It’s known that coconut oil’s properties help improve skin health, even on the face. Its antimicrobial properties help get rid of germs and other bacteria and reduce inflammation with its anti-inflammatory property. Moisturizing the skin makes it popular among those who use facial and skincare products. But what about dandruff?
Dandruff is something almost everyone experiences. Usually, it’s caused by not washing the shampoo off properly. Most of the time, dandruff are excess skin cells that accumulate and flake off on the scalp. It’s also a fact that the scalp is possibly the oiliest part of the body–which makes dandruff almost an expected existence.
Before using any products to treat dandruff, consult with a doctor about it first. There are more causes of dandruff than you’d expect.
- Malassezia. Malassezia is a fungus that helps break down oils in your skin. Too much of it, however, can lead to irritating your skin by producing too much oleic acid. This irritation then causes dandruff.
- Seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis is a different type of eczema. These are like your typical dandruff, but you’ll notice they’re oily and yellowish. It is due to shampoo or an oil product that you didn’t rinse properly.
It’s important to know if your dandruff is not due to any diseases so that when you use coconut oil, you won’t risk any outbreak.
Is it safe to treat dandruff with coconut oil?
Science says that coconut oil’s antimicrobial properties help treat dandruff, which makes it safe to apply on the scalp and even on the hair. Again, please make sure you have acquired a professional opinion beforehand.
Instead of using shampoo/conditioner, you can have coconut oil replace it. Apply a sufficient amount on your scalp, massage gently to reach the roots and make sure you spread it all over your scalp. You can even comb through your hair, so the oil also gets the hair, penetrating it with its vitamins. Let the product sit for half an hour before rinsing.
Side Effects
Not everything that works on others also works on you. You can acquire professional opinions or do a skin test yourself. Rub a small amount on any part of your body, let it sit for a whole day. If there are any negative reactions within those 24 hours, it’s safe to say coconut oil is not for you. If symptoms persist, please see an expert.
It’s also best to know that most dandruff has the underlying seborrheic dermatitis as its cause. Using coconut oil on it can worsen dermatitis and lead to other complications.