The high fat content of coconut oil has been shown to help improve certain skin conditions by healing wounds, reducing rashes and preventing acne. The results of these two studies indicate that virgin coconut oil may be more effective than refined coconut oil at preventing oxidation and neutralizing free radicals, which can damage cells and lead to inflammation and disease. ... TRENDING ON BODY+SOUL. The two-week study found that coconut oil significantly improved skin hydration and was just as effective as mineral oil (18). Next, take into consideration your skin type as coconut oil is naturally comedogenic due to its ability to lock in moisture. “Good for your skin, not good in your body.” Cardiologist Dr. Stephen Kopecky says coconut oil is not good for your heart health, because it raises bad cholesterol. In fact, test-tube and animal studies have shown that lauric acid is more effective than benzoyl peroxide at preventing the growth of acne-causing bacteria (16). While some think coconut oil clogs pores, considerable research shows it might actually help treat acne. Several studies have demonstrated that coconut oil may also aid wound healing. Coconut oil is good for your skin because of its natural antibacterial properties, but it may increase breakouts in acne-prone skin. However, based on these studies, coconut oil shows great potential in its ability to reduce inflammation when consumed or applied to the skin. 1) It’s, like, the best oil for cooking. / Ayesha Muttucumaru, September 17th 2018 What Causes Sunken Cheeks and Can They Be Treated? But there may be a saving grace. Coconut oil can be an effective moisturizer and aid in the treatment of dry skin and eczema. Coconut oil for skin is a very light moisturizer that sinks in quickly, which appeals to a lot of people because it doesn’t leave a greasy feeling on the skin. Well, Coconuts can be sometimes useful and sometimes harmful. And, bonus: If you are sheepish about buying KY at the store, using coconut oil saves you the embarrassment, as you only need to make a trip to kitchen. Furthermore, capric acid is another medium-chain fatty acid found in coconut oil, although to a lesser extent. Because coconut oil and its components may help reduce inflammation in the body, it may also aid in the treatment of acne. “Using coconut oil for cooking is great as it’s a very stable and healthy oil with many benefits for general health when taken orally; so people might feel that they ought to use something ‘natural’ on their skin too. Like lauric acid, capric acid has been shown to have potent antimicrobial properties. Coconut has become the superfood of today. But it shouldn’t be used on your face. / Ayesha Muttucumaru  (Coconut oil can withstand higher heat without going rancid like other healthy oils, such as olive oil). Get The Gloss is the online destination for expert health and beauty. One animal study looked at how coconut oil applied to the skin affected wound healing in rats. From decreasing levels of LDL cholesterol to improving brain function in Alzheimer’s patients, coconut oil is associated with a multitude of health benefits (1, 2). Coconut oil may be good for the skin because it is rich in oils and very moisturizing. In our experience, experts have been hesitant to recommend it, including Dr Williams. (5, 6, 7) Unlike mineral oil, coconut oil will … c) “Emollients (which improve the appearance of the skin by smoothing ‘flaky’ skin cells).” “While coconut oil is a very good occlusant, it does not have humectant properties (it’s in fact an anti-humectant, as coconut oil repels water),” Dr Williams explains. Made up of medium-chain-length fatty acids, essentially it provides a teaspoon of much-needed moisture to the driest of dermal zones. For example, those who have oily skin may want to avoid doing so, as it may block pores and cause blackheads. Dry processing involves drying coconut meat to create kernels, pressing them to extract the oil, then bleaching and deodorizing them. Coconut oil also has another fatty acid called capric acid which has antimicrobial characteristics. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. One study in patients with mild to moderately dry skin compared the effects of coconut oil to mineral oil, a type of oil made from petroleum that’s often used to treat dry skin. Another study found similar results, showing that coconut oil led to a 68% decrease in eczema severity, making it significantly more effective than mineral oil in the treatment of eczema (20). Coconut Oil Can Moisturize Dry Skin In addition to its effects on acne and inflammation, applying coconut oil to your skin can also help keep it hydrated. It can create an itchy rash and may be caused by deodorant ingredients, such as…, Although often a sign of natural aging, sunken cheeks could be the result of other factors, including illness, diet, or personal habits. Subscribe to our newsletter About us Jobs at GTG Our columnists Our team Contact us Link to GTG PressRSS feedAdvertising & Partnerships Terms & ConditionsPrivacy Policy, Developments are already being seen in the field, Why everyone's buying aloe vera for homemade hand sanitiser, Why witch hazel could be making your skin concerns worse, 10 must-have products for anyone suffering from eczema, Black seed oil: how this ancient anti-inflammatory elixir could boost digestion, weight loss and even hair health. It has also been shown to help treat eczema, a skin condition characterized by scaly, itchy rashes. The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil have antimicrobial properties that can help protect against harmful microorganisms. The majority seems to bias against refined coconut oil and consider it a bad product for skin care. At the end of the 45-day study, virgin coconut oil had improved antioxidant status and prevented oxidative stress to the greatest extent (14). Another test-tube study demonstrated the anti-fungal effects of capric acid, showing that it was able to inhibit the growth of certain types of fungi (10). "Coconut oil is highly comedogenic and it forms a barrier on your skin that can block and suffocate pores. A study comparing the effects of olive oil and coconut oil in 52 adults with eczema found that applying coconut oil helped reduce dryness, in addition to helping treat eczema (19). © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Excess oil is one of the main contributors to … ... confusing as to whether the ingredient is good or bad for your skin. Learn all…. we will remove it. for more details about coconuts you may see it here >>http://www.beautyepic.com/benefits-of-cocnut-oil/ . “However, we have many more sophisticated moisturisers for dry skin available these days which combine synergistic emollients and humectants, so I would always prefer to use these.”, Dr Williams recommends a cocktail of skincare staples in a moisturiser that helps to both attract and retain moisture. Along with lauric acid, capric acid has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. What’s more, coconut oil may ease inflammation by improving antioxidant status. All rights reserved. In addition to its effects on acne and inflammation, applying coconut oil to your skin can also help keep it hydrated. we have many more sophisticated moisturisers for dry skin available these days. Numerous studies have shown that lauric acid, which accounts for nearly half of the fatty acids in coconut oil, has been shown to kill off the strain of bacteria linked to acne (8, 16). Find out how to master the art of layering your skincare here. Can Powdered Vitamin C Improve the Health of Your Facial Skin? Liked this? As we’ve seen though, there is a growing demand for a greater choice of natural and organic beauty products. Health-wise yes, beauty-wise, they may have been superseded by more modern technologies. “Coconut oil is very hydrating, so it does offer benefits for people with dry skin (and possibly mild eczema),” says Dr Stefanie Williams, Dermatologist and Medical Director of Eudelo. In addition to improving wound healing, its antimicrobial properties may also prevent infection, one of the major risk factors that can complicate the healing process (26). And, as coconut oil is so good as a food, they assume it must be great for topical application also. With a shift from man-made to homemade - the world of natural beauty is blooming. Although the health benefits of eating coconut oil are well-studied, research on its effects on the skin is mostly limited to animal or test-tube studies. If you chuck a load of hot water down there that will only take it so far. In one study, researchers applied virgin coconut oil to the inflamed ears of rats. The human digestive system is the means by which tissues and organs receive nutrients to function. A meta-analysis of a suite of experiments have conclusively shown that butter and coconut oil, in terms of raising the amount of bad cholesterol in your body, are just as bad as each other. With up to 80-90 per cent saturated fat, hesitation at labelling it 'healthy' is understandable. Powdered vitamin C is thought to be more stable than other forms of vitamin C. Here’s how it works and when you may want to use it. In fact, several studies have even found it might have benefits for skin health as well. In terms of how best to apply it as a moisturiser, less is definitely more (that is, if you even choose to apply it at all). You won’t pay a penny more, but the small commission helps Get The Gloss to continue to bring you content every day. It … A fascinating ingredient that has a great deal of history and nostalgia attached to it, its popularity has been heavily influenced by not only the way we eat, but culture too. Coconut oil is one of the thicker oils, and the thicker the oil, the harder it is to get adequately absorbed by your skin, so