Coconut oil is derived from coconuts, an oil that is saturated and often considered “unhealthy” in terms of nutrition. Coconut oil contains many fatty acids, primarily lauric acid. It is believed that these acids, especially lauric acid, can provide many benefits to the skin, including helping conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin.
Is coconut oil good for your skin?
Many people use coconut oil to treat skin issues such as acne and eczema. The benefits of coconut oil may include moisturizing – a significant advantage in winter when the cold air outside and dry air inside, thanks to the heating system at home, can cause flaky and irritated skin.
Moisturizing dry skin
Applying coconut oil to the skin can help increase moisture levels. A recent review published in 2020 found that using pure coconut oil helps increase skin moisture levels by nearly 25% – not bad. Try applying coconut oil to the skin through a product or directly to enhance hydration and help you look more beautiful.
Reducing inflammation
When the protective barrier is damaged, invaders can penetrate quicker, and inflammation can occur, causing irritation. Inflammation is also a characteristic sign of skin conditions, including psoriasis and eczema. Topically applying coconut oil may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Considerations when applying coconut oil
You can find coconut oil in skincare products, such as moisturizers. However, people can also directly apply coconut oil to the skin. First, you’ll want to choose the right type of coconut oil. Most studies on the benefits of using coconut oil for the skin revolve around pure or extra-virgin coconut oil. Choose one of these types if you’re applying coconut oil directly to the skin instead of using a product containing this ingredient.
Apply a small amount of coconut oil to slightly damp skin (pat dry with a towel after showering). After a few days of patch testing, you can apply more liberally, avoiding the eye area. If you experience any irritation, redness, or rashes, discontinue use.
Coconut oil can help with dryness, inflammation, and acne. You can find coconut oil in skincare products, but you can also apply the oil directly to the skin.