Coconut Oil

 Anyone who knows me will tell you I love Coconut Oil, love, love, love.

An added in ‘proof of the pudding’ fact, which made me laugh. Whilst finalising the website, having not long written this blog, I undertook a locum hygienist role, one that i had previously also filled in 2015/2016. On my first morning, the very well respected, handsome - in case he ever reads this, high ranking senior dental officer informed the staff - 5 years! after our last meeting, and with a ‘for effect’ dramatic eye roll, that i loved coconut oil and was constantly recommending coconut oil pulling to my patients, Job done i say and now considering should my epitaph include coconut oil?

Coconut Oil, pineapple and probiotics are just 3 of my constants in my advice, some days every hour.

My daughters (and my dental nurses) will tell you that my advice for any ailment is “put some coconut oil on it” or “take some coconut oil”, unless it’s a sore throat. a cough or to freshen breath and tongue clean, - then it is the fruit with the attitude - spiky on the outside, sweet on the inside and the crown to match, Pineapple! Daily Probiotics are a constant (it is all about the gut health always!) and a little bit of Vicks Vapour rub thrown in (ball of feet for chesty coughs, foreheads for headaches and on cotton wool for earache, not surprisingly coconut also aids earache) and my Ohh! family have some daily supplements that I helicopter parent over, including Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Zinc, & that  is basically my Medicine Cabinet!

(Well OK, also vitamin E oil & the amazing Lifemel Honey - which deserves a blog of its own & on fear of being burned at the stake i’ll leave it there).

Now then, addressing the conflicting advice out there and the reason why at Ohh! everything is tailored to you, for you! is that If you have oily or sensitive skin you should maybe consider adding it to your diet instead of your skin care to take advantage of its benefits, however it can still be great as your first oily cleanse of your Double Cleanse and is a fab make-up remover.

Use coconut oil, get a big jar of organic virgin variety from B&M, and get using it, and here in detail is my reasons why.

It is a highly saturated oil that is traditionally made by extracting the oil from raw coconuts or dried coconut kernels. At room temperature its solid but when heated can soften or even melt. Frequently used in cooking (we use it a lot at home) or applied to the skin (for years its was the only cleanser and moisturiser I used (that is until I became the Knowledgeable skin geek I am now), for hair masks, for spots, for bites, for inflammation, I could be here all day and in relation to ‘Saintly Smiles’, Coconut Oil Pulling!

It is rich in medium chain fatty acids which are a form of saturated fat in fact they make up about 65% of its total composition. The fatty acids found in coconut oil include Lauric acid 49%, Myristic acid 18%, Caprylic acid 8%, Palmitic acid 8%, Capric acid 7%, Oleic acid 6%, Linoleic acid 2%, Stearic acid 2%. (it adds up to 100 i checked it twice).

Although coconut oil is about 90% saturated fat it does contain small amount of mono and polyunsaturated fats as well One tablespoon contains about 12 grams of saturated fat and 1 gram of unsaturated fat.

It can kill harmful microorganisms. it has antimicrobial properties this is especially important for skin health as many types of skin infections including acne, cellulitis, folliculitis, and athletes’ foot are caused by bacteria or fungi.

Applying coconut oil direct to the skin may prevent growth of these microorganisms this is due to its lauric acid content which makes up nearly 50% of the fatty acids in coconut oil. One study tested the antibacterial properties of 30 types of fatty acid against 20 different strains of bacteria. Lauric acid was found to be the most effective at blocking the growth of bacteria. Another test tube study showed that lauric acid can kill off Propionibacterium acnes, (see my acne info page) P. Acnes is a type of bacteria that leads to the development of inflammatory acne.  Furthermore, capric acid has been shown to have potent antimicrobial properties. A test tube study showed that both lauric and capric acid effectively killed off strains of bacteria and demonstrated the anti-fungal effects of capric acid inhibiting the growth of fungi.

COCONUT oil could reduce inflammation. Evidence based in dental gum disease when used in oil pulling and when systemically consumed. Chronic inflammation is a major component of many different types of skin disorders including psoriasis, contact dermatitis and eczema. Interestingly coconut oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, in one study researchers applied virgin coconut oil to inflamed ears not only was coconut oil found to have an anti-inflammatory effect but it relieved pain and it improves antioxidant status (check out my info section for antioxidants). Antioxidants we know work by stabilising free radicals in the body neutralising the reactive atoms that can contribute to inflammation. Further studies, when ingested, showed improved antioxidant status, both when consumed or applied to the skin.

Coconut oil may help treat acne. While some may think coconut oil clogs pores considerable research shows it might help treat acne. Acne is an inflammatory condition and many of the medications used to treat it work by targeting and reducing inflammation. Because coconut oil and its components may help reduce inflammation in the body it may also aid in the treatment of acne. Furthermore, the antibacterial properties of the medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil could also help reduce acne.

Numerous studies have shown that lauric acid can kill off the strain of bacteria associated with acne. Studies show that lauric acid is more effective than benzoyl peroxide at preventing the growth of acne causing bacteria.

Coconut oil can be produced through dry or wet processing. Dry involves drying coconut meat to create kennels pressing them to extract the oil then bleaching and deodorizing them. This process forms refined coconut oil which has a more neutral scent and higher smoke point. In wet processing coconut oil is obtained from raw coconut meat – instead of dried- to create virgin coconut oil. This helps retain the coconut scent and results in a lower smoke point. While refined coconut oil may be better suited for cooking at high temperatures virgin coconut oil is a better choice in terms of skin health. Not only does most of the existing research focus specifically on the effects of virgin coconut oil but there is also evidence that it may have added health benefits.

Studies have found that virgin coconut oil improved antioxidant status and increased ability to neutralise disease causing free radicals, compared to refined coconut oil.

AND ….

THERE YOU HAVE IT IN A NUTSHELL!

Stay Fabulous & Remember if you have any skin concern drop us a message at Ohh! we can give you tailored advice, consultation without obligation, virtual or in clinic. At your service, Ohh! x