From the Guidelines
Coconut oil is a beneficial natural moisturizer for the skin that can be applied directly to the body and face, with its medium-chain fatty acids like lauric acid providing antimicrobial properties and helping to strengthen the skin barrier 1.
Key Benefits of Coconut Oil for the Skin
- Deeply hydrating and potentially anti-inflammatory properties
- May help with conditions like eczema and dry skin
- Contains medium-chain fatty acids like lauric acid with antimicrobial properties
- Can be used daily as part of a skincare routine, particularly after showering when skin is most receptive to moisture
Precautions and Considerations
- Those with oily or acne-prone skin should use it cautiously as it can be comedogenic (pore-clogging) for some people
- Perform a patch test by applying a small amount to your inner forearm and waiting 24 hours to check for any adverse reactions
- For facial use, consider starting with nighttime application to see how your skin responds
Recommended Usage
- Use virgin or unrefined coconut oil for best results
- Apply a small amount (about a teaspoon for the face or a tablespoon for the body) to clean, slightly damp skin
- Coconut oil can be used in conjunction with other skincare products, but it's essential to follow a consistent skincare routine and monitor your skin's response to the oil. It's also worth noting that while coconut oil has several benefits for the skin, its effects on skin health can vary depending on individual skin types and conditions. Therefore, it's crucial to be aware of your skin's specific needs and adjust your usage accordingly. Additionally, more recent studies, such as those published in 2020 1, have highlighted the importance of considering the processing and quality of coconut oil when evaluating its effects on human health.
From the Research
Effects of Coconut Oil on the Skin
- Coconut oil has been shown to be as effective and safe as mineral oil when used as a moisturizer, with significant improvement in skin hydration and increase in skin surface lipid levels 2.
- Topical use of coconut oil has been found to help in the prevention and treatment of atopic dermatitis, with limited studies available to conclude its effects 3.
- Application of virgin coconut oil on the skin of preterm newborns has been found to improve skin maturity, prevent sepsis and hypothermia, and promote better neurodevelopmental outcomes 4.
- Coconut oil is rich in natural emollients and vital fatty acids that hydrate and moisturize the skin, making it a popular ingredient in cosmeceutical products 5.
- In vitro studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of virgin coconut oil, with potential benefits for skin care formulations 6.
Benefits for Specific Skin Conditions
- Atopic dermatitis: coconut oil may help in prevention and treatment, although more studies are needed to confirm its effects 3.
- Xerosis: coconut oil has been shown to improve skin hydration and increase skin surface lipid levels, making it a potential treatment option 2.
- Skin maturity in preterm newborns: application of virgin coconut oil has been found to improve skin maturity and promote better neurodevelopmental outcomes 4.