sounds.
The comedogenic effect is just one of the reasons you should really steer clear from coconut oil, especially if you have oily or combination skin (as many of us do). Keep in mind that not applying coconut oil on your face might not be enough to keep you on the safe side.
Face no, body yes?
It would be best if you also avoided body massages with coconut oil. Otherwise, you can get a sudden breakout on your back that will make you very self-aware each time you take your shirt off. Did I mention it could be rather painful, too? Because it could.
But don’t worry, there are other alternatives that you can use that are more gentle with your skin and won’t lead to severe acne in your adult years.
Oh, I forgot to mention the other reason why you should avoid coconut in skin care.
It was the smell – not the ideal fragrance for a board meeting.
