Is Coconut Oil Good for Your Skin?
Is coconut oil good for your skin? Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, coconut oil can hydrate the skin and may also help reduce inflammation. While it can be a great moisturizer, dermatologists say it’s not ideal for all skin types. Is it ok to use coconut oil on your face? Who should not use coconut oil on face? We answer all your questions about using coconut oil on your skin.
Read on to hear all about the benefits, how to use, is coconut oil good for skin and the best skincare products that contain coconut oil.
What is Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil, also known as cocos nucifera oil, is a highly saturated oil that is made from the white lining, or kernel, of coconuts. Virgin coconut oil is different to refined coconut oil in that it’s made by cold pressing fresh coconut meat.
At room temperature, coconut oil is solid. When heated or once it reaches 78°F, this edible oil can melt. It’s commonly used in cooking or applied topically to the skin and hair. Coconut oil is also said be useful for skin conditions like eczema thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Packed with medium-chain fatty acids, coconut oil is an excellent hydrator. Hence the reason people slather it over their skin and hair. Some of the fatty acids that coconut oil contains include lauric acid, linoleic acid, myristic acid, and palmitic acid.
You will find coconut oil in a wide range of skincare products, especially those designed for dry skin, including creams and body lotions. The question is, should you include coconut oil in your skincare routine?
Is Coconut Oil Good For Your Skin?
Coconut oil is good for the skin but it isn’t suitable for all skin types. While it offers major moisturizing benefits, coconut oil is highly comedogenic which means it can clog your pores and increase your risk of breakouts. If you have oily skin or acne-prone skin, dermatologists advise against using coconut oil on your skin. That being said, it’s usually okay to use on your body.
Those with dry skin or aging skin can significantly benefit from using coconut oil. Because of its fatty acid content, coconut oil intensely hydrates the skin, alleviating dryness. What’s more, it boasts anti-inflammatory properties which can help to soothe sensitive skin and skin conditions like eczema.
Coconut oil also has antifungal, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties. Interestingly, some dermatologists say these antibacterial properties can be helpful for treating acne. So how can you use coconut oil without clogging pores and increasing your risk of breakouts?
The best way to use coconut oil for oily or acne-prone skin is to use skincare products that contain coconut oil rather than applying pure coconut oil directly to the skin. This way, you get to enjoy the benefits of coconut oil for the skin without increasing your chances of getting or worsening acne.
Benefits of Coconut Oil for Skin
Is coconut oil good for skin? With all its skin-loving properties, coconut oil is indeed good for your skin. However, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, it’s best to use coconut oil sparingly or opt for products that contain small amounts of coconut oil. Here are some of the best skincare benefits of coconut oil.
1: Hydrating
Coconut oil functions as an emollient, which helps to moisturize and nourish the skin. This edible oil is rich in fatty acids, particularly lauric acid, which can deeply penetrate the skin and create a barrier on the skin’s surface, helping to retain moisture. A 2014 clinical study showed that patients with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis who used virgin coconut oil for a period of two months displayed improvement in increased skin hydration.
2: Soothing
Lauric acid, one of the key components in coconut oil, exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory properties. This can be beneficial for individuals dealing with inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis. Applying coconut oil may help reduce redness, swelling, and discomfort associated with these conditions.
3: Improved Barrier Function
The fatty acids found in coconut oil, especially lauric acid, can contribute to the improvement of the skin’s natural barrier function. The skin barrier acts as a protective layer, preventing water loss and shielding the skin from environmental pollutants and irritants. By reinforcing the skin barrier, coconut oil helps enhance the skin’s resilience, making it more resistant to external stressors.
4: Antimicrobial
Coconut oil contains fatty acids, such as lauric acid, capric acid, and caprylic acid, which exhibit strong antimicrobial properties. These compounds can help combat various microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
5: Wound Healing
Thanks to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, coconut oil can be effective for healing wounds. Applying coconut oil to minor cuts, scrapes, or abrasions may help protect against infection while also soothing and promoting the natural healing process of the skin.
The Best Coconut Oil Products for Skin
If you have dry or sensitive skin and you’re looking to reap the moisturizing and anti-inflammatory benefits of coconut oil, try these coconut oil skincare products.
Truly’s Glazed Donut Skin Set
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Achieve a next-level glossy glow with the Glazed Donut Skin Set. Inside, you’ll find a facial serum and cream packed full of coconut oil, grapeseed oil, and vitamin E to drench skin in long-lasting moisture for gorgeously glistening skin.
Truly’s Glass Skin Set
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Clear blemishes, minimize pores with the Glass Skin Set. It features a cleansing balm and serum infused with coconut oil, niacinamide, and jojoba oil to absorb excess oil, unclog pores, and refine skin for a clear and glassy complexion.
Truly’s Vegan Collagen Booster Set
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Meet the ultimate anti-aging routine. You get: a cleanser, serum, mask, plus a body polish and cream developed to soften fine lines, fade discoloration, and brighten the skin. Formulated with retinol, vitamin C, and coconut oil, expect a youthful radiant glow from the very first use.
Truly’s Ultimate Smooth Legend Shave Set
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Get ready for your smoothest shave ever! This luxury 3-step shave kit offers everything you need to get silky smooth all over and 100% ingrown-free. It comes with a pre-shave scrub, whipped shave butter, and after shave oil, plus a 5-blade razor to leave skin irresistibly smooth. Enriched with coconut oil, grape, and lavender.
Types Of Coconut Oil
The two main types of coconut oil are refined coconut oil and virgin coconut oil. Refined coconut oil is produced from dried coconut meat while virgin coconut oil is made from fresh coconuts and may have a higher antioxidant content. For that reason, you’re more likely to enjoy additional skin and health benefits from virgin coconut oil.
How to Use Coconut Oil for Skin
Is coconut oil good for your skin? It sure is! Coconut oil can be a versatile and natural option for skincare. Here are several ways you can use coconut oil for your skin.
1. As a Moisturizer: After showering, apply a small amount of coconut oil to damp skin to seal in moisture. You can also use it as a nighttime moisturizer for your face and body. Just remember to apply to damp skin—and only use a very small amount.
2. As a Makeup Remover: Apply a small amount of coconut oil to a cotton pad and gently wipe away makeup. Coconut oil works like an oil cleanser, breaking up makeup and residue.
3. As a Lip Balm: Rub a small amount of coconut oil onto your lips to keep them moisturized throughout the day.
4. As a Body Scrub: Mix a tablespoon of coconut oil with sugar or salt to create a natural exfoliating scrub. It’s an easy DIY exfoliator that can help buff away dead cells to reveal fresh, glistening skin.
5. Cuticle Oil: Apply a very small amount of coconut oil to your cuticles to keep them soft and moisturized.
Side Effects of Coconut Oil for Skin
According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, coconut oil is safe to use topically. That being said, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you should know that this ingredient can clog your pores and increase the risk of breakouts. For that reason, it’s best to use coconut oil for skin sparingly. Alternatively, choose skincare products that contain coconut oil rather than using it as a raw ingredient on your skin.
Is Coconut Oil Good for Skin?
Thanks to its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, coconut oil can be extremely beneficial for the skin. It’s especially helpful for those with dry, sensitive, or inflamed skin. Some studies even suggest that coconut oil may be useful for treating acne due to its antibacterial properties.
As with all new skincare products, it’s important to pay attention to how your skin responds to topical application. If your skin seems happy and reacts well to coconut oil, you can continue using. If not, reduce your usage or refrain from using. Is coconut oil good for your skin? It certainly is, and it’s definitely worth using to reap the hydrating benefits.
Watch our glowing skin tutorial using our coconut oil-enriched formulas:
