‘Coconut oil, 7 on 10’: Dermatologist rates popular oils based on their skin and hair benefits

Castor oil, 5 on 10. Used for thickening eyebrows and eyelashes. But studies performed have not proven that. And it’s too heavy for the scalp for daily usage.

Rosehip oil, 8 on 10. Rich in antioxidants, it brightens your skin, has anti-ageing benefits, and is the only oil I recommend for facial massaging,” she mentioned in the video.

Is this true?

Dr Soma Sarkar, Lead Dermatologist and Co-Founder at SkinBB, Delhi, gave us a rundown of the benefits of each oil for skin and haircare purposes:

1) Coconut oil

Used for barrier repair and deep moisturization, it can also exhibit some antimicrobial activities. The oil contains a medium-chain fatty acid, known as Lauric Acid, which helps safeguard from external and environmental damage by forming a protective layer. It is extremely beneficial for dry, dehydrated, flaky, and itchy skin, as well as mild eczemas and psoriasis.

However, patients with acne should strictly avoid it because it can clog pores and add to breakouts. It is only meant for minor cuts, abrasions, and for very dry and flaky skin.

Rosehip oil can also be used to strengthen the hair, with the help of a gentle soothing massage. (Source: Freepik)

2) Jojoba oil

This very light oil can serve as a light moisturizer and also coat very dry, frizzy hair strands. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and can also remove waterproof and greasy makeup, such as eyeliner and mascara.

3) Castor oil

A very thick oil that should be used sparingly on eyebrows and eyelashes — otherwise, it’s a complete no to use on other parts. I don’t recommend castor oil because it can be occlusive, which can give you more breakouts and folliculitis if the skin is massaged. Castor oil works on frizzy hair with damaged, dry, and split cuticles.

4) Argan oil

It is a cold-pressed oil extracted from the seeds. Argan oils can be used sparingly on the skin and hair, as they nourish the skin, help soothe dehydrated skin, and work as an anti-redness or anti-inflammatory agent. Argan oil is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help nourish your skin.

Argan oil is also used as a leave-in conditioner after hair wash. Just a drop on the wet hair can add shine and lustre to your hair, especially colour-treated hair.

5) Rosehip oil

Rosehip oil helps to hydrate the skin and also adds a nice sheen and glow to the face. You can add a single drop of the oil on the face at night after the actives have been applied. Rosehip can be applied once a week or every 15 days. Rosehip oil is also very helpful when it comes to soothing cuts on the skin and can also be used in a post-procedural skin that is very inflamed. It can also be used to strengthen the hair, with the help of a gentle soothing massage.