Coconut oil is one of the most versatile oils around. It can be used for cooking, beauty products, hair care products, and even oral products. Because it has so many applications, it’s important to know whether or not coconut oil is a good moisturizer.
The answer to this question is yes. Coconut oil is a natural and effective moisturizer. It helps to retain the moisture of your skin and keep it hydrated. It also helps you to get rid of dry patches, redness, and rashes on your skin.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at everything you need to know about coconut oil as a moisturizer. This includes how it works to moisturize skin, its benefits, and some great tips for applying it to your skin.
How does Coconut Oil Moisturize Skin?
“Coconut oil is a rich source of saturated fats. It contains about 90 percent of this type of fatty acid, which is also known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs, go straight to the skin to lock in moisture,” says Dr. Shari Marchbein, a board-certified dermatologist.
He further explained that coconut oil works to moisturize the skin by penetrating the dermis to seal in hydration and slowing the evaporation of moisture from the surface of the skin.
Since coconut oil is a solid at room temperature, you can apply it to damp skin and it will immediately penetrate your epidermis without leaving any oily residue behind.
Why You Should Moisturize with Coconut Oil
1. It’s anti-aging
The natural antioxidants in coconut oil can fight against free radicals and turn back the hands of time on your skin by reducing wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging.
The medium-chain fatty acids present in coconut oil also help to increase collagen and elastin production in your skin. An increase in your collagen and elastin levels will make your skin plumper and more elastic.
2. It cures acne
In addition to its many benefits, coconut oil is a natural antibacterial. It helps to reduce acne by eliminating unhealthy bacteria on the skin. The fatty acids in coconut oil also help to cleanse your pores by drawing out dead cells that can contribute to acne.
3. It’s a natural cleanser
Coconut oil does not only moisturize skin, it also cleanses the skin. It does this by penetrating your pores to remove dirt and other impurities. This makes it an excellent natural replacement for your cleanser.
You can also use it as a makeup remover if desired. All you have to do is apply a few drops on your face and rinse it off with water after.
4. It helps to soothe the skin
Coconut oil is an effective moisturizer for sensitive skin. Applying a small amount to your face in the morning and before you go to bed, every night will help reduce any redness and irritations on your skin.
It also contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that penetrate deep into your skin to eliminate acne-causing bacteria and other unhealthy microbes.
5. It provides anti-inflammatory benefits
Coconut oil is known for its anti-inflammatory effects on the skin because it contains saturated fatty acids which help reduce inflammation and heal wounds.
It does this by blocking a group of enzymes that produce prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are the chemicals released by your immune system in response to an infection, allergic reaction, or tissue damage. These chemicals, when produced, lead to skin inflammation.
6. It fights against skin conditions like eczema
The moisturizing and antimicrobial properties of coconut oil make it an effective product to moisturize your skin and get rid of dry skin conditions like eczema naturally.
Coconut oil also contains antioxidants and vitamins, which help to brighten your skin and fight off free radicals that can increase the severity of eczema symptoms.
7. It’s a natural exfoliant
Coconut oil has been used for centuries to exfoliate dry, flaky skin. The medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) found in the coconut oil help to exfoliate your skin by removing dirt, makeup, and other impurities for your skin.
In addition, it contains a high level of vitamins and nutrients that help to nourish and moisturize the skin, making it an excellent exfoliant. It also helps to balance the pH levels on your skin’s surface, which assists with overall health and a glowing appearance.
8. It provides sun protection
Although little, coconut oil offers sun protection for your skin. It has an SPF value of 4-6 (depending on the type of coconut oil) which helps provide your skin with extra sunscreen protection.
All you need to do is squeeze a few drops in your palm and apply them to your face. However, it is important to note that coconut oil is not a replacement for sunscreen so ensure to use sunscreen with SPF 30 or more during the daytime.
Best Coconut Oil for Skin
“Virgin, organic, unprocessed coconut oil is the best for the skin. It is extracted from the flesh of the coconut using a method called wet-milling,” explains Dr. Marchbein.
The term “virgin” shows that it has undergone minimal processing with no chemical additives. Unlike refined coconut oils, it is not subjected to high temperatures, chemicals, or solvents in the extraction process.
Virgin coconut oil also has more nutrients than refined coconut oil when applied topically. It also has higher antibacterial properties that help to reduce the spread of acne and also balance the pH levels in your skin.
Risks Associated With Using Coconut Oil
“Coconut oil might clog your pores and cause breakouts, or it might make you break out more than before if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin,” says Marchbein.
In her words, “coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer but its efficacy varies by individuals. For example, some people find it improves their skin’s texture due to its emollient properties while others find it breaks them out”.
There may also be some other rare but serious risks, like allergic reactions or infections. So ensure to stay away from coconut oil and its derivatives if you’re sensitive to coconuts and other types of nuts.
How to Moisturize With Coconut Oil
- Clean your face with a mild cleanser and apply a toner to get rid of all impurities.
- Squeeze 5-6 drops of organic coconut oil on your palms and rub them together to warm up the oil.
- Apply the coconut oil on your face, making sure to cover all areas (avoid your eyes).
- Massage the oil into your skin for about 30 seconds (ensure to cover your jawline, cheeks, and forehead).
- Leave it on for the day or overnight to get all the benefits of coconut oil.
Other Ways to Use Coconut Oil to Moisturize
- Use coconut oil as a spot treatment by applying it to dry and irritated areas on your skin.
- Mix coconut oil with your regular cream or lotion for everyday use.
- Apply a generous amount of coconut oil to your feet to heal calluses and reduce foot odor.
- Relieve sunburns by rubbing a thin layer of coconut oil on the burns.
How to Make Coconut Oil for Moisturizing
- Get a ripe coconut and extract the mature flesh from it.
- Grate the coconut flesh, then pour it into a clean pot.
- Add 1 liter of clean water into the pot containing the shredded flesh.
- Put the pot on a stove and let it boil for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Remove the pot from the stove and let it cool (the liquid formed is coconut milk, which is also beneficial to the skin).
- Pour the coconut milk into a sieve and collect the milk in a small bowl or container.
- Squeeze out the shredded coconut to get any leftover milk, then sieve again.
- Pour the coconut milk into the pot and let it boil again on low heat for about 3 hours.
- Stir the coconut milk at intervals until you get a light brown color.
- Turn off the stove and let the coconut milk cool for a while.
- Transfer the coconut milk into a small jar and cover it with a tight lid.
- Leave the milk for 12-24 hours for the coconut oil to separate.
- Transfer the oil to another container and store it in a safe place
Do not pour away the coconut milk as you can still use it for some other skincare recipes.
FAQs
Does coconut oil reduce wrinkles?
Yes, it does. Coconut oil is a natural oil that helps to reduce wrinkles and fine lines on your skin by increasing the production of collagen and elastin.
These proteins help to increase your skin’s elasticity, thus making wrinkles and all signs of aging disappear. Coconut oil also contains antioxidants that fight against toxins and protect your skin from pollutants that can cause premature aging.
Does coconut oil make skin glow?
Yes, it does. Coconut oil is packed with vitamin E and fatty acids that can help exfoliate dead cells, soothe skin from sun damage, reduce inflammation and even whiten skin.
The best thing about using coconut oil as a moisturizer is that it contains no chemicals or preservatives and is safe to use on your body. This makes it a great alternative to expensive creams and lotions.
Can you use coconut oil on your skin?
Yes, you can. Coconut oil is an effective natural moisturizer and it’s easily one of the best natural remedies for several skin issues.
It’s packed with nutrients like vitamin E, potassium, calcium, and zinc, which all work together to hydrate, brighten and soothe your skin. It’s also non-irritating and you can use it every day.
Conclusion
It’s important to use a natural product to moisturize your skin. Natural ingredients like coconut oil are a great way to keep your skin from being damaged by harsh chemicals.
Coconut oil is also easily absorbed into the skin and is not too greasy. Some people find that this natural oil works well as a replacement for petroleum-based products and expensive moisturizers.
However, there are also some risks associated with using coconut oil. Some people can have an allergic reaction to it or experience acne flare-ups, so keep in mind to do a patch test before adding it to your routine.
Thanks for reading.
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