Disclosure: collaborative post
You’ve probably heard of MCT oil as a supplement for people on the keto diet, but did you know it also has beauty benefits? The benefits of coconut oil for your hair and skin have been known for some time now, but you may get even better benefits when using the refined oil as a scalp tonic. MCT oil is an excellent moisturizing and deep conditioning agent that has been proven to help with hair and skin health and is all-natural and gentle to use.
MCT Oil: How It’s Made
MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides, a type of fat with fewer carbon atoms than long-chain triglycerides and thus easier to break down, resulting in numerous health benefits. (For example, the unique molecular makeup of MCTs allows the liver to convert them to ketones, which serve as an alternative energy source to glucose). For more information, visit MCT Wellness.
Sold as a supplement, MCT oil is a refined oil derived from coconut and palm oils. The hydrolysis process extracts the MCTs, making the oil a pure and concentrated liquid.
Hair Care Benefits
While most people buy MCT oil for consumption, it also has hair care applications because the hair shaft (the portion of hair that protrudes from the scalp) can easily absorb it. Due to this property, your hair will shine after application but won’t feel greasy. MCT oil users have reported using MCT oil in the following ways:
- Moisturizing– To improve your hair’s moisture, apply MCT oil liberally, starting at the roots, immediately after washing your hair.
- Detangling– If you have trouble detangling your hair, apply MCT oil as you work through your hair with a fine-tooth comb.
- Managing Frizz– Mixing a bit of MCT oil with half of an avocado or a tablespoon of honey and applying to your hair can help manage difficult or frizzy hair.
- Extra Shine– For glossy, shiny hair, mix MCT oil with a few tablespoons of full-fat coconut milk. Apply the mixture to your hair and let it rest for a few hours before washing out.
- Reducing Dandruff– If you’re dealing with dandruff, mixing a bit of MCT oil, olive oil, and an egg is an excellent remedy. Simply make the mixture and apply it to your scalp and hair for added moisture and protein. As a result, you’ll have silky-smooth hair and reduced symptoms of a dry scalp.
MCT Oil for Better Skin
MCT oil has anti-microbial properties because of the lauric acid within coconut oils. You can use the oil as a topical treatment, and studies have seen positive effects for treating minor skin irritations and acne. Other skin benefits and MCT oil applications include:
- Hydrating– MCT oil does an excellent job of decreasing stretch marks and wrinkles while moisturizing the skin.
- Gentle Makeup Remover– If other makeup removers with harsh chemicals are tough on your skin, you can use MCT oil to take makeup off quickly and gently.
- Skin Soothing– If you have a sunburn or even burned your finger while cooking, MCT oil can soothe the pain while promoting the skin to heal.
- A Closer, Smoother Shave– Using MCT oil as a shaving cream may help you get a closer shave without risking razor burn or ingrown hairs.
- Lip Balm– If you’re dealing with dry lips, try rubbing a bit of MCT oil into them, and the moisturizing properties of MCT will help rehydrate and heal existing cracks.
MCT Oil For Everything
While MCT oil remains most popular among keto dieters, its various health and beauty benefits have drawn in others. Whether you want to lose weight, feel more energized in the morning, develop a healthier gut, or have tougher skin and shinier hair, MCT oil just might do the trick.
