Written by Rheana Murray
It’s no secret that coconut oil can do amazing things, from replacing more expensive moisturizers to speeding up the healing process of superficial wounds.
But some of the recommendations we’ve heard sound too good to be true – coconut oil as sunscreen…really? So TODAY teamed up with some experts to find out what the oil can really do and what tips are snake oil.
Here is information on 10 common claims.
- Coconut oil soothes frizzy hair.
True! This trick really works, says hairstylist and New York City salon owner Nunzio Saviano. Warm coconut oil (about $10 on Amazon) in your palms, then simply massage it in. Wash off after a few hours.
“The molecules in coconut oil are small enough that they penetrate the hair follicles,” she explains. “It wicks moisture in. It makes hair look nice and healthy. When your hair is dehydrated, that’s when you get flyaways and really frizzy hair.”
- You can use coconut oil as a sunscreen.
False. Don’t do it, warns celebrity dermatologist Doris Day. But to protect your skin, pick up the top sunscreens recommended by Consumer Reports.
“It may provide some sun protection benefits, but it can’t replace your sunscreen,” says Day. “I won’t risk it.”
- Coconut oil can replace your moisturizer.
Coconut oil is very moisturizing and safe to use on the face, Day says, and is suitable for all skin types.
“Even if you have oily skin, if you apply a thin layer, it will help control oil,” she adds.
- If you cook with coconut oil, you will lose weight.
You might, but nutritionist Dana James reminds us that it’s not that easy. Coconut oil has the same amount of calories, fat and different types of fat compared to other oils, such as olive, he said.
“Weight loss can be complex, and adding coconut oil to your diet without changing anything else isn’t enough,” says James.
But coconut oil’s high saturated fat content can help curb appetite, he adds.