it essentially sits on top of the dermis and forms a film over the pore. This can in turn help soothe rashes, and heal dry, flaky skin. While coconut oil is hydrating, this takes place by trapping moisture under the skin, which means the pores are clogged. They have become more common in recent years, as some people in the medical…. July 24th 2016 Jock itch has an identifiable smell that is due to the fungal overgrowth present on the body. “Coconut oil is comedogenic, despite what many people will want to make you believe,” cautions Dr Williams. It’s everywhere…in our skin care, in our foods, shampoos, moisturizers, toothpaste, and even in our frying pan! That said, if you have oily or highly sensitive skin, consider adding coconut oil to your diet instead to take advantage of its benefits. Here’s what to know about it before you decide whether or not it should have a place in your routine. As Senior Beauty Analyst at Mintel, Charlotte Libby points out, “When it comes to natural ingredients, in the past few years beauty markets have seen the use of botanical oils, such as coconut oil, in beauty routines blossom, at the same time as their popularity in cooking and baking has increased.” It seems what’s inside is heavily influencing what we put on the outside too. Here's how to identify it, as well as the other symptoms…, According to FDA regulations, sunscreen has a shelf life of 3 years. Virgin coconut oil may be a better choice than refined coconut oil, given that it provides added health benefits like improved antioxidant status. If you have oily or highly sensitive skin, make sure to start slowly to assess your tolerance, and consult with a dermatologist if you have any concerns. As with most things, trial and error may be the best approach to determine if coconut oil works for you. Furthermore, the antibacterial properties of the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil could also help reduce acne. It’s frequently used in cooking or applied directly to the skin and hair. Well, just because they call it “refined coconut oil” doesn’t mean it’s bad for your skin. We are also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. “It can be quite sticky though. And in terms of skincare, it’s now more in-demand than ever. a rise in consumer interest in natural ingredients, due to people wanting to get involved in the process of creating their own beauty products. Would it still be a dermatologist’s first choice in the rehydration stakes? / Ali Hunter, June 1st 2018 In wet processing, coconut oil is obtained from raw coconut meat — instead of dried — to create virgin coconut oil. Oral frenectomies are relatively simple, quick in-office procedures. “Coconut oil is very hydrating, so it does offer benefits for people with dry skin (and possibly mild eczema),” says Dr Stefanie … Lauric acid in coconut oil has moisturizing and hormone-balancing properties. Coconut oil should always be used in its purest form especially if you are going to put it on our face. That being said though, not all coconut oils are created equal and Dr Williams recommends looking out for the following qualities: “If you decide to use coconut oil, make sure to go for extra virgin, unrefined and organic ones,” she advises, thereby avoiding any unnecessary additives and processes that may deviate away from the natural product, i.e. All opinions expressed in product reviews are our own. If you have acne-prone or oily skin and should avoid using coconut oil on your face, Jeffy recommends applying it to areas with thicker skin, such as the elbows, knees, feet, nails, and cuticles. Another key part of its popularity also interestingly lies in the link between diet and skincare. And it’s the reason coconut oil has a bad rap from many health officials. It’s more amber than green lit by Dr Williams. Interestingly, coconut oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. This is due to its lauric acid content, which makes up nearly 50% of the fatty acids in coconut oil and can fight harmful microorganisms. Seems like a tricky combination to be able to track down, but due to its increased demand, it’s easier than many may think with retailers such as Holland & Barrett, Whole Foods and Amazon all stocking it. If you find it abusive please kindly inform us. Its anti-inflammatory effect works wonders for soothing skin ailments. Additionally, if you have sensitive skin, use a small amount or try applying it only to a small section of skin to make sure it doesn’t cause irritation or blocked pores. Other than its more natural roots, what further properties have given coconut oil such a cult following? Keeping your skin hydrated can help preserve its function as a barrier to keep out bacteria, promote the healing of scars and maintain overall skin integrity (21, 22, 23). This process forms refined coconut oil, which has a more neutral scent and higher smoke point (27). Cold