Three ways virgin coconut oil can be helpful to your beauty regimen

It's not a secret that virgin coconut oil (VCO) boasts a number of natural health benefits.

When the pandemic gripped the globe, the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-FNRI) conducted a study that showed drinking VCO can help COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms recover faster.

But health benefits aside, VCO is also a powerhouse oil you can incorporate into your self-care or beauty regimen for healthier skin. Here are three different ways.

1. Applying on your body

VCO is a natural moisturizer. Not only does it keep your skin hydrated, but consistent application on the skin also aids in repairing skin damage and helps promote skin collagen reproduction.

According to certified dermatologist Jarische Lao-Ang, VCO is an easy tool for skin hydration for people with dry skin.

"It also has an anti-inflammatory [effect] that can ease skin irritation and aid in wound healing," especially to eczema-prone, dehydrated skin, Dr. Ang told GMA News Online.

2. For your hair

You might have seen some shampoo brands integrating VCO into their product for its moisturizing properties, and according to Dr. Ang, shampoos with VCO do "moisturize the hair and scalp."

"[VCO] strengthens the hair and may control hair fall," she said. But as for VCO stimulating hair growth, the dermatologist said, "there's still [a] lack [of] research and evidence."

You may use VCO on your hair before you shower as a hair mask. Gently massage warm VCO on your strands and let it soak for 20 minutes, then rinse and shampoo as usual.

3. For your face

While it's not recommended to use as a facial moisturizer — especially not if you have oily and acne-prone skin — your face could still benefit from VCO if you have dry skin.

Because of its unique moisturizing properties, VCO aids in keeping fine lines and wrinkles at bay.

"VCO, in its natural oil form, is an occlusive that adds moisture to the skin. However, being occlusive, it forms a layer over the skin to trap moisture. This makes it [unsuitable] for people with oily and acne-prone skin," Dr. Ang explained.

If you put makeup on a daily, you may also use VCO as a natural alternative to makeup removers as it strongly breaks down makeup particles, which is beneficial to waterproof cosmetics.

"The use of VCO in one's beauty regimen will [depend] mainly on skin type and skin concerns. [So] better be guided by your dermatologist if this can be incorporated [into] your routine," Dr. Ang concluded.

Made Mindful Virgin Coconut Oil (P249) is one of the readily available VCOs in the market that is FDA-approved.

It is expeller-pressed locally from the organic coconuts planted by Filipino farmers in Quezon and Bicol. As an ode to sustainability, Made Mindful VCO comes in a glass bottle and aluminum cap packed in a custom-designed recycled kraft paper box. — LA, GMA News