Slathering coconut oil on the face may seem like a bright idea as an antidote to plummeting temperatures but it turns out not every skin type can handle it.
In the past, coconut oil has been touted as the go-to for oily, skin prone to acne for two reasons. One, it contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties so should, technically speaking, be a good at fighting spot-causing bacteria. Two, the idea that like attracts like so an oil cleanser would be better at breaking up oil on the skin.
The trouble is, coconut oil is occlusive by nature - in other words, it's made up of molecules so large they can only sit on top of the skin to seal in moisture. Which, in the case of oily skin, can lead to congestion.
"As for oil cleansers, they're a beauty fad best avoided if you don't want spots," says Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist at Skin 55. "They leave behind residue, which can block pores." Gentle cleansers spiked with salicylic acid are your best bet for dissolving the paste-like mixture of oil and dead skin cells in pores.
Conversely, coconut oil makes the ideal topcoat for dry, ageing skin. "The lipophilic, or fat loving, nature of oils means they prevent water loss, keep the skin barrier strong and lock in the nourishing ingredients from your serum and face cream," says dermatologist David Colbert, founder of Colbert M.D Skincare.
Dry skin types will also benefit from the new raft of best foundation like Givenchy Prisme-Libre Skin-Caring Glow, which contain a fraction of coconut oil for added slip and hydration.
But if you're an oily skin type and you're now giving that expensive jar of cold-pressed organic coconut oil the side eye - don't just toss it. Coconut oil doubles up as a brilliant deep-conditioning mask - simply leave it on for 20 minutes then rinse for killawatt shine.
And for your skin, consider a hemp seed oil concoction such as Kiehl's Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate. The formula is 60 per cent cannabis sativa seed oil, derived from cold-pressed hemp seeds, which tackles redness and inflammation while the green organo oil kicks in with its antiseptic properties to keep blemishes at bay. Win-win.
-
-
How to use jojoba oil for hair that's silky smooth to the touch
Jojoba oil for hair is one of the most lightweight and beneficial ways to revive lacklustre strands.
By Fiona Embleton •
-
Jane Fonda reveals she's embracing her gray hair and she looks incredible
The star said "enough is enough" in a recent appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show
By Lucy Abbersteen •
-
How to use jojoba oil for hair that's silky smooth to the touch
Jojoba oil for hair is one of the most lightweight and beneficial ways to revive lacklustre strands.
By Fiona Embleton •
-
Jane Fonda reveals she's embracing her gray hair and she looks incredible
The star said "enough is enough" in a recent appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show
By Lucy Abbersteen •
-
How to apply lashes - from strips to magnetic and individual eyelashes
The experts reveal how to apply lashes for natural-looking flutter then remove and re-use like a pro
By Fiona McKim •
-
Dr Pimple Popper just launched her first-ever face mask to fight acne
Dr Pimple Popper's new face mask promises to improve the look of enlarged pores and acne.
By Fiona Embleton •
-
We can't stop staring at Lily Allen's new bangs
Lily Allen's new bangs are giving us all the hair inspiration we need for when salons re-open.
By Fiona Embleton •
-
The best volumizing mascaras for thick, dramatic lashes
We've rounded up the best volumizing mascaras at every intensity level and price point, all designed to lengthen, curl, and lift lashes.
By Dominique McIntee •
-
La Mer The Eye Concentrate review: A cool customer with luxury taste
La Mer The Eye Concentrate is the ultimate indulgence for skincare addicts
By Lydia House •
-
The best Maybelline mascaras that lengthen, volumize, and curl lashes—at affordable prices
These huge-selling Maybelline mascaras are loved by beauty editors and bargain hunters alike.
By Ayesha Muttucumaru •
