{"id":786,"date":"2024-01-07T16:44:43","date_gmt":"2024-01-07T16:44:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/?p=786"},"modified":"2024-01-07T16:55:21","modified_gmt":"2024-01-07T16:55:21","slug":"coconut-oil-for-nails-before-and-after","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vampy-varnish.com\/coconut-oil-for-nails-before-and-after\/","title":{"rendered":"Coconut Oil For Nails Before And After: Does It Really Work?"},"content":{"rendered":"
Getting long, strong nails that look great can be a challenge. Many people turn to coconut oil, touting its moisturizing and nourishing properties. But does slathering your nails in coconut oil really transform them? Let’s take an evidence-based look at the effects of coconut oil on nails.<\/p>\n
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: Research shows that coconut oil can help strengthen brittle nails and cuticles when used regularly<\/b>. It provides fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants to nourish nails. However, coconut oil alone may not be enough to transform problem nails.<\/p>\n
Using it along with other treatments and nail care best practices leads to the best results.<\/p>\n
Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer for dry, brittle nails. It contains fatty acids that help retain moisture in nails and cuticles. Massaging nails and cuticles with coconut oil every day can improve nail flexibility and strength over time.<\/p>\n
According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science<\/i>, coconut oil was more effective at reducing water loss from skin compared to mineral oil due to its occlusive properties.[1]<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n The moisturizing benefits of coconut oil come from compounds called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). When applied topically, MCTs form a protective barrier on the nails that locks in moisture. This can prevent cracks, chips, and peeling.<\/p>\n Coconut oil is an intensive natural moisturizer that can soften hard, rough cuticles. Gently massaging coconut oil into the cuticles helps loosen and push back cuticle skin. This helps maintain neat, healthy-looking nail beds.<\/p>\n One study found that a nanoemulsion containing coconut oil was effective at reducing cuticle roughness. After 4 weeks of use, cuticle roughness decreased by nearly 44%.[2]<\/a><\/sup> The researchers concluded that coconut oil absorbs well into the nail plate and softens the cuticle area.<\/p>\n Coconut oil provides vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support strong, healthy nail growth. It contains iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, and manganese.[3]<\/a><\/sup> Iron and zinc aid keratin formation to build tough nails, while antioxidants like vitamin E fight damage from free radicals.<\/p>\n One key nutrient coconut oil provides is lauric acid. Research shows that when lauric acid is converted into its derivative form called monolaurin, it has antimicrobial effects against common nail infections.[4]<\/a><\/sup> This suggests coconut oil may help prevent fungal and bacterial nail infections.<\/p>\n Here is a comparison of the nutrients in 1 tablespoon (14g) of coconut oil versus sunflower oil:[5]<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\nSoftens Cuticles<\/h3>\n
Contains Beneficial Nutrients<\/h3>\n