column NATURAL BEAUTY
Beauty benefits of coconut oil
EMA TAYLOR is a naturopath, clinical nutritionist and certified fertility awareness educator. For more, visit emataylor.com or @emataylornaturopathy on Instagram.
Antioxidants are one of the best mitigators for reducing premature ageing and wrinkles, making coconut oil a great natural anti-ageing balm.
If you’re looking for an “all in one” beauty product, peek inside your pantry and you’ll likely find your solution: coconut oil. Coconut oil is derived from the dried fruit of Cocos nucifera and has many uses from cooking to massage oil, from furniture conditioner to being a popular ingredient in many cosmetics including fragrances, skin and hair products, toothpaste and deodorant. Coconut oil is composed of up to 95 per cent saturated fats and has a low molecular weight, which allows it to penetrate deeply through the skin’s barrier and hair shaft to moisturise, nourish and provide its therapeutic actions. Coconut oil has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, making it the perfect balm for ageing, red, inflamed, dry, irritated or acne-prone skin and dry, brittle hair. Before heading out to purchase another beauty product why not try your hand at making the simple hair masks and moisturiser below?