For most of my life, I had used standard skincare brands to look after my face and body. That changed quickly when I developed a sudden severe allergic reaction to a suncream i had used for years and it turned out i was allergic to several common skincare chemicals. My skin blistered, burned and itched, it was agony. It also took ages to be diagnosed.
My allergic reaction was eventually diagnosed as contact dermatitis triggered by perfumes, balsam of Peru, and methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone. These ingredients can be found in many skincare and everyday household products so i have to be very careful.
Once diagnosed I had to immediately stop using any products that contained these ingredients. In the short term i was given steroid cream and Dr prescribed creams to use along with a directive to cease using pretty much all the products i had been used to using.
I realised that i would no longer be able to use my moisturisers, shampoos, make up, or really most of my products. In addition because i was also allergic to them on other people if there was any skin contact, my husband was advised to not use his usual skincare products. I was left wondering what I was going to use...
After a lot of research, writing to companies, checking ingredients and frustration, I discovered something very simple, that I could use which was pure organic coconut oil. The cold pressed, unrefined, food grade oils turned out to be gentle and effective for my skin. I would like to share how it helped me and its uses.
I must stress that I am not a healthcare professional and If you have skin conditions or allergies, it’s always wise and recommended to discuss with a healthcare professional first.
Choosing Coconut Oil
Coconut oil varies a lot in quality. For sensitive, allergic skin the safest approach is to choose the simplest form. I find with sensitive skin the less ingredients is often the better. It is generally better to go for organic, cold pressed, unrefined ,non deodorised and food grade coconut oil.
Some coconut oils have a strong coconut scent, others are very mild. Although i do like the scent of coconut oil, i prefer the milder versions on my skin.
Coconut Oil As A Body Moisturiser
For months I had to use only Dr prescribed creams and lotions on my skin. As time went on and with approval from my Doctor I was able to try coconut oil.
My skin was so sore and delicate. It took a little while but my skin became softer and more supple, more hydrated and smoother. It is rich in fatty acids and Lauric acid can help support the skin barrier and the oil helps lock moisture into the skin.
You do not need much and I learned that warming it between hands turns the solid white oil block into a silky liquid. You can see in the photo below how the solid white block is turning into a colourless liquid and this took literally a few seconds.
Tips For Using Coconut Oil
- Start with a tiny amount in your hands and warm it first. You can always add more but if you get too much to start with it can be far too much and hard to get rid of!
- Let it sink in for about 10 minutes before getting dressed. If you don't do this the oil will transfer to clothing. Rather than rubbing it off with a towel, it is better to gently pat it with a towel if you need to get dressed and it still hasn't sunk in.
- I like to apply it at night after a bath or shower and then let it sink in and then wear Pjs.
- At first when my skin was very dry and sore i used it every night. Now, several years on my skin is so much better i use it every few days and if i use it too much my skin can get a bit too oily, so it will be a personal preference.
- I do also use it in specific areas if they feel too dry like elbows, knees, and heels. It is nice to apply to feet and then wear a lovely soft sock over. That to me feels indulgent. I wouldn't recommend walking around in bare feet after applying as it is far too slipperly!
- Used like this my skin is nicely moisturised and i get no irritation or soreness. Personally i only use on my body as it is a little too much for my face, but if you have dry skin everywhere it may work for you on your face as well, but do keep away from your eyes.
Coconut Oil For Haircare
Coconut oil can also be a lovely hair treatment. I have very fine hair, so I use it only once a month or even less, as a deep conditioner. If i use it more often it just makes my hair too oily and flat. My husband, who has coarser, short, dry hair, can use it about once a week.
To use warm a tiny amount in your hands, smooth it through the hair, leave it for several hours or overnight, then wash out.
You may well want to wear a hair covering if you leave it in overnight to protect pillows from becoming too oily. It leaves hair shiny, nourished, and healthy looking.
Shaving With Coconut Oil
It is surprisingly good for shaving underarms and legs. I became unable to use any waxing or creams as my skin was too sore and some of the chemicals were irritating to me. My husband also had to stop using commercial shaving creams because of my allergies so he uses it for shaving his beard.
Coconut oil turned out to be really good for shaving purposes as it goes on very easily and leaves the skin feeling soft and well moisturised. It is also less expensive than most shaving creams and lotions.
However a warning note be very careful using it in the bath or shower as it can make those surfaces very slippery and oily and difficult to clean. So i would suggest using it outside of the bath or shower for safety.
Coconut Oil For Hands, Nails and Cuticles.
I love it for my hands especially after gardening and decorating It is very good for dry hands. Just make sure that you can rest and allow it to sink in for a while before you need to do anything. I also use it on my nails and cuticles to condition them.
Important Patch Testing
Even natural products can cause reactions to some peoples skin, so before using any new products it is advisable to do a patch test. A simple patch test at home can help you stay safe. This is something i do with all new products now.
- Test only one new product at a time on clean dry skin.
- Start by applying a tiny amount to a small area of skin that you can monitor easily , for example your wrist and then wash it off immediately.
- Watch for any reaction, if there is anything including a rash, soreness, spots, swelling or any reaction you do not like do not use the product again. Wash thoroughly with a gentle known product.
- If there is no reaction that time then on another day apply the product again and leave for a little longer. Again watch for reactions , if none wash off again. Try the following day and gradually increase the time the product is on the skin.
- Stop immediately if you notice spots, redness, blisters, itching, or swelling.
- Consult a healthcare professional if you get a reaction.
**Professional patch testing gives more accurate and detailed results and is more involved.
**If you are currently experiencing any skin issues it is best to consult a Dr before trying to change products without knowing exactly what you are allergic to.
**Consult a healthcare professional if you are at all unsure if a product is safe for you.
So Coconut oil became a key part of my skincare. I never expected to find it so useful, neither did my husband but now we both really like it. With my very sensitive, allergic skin it, along with a few other products has become a core part of my skincare routine.
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Reviewing How Coconut Oil Helps My Sensitive Skin by Raintree Annie
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