Sonam Kapoor recently posted a picture of all of her self-care products on Instagram. That got me digging. What are her secrets anyway — apart from the products? That’s when I stumbled upon something. Sonam once mentioned something about applying Coconut Oil on certain parts of the face before going in with makeup.
But there’s a reason why I approach the hack with caution. Most of us don’t know that the oil is not all that skin-friendly — that it can actually hurt your skin in the process. I’ve roped in Dr Madhuri Agarwal, Founder and Medical Director of Yavana Skin Aesthetics, to break this down.
In this video, Sonam talks about applying a little bit of coconut oil all over the lips, eyelids, and eyebrows. She even layers it on as a lip balm before going in with lipstick to prime and smooth over the surface for better application. How safe is this hack? Let’s find out.
Coconut Oil Isn’t The Best DIY Remedy. Here’s Why
This is not to say that it cannot moisturise the skin or calm inflammation and rashes on the face. It can. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. It isn’t meant for all skin types.
According to Dr Madhuri Agrawal, Coconut Oil is not free of drawbacks. It is comedogenic in nature. This means that it can clog your pores — which can, then, lead to an increase in blackheads, whiteheads, and acne. This is why it’s a no-no for acne-prone and oily skin.
She even mentions that it can cause milia on the thinner parts of the face — like the under-eye area. This includes the area around the lips too. This is because it can trap keratin in your pores and encourage the development of white/yellow bumps on the skin. That’s milia for you.
That’s not it. Coconut Oil can moisturise the skin by preventing water loss from the surface, but it’s not a good humectant. It cannot hold this water for too long. It actually repels water. Without layering on a moisturiser, you might actually end up with drier lips and skin by the end of the day.
See? Now you know where my scepticism was coming from. That’s why knowing your skin type is important.
Featured Image: Instagram
