Research is surprisingly positive!
Clean beauty is all the rage these days. And what could be more natural than coconut oil? Moreover, over the years it has become apparent that this hydrating miracle product is also the key to solving fine lines. What’s that actually like?
Natural and…effective
Minimalist and natural skincare has been on the rise in recent years. Coconut oil, as the name suggests, naturally comes from coconuts and fits perfectly into this natural beauty picture. So it’s not surprising that a few years ago you were bombarded with coconut tips. Apply it to the ends of your hair, make a face mask with it, remove your make-up with it… If we can believe the internet, coconut oil is a true miracle cure. But it is more than a beauty hype. Research shows that mature skin could easily become good friends with coconut oil. Look, we are interested in that.
Silky soft, smooth and full
Coconut oil is a natural emollient. When applied to the skin, it can fill in grooves in the epidermis, explains the medical website Healthline. This immediately makes your skin feel a lot softer. But the biggest benefit is in the hydration that coconut oil provides. The oil ensures that the skin retains more moisture, so bye bye dry skin, hello firm, full skin. Research published in the medical journal Dermatitis also shows that coconut oil is an effective and safe moisturizer. And well-hydrated skin is skin on which wrinkles and fine lines develop less quickly and are less visible.
According to New York dermatologist Dr. David Bank, the antioxidants in coconut oil can also help slow the aging process of the skin. “Oxidation is one of the main causes of aging skin, and coconut oil can help reduce the damage of free radicals,” he explains to TheLifeCo.
Attention!
Before you run to the bathroom to rub a thick dollop of coconut oil on your face, we want to give you a warning. In addition to the positive properties of coconut oil, the substance can also have a less pleasant effect on your skin. People with skin that is easily irritated or sensitive to impurities may suffer from (too much) coconut oil.
“Coconut oil is highly comedogenic, which means it can be a big problem for sensitive or blemish-prone skin,” warns dermatologist Paul Dean of Skin Resource.MD. “That means coconut oil cannot penetrate the pores and suffocate the skin or clog the pores. It stays on the skin, as it were, and does not absorb.” This dermatologist’s advice? “Look for skin care products that include coconut oil as an ingredient. This way you benefit from all the benefits it has to offer, but you also have a product that can be used for most skin types.”
Source: Healthline, TheLifeCo, Skin Resource.MD | Image: Adobe Stock