pressed, unrefined coconut oil is the way to go. Another animal study showed that coconut oil combined with an antibiotic applied to the skin was effective at healing burn wounds (25). Animal studies have shown that coconut oil may help accelerate wound healing. Coconut oil contains saturated fats, which may help repair your skin’s natural barrier and trap in moisture. Improve in Overall Health of Skin and Hair. What you discover may surprise you. This helps retain the coconut scent and results in a lower smoke point (27). “Apart from hydrating and mild anti-inflammatory effects, it also has anti-bacterial properties,” she explains; it is this latter quality specifically that studies have credited for soothing cases of mild eczema in particular. Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids, which are a form of saturated fat. Coconut oil is a highly saturated oil that is traditionally made by extracting the oil from raw coconuts or dried coconut kernels (3). Coconut oil is a very, very stable fat that is not prone to going bad. This article looks at the evidence to examine whether coconut oil is good for skin. “With food there is a big trend for ‘clean eating’ and organic produce at the moment (which I fully support),” says Dr Williams. It’s rich in saturated fat and medium-chain fatty acids, especially lauric acid. “I really don’t endorse using it, as there are much better options. We found out if its benefits are all they’re cracked up to be. We asked experts to give us a definitive answer on whether coconut oil really is good for your skin. However, coconut oil may be linked to some potential benefits for skin, including reducing inflammation, keeping skin moisturized and helping heal wounds. Dry hair is a common problem among men. Fat is not bad for you, but almost all the fat that is commonly eaten these days – like nasty vegetable oils and trans fats – are very damaged and processed which makes them really bad for your body and skin. “It can be used if there is no alternative available,” she says. The fatty acids found in coconut oil include (4): Coconut oil is used in cooking but can also be applied to the skin or hair. It found that treating the wounds with virgin coconut oil sped up healing, improved antioxidant status and increased levels of collagen, an important protein that aids in wound healing (24). Another test-tube study showed that lauric acid can kill off Propionibacterium acnes, a type of bacteria that leads to the development of inflammatory acne (8). “Application to the body and scalp is fine for skin hydration if you don’t have anything better,” she says. It was the subject of countless articles and blog posts […] beauty markets have seen the use of botanical oils, such as coconut oil, in beauty routines blossom, However, while effective for drier skin types, not all skin types benefit equally. Jeez, drains go far beyond your front door. Keep reading! Dry skin. Coconut oil for skin might get mixed reviews, but I knew I was going to give it a shot, because its many benefits are well documented. Made up of medium-chain-length fatty acids, essentially it provides a teaspoon of much-needed moisture to the driest of dermal zones. So, if prevention, defense and free radical protection are your primary objectives when it comes to your skincare regime, your money and expectations may be better placed in more active-focused formulations found in other beauty products on the market. If your hair tends to be dry, you may want to try changing your hair care routine. A 2009 animal study found that virgin coconut oil improved antioxidant status and increased ability to neutralize disease-causing free radicals, compared to refined coconut oil (28). A few years ago, coconut oil was THE “It” beauty ingredient. Acne is an inflammatory condition, and many of the medications used to treat it work by targeting and reducing inflammation (15). Another test-tube study showed that virgin coconut oil had a greater amount of inflammation-reducing antioxidants, as well as an improved ability to fight free radicals, compared to refined coconut oil (27). What Causes Some Men to Have Dry, Brittle Hair and How to Treat It, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. Reality: “While coconut oil is soothing and contains lauric acid, it is never a good idea to put any oil on broken skin. This is especially important for skin health, as many types of skin infections, including acne, cellulitis, folliculitis and athlete’s foot, are caused by bacteria or fungi (6). Developments are already being seen in the field but time and technology will only tell if they’ll finally be able to match up to, and perhaps one day overtake, their more synthetic beauty competitors. / Ayesha Muttucumaru. Coconut oil’s saturated fat is made up mostly of … Keep in mind, though – since coconut oil is oil-based, it can break down latex, which means that it … Coconut oil could potentