Coconut Oil
Youthful Skin.. Coconut
oil can be found in many skin care products. It's a skin moisturizer
that's non-comedogenic, even though it is an oil. Because coconut oil is
rich in antioxidants and nutrients, it helps the skin appear more
revitalized and youthful. According to an article by Raymond Peat,
Ph.D., because coconut oil is so rich in short- and medium-chain fatty
acids, it can protect cells against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress
to skin cells can be a precursor to aging skin. Coconut oil can also be
an effective treatment for the delicate skin under the eyes to prevent
crow's feet.
Skincare
Because
coconut oil is a fat, it has emollient properties--it has a softening
and soothing effect on skin. Coconut oil's melting point is right around
your body temperature, allowing it to literally melt into your skin.
Island cultures used coconut oil for all types of skin ailments as well
as to moisturize and protect skin from the sun.
According
to a November 2008 study in Dermatitis, coconut oil shows promise in
treating atopic dermatitis, a dry skin condition that leaves the skin
vulnerable to Staphylococcus aureus infections. The study compared the
use of virgin coconut oil and virgin olive oil in eradicating staph
infections and alleviating dermatitis. Only one of the participants who
received topical treatments of coconut oil remained positive for staph
infection, compared with six of those receiving olive oil treatments.
Although coconut oil shows promise, it is not yet approved for treatment
of staph infections or atopic dermatitis.
The
Indian Journal of Pharmacology released a study in August 2008 that
investigated the topical use of coconut oil and silver sulphadiazine on
burn healing time.The study
concluded that coconut oil "is an effective burn wound healing agent."
There
are many skincare products that include coconut oil. You also can apply
the oil directly to your skin. Use virgin Coconut oil in the shower.
After you have cleaned your skin, apply a small amount of coconut oil
and then rinse in warm water. Pat yourself dry with a towel, but don't
wipe all the oil off of your skin. Don't apply the oil to the bottoms of
your feet to avoid slipping in the bathtub.
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