8 Skincare Benefits of Coconut Oil Proven in Science

Coconut oil is widely used in cosmetic and hair care products and is widely touted as a potent remedy. As far as skincare is concerned, this exotic fruit enjoys a great deal of attention as it is added to all kinds of formulas from moisturizers, cleansers, facial oils, and the list goes on. Yes, Coconut oil is one of the best skincare products out there because of its rich in good-for-the-skin actives. However, many people should steer clear of it. What do you think? Buckle up because there’s a lot to unpack; we’re breaking down all the benefits of coconut oil in skincare, who can use it and who to avoid it, and why all the buzz around it.

Tell me the meaning of coconut oil?

Coconut oil is not surprisingly extracted from coconuts. It can be obtained by cold-pressing fresh coconut — called virgin coconut oil — which is believed to retain more nutrients, the reason it’s the best in skincare. Also, refined coconut oil involves heating, processing, and filtering, reducing some of its properties.

Coconut oil contains 90 fatty acids. More than half of it is lauric acid. 1. Lauric Acid is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Coconut oil has the ability to fight bacteria and inflammation. In addition, coconut oil contains vitamin E tocopherol, which has antioxidant and emollient properties. [3]

Coconut oil helps in skin growth and condition.

Can coconut oil be beneficial for the skin?

Coconut oil acts as an occlusive, which means it sits on the top layer of the skin and traps moisture. In turn, this increases moisture retention and reduces water loss, making the skin appear plumper and hydrated.
Coconut oil reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles and is therefore widely used in anti-aging products.
As the richest source of lauric, acid, the most potent anti-microbial saturated fat acid, coconut oil can kill bacteria and protect the skin from microorganisms, which may lead to skin infections.
Coconut oil provides a soothing and emollient feeling on the skin. Contains about 2 linoleic acids rich in omega-6. As such, coconut oil is beneficial for speeding up the repair of the barrier, making it a go-to for dry, cracked, sensitive skin and dermatitis. [3] Coconut oil is effective at removing makeup because of its oily texture, attracts buildup and debris, and also because of its antibacterial benefits. Liquify the coconut oil in your hands, gently rub it on your face, and rinse with lukewarm water. once the makeup and dirt have melted away,
The effect of coconut oil on transepidermal water loss tewl is related to its ability to act like an occlusive that traps moisture inside the oil. [4] Coconut oil is rich in the antioxidant properties of tocopherols, flavonoids, polyphenols, and fatty acids. 3. It gives coconut oil the ability to fight free radicals which would otherwise lead to oxidative stress and premature skin aging.
Coconut oil soothes skin reliefs discomfort and relieves irritation. This has to do with its high content of skin-repairing actives, its ability to help skin hold onto moisture,, but also due to its emollient properties that soften cracked, damaged skin, speeding up repair.

Who can use coconut oil?

Anybody who wants deep moisture and plump skin can use coconut oil in their routine except for oily and acne-prone skin. Coconut oil is a comedogenic oil, meaning it can clog your pores and increase the chances of blackheads and pimples.

Side effects of coconut oil.

There have not been any reported side effects from using coconut oil on the skin, and its generally considered a safe and gentle ingredient which can be used by anyone. As stated above, the only exception is acne-prone skin, so if your skin is prone to congestion, you should avoid using coconut oil on your face and opt for non-comedogenic oils such as Grapeseed, Hempseed, and Rosehip. But anybody can use coconut oil on the body.

References.

Women’s Concepts uses reliable sources, including dermatologists’, insights, clinical trials, and scientific journals, to find accurate information and support all the facts shared in our articles. All claims and statements have clear and reliable references. Read our editorial policy to learn more about our sources of information, our process of researching and fact-checking the content, and how our team strives to keep all articles updated, completed, and trustworthy.

References:

1. Jj. Mccarty Mf Dinicolantonio. Medium-chain triglycerides rich in lauric acid can substitute for other oils in cooking applications and may have a limited pathogenicity. Open Heart. 2016 Jul 27, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4975867/
2. Nakatsuji T, Kao Mc Fang, Jy Zouboulis cc, Zhang L. Gallo Rl Huang Cm. Antimicrobial property of lauric acid against Propionibacterium Acnes: its therapeutic potential for Iit’smmatory Acne Vulgaris. Invest Dermatol. 2009 Oct, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2772209/
   3.. Science Direct, Coconut oil, Coconut oil and don’txidative neuroprotection, https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/coconut-oil
   4.. The effect of topical Virgin Coconut oil on the Scorad Index: transepidermal water loss and skin capacitance in mild to moderate pediatric atopic Dermatitis. A randomized double-blind. J Dermatol. 2014, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ijd.12339