When it comes to natural ingredients, the use of coconut oil in beauty routines has truly blossomed, not to mention its popularity in cooking and baking. However, it turns out that lathering the stuff on your face can do more harm than good. Beauty bloggers may be obsessed with it, but skin experts believe that its not all its cracked up to be. They are warning against using it as a substitute to other creams as it can clog the pores and result in skin issues.
Although coconut oil does help to hydrate the skin, it can actually trap the moisture underneath the skin and can cause spots to appear.
Now don’t get me wrong, coconut oil does possess a unique combination of essential fatty acids that penetrate and moisturize skin in a way few ingredients can; natural antioxidants help protect from environmental stressors; and vitamins firm, moisturize, and brighten the skin.
But despite its many strengths, coconut oil isn’t for everyone. Oily skin types in particular may battle with it. So breakout-prone skin should beware but what about other skin types? Experts are still hesitant to recommend it, including Dr Williams, Dermatologist and Medical Director of Eudelo.
“It can be used if there is no alternative available,” she says. “However, we have many more sophisticated moisturisers for dry skin available these days which combine synergistic emollients and humectants, so I would always prefer to use these.”
Coconut oil has been used in skincare routines for centuries because of its hydrating effects. However, keep in mind that 300 years ago, we didn’t have the same sophisticated, high-tech skincare we have today. In the world of skincare, ‘natural’ does not automatically mean better.
So, if you’re looking to deeply moisturize your skin without risking occasional breakouts, here are some affordable coconut oil alternatives that are super friendly to all skin types!
Boots Essentials moisturising cream for all skin types: It’s as refreshing as a high-end product, but costs less than a packet of cotton buds. It’s lightweight, oil-free and easily absorbed, too. Suitable for day and night due it’s consistency and the soothing extract of cucumber. Priced at €3 from Boots, it’s a student’s dream.
Boots Botanics All Bright Hydrating Day Cream SPF15: At €8.99 the quality of the Botanics range is excellent. The moisturiser contains lots of oils, shea butter and hydrating ingredients. It leaves your skin feeling hydrated all day as well as providing UV protection. Win win! Keep your eyes peeled as Boots currently have this product on offer for €5.99.
Ziaja (pronounced ‘Ji-Ya’) Avocado regenerating day and night: With over 1000 products in the range, these creams are hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested. This brand is one of my all-time favourites, it’s the kind of pharmacy brand that uses top ingredients but at budget friendly prices. The brand is already a huge success in its native Poland and have just recently launched in Ireland. I find these creams for about €3 in polish shops as they are a polish brand, or you can find them in certain chemists for about €7.
By Tarryn McGuire
Photo credit Marco Verch via Flickr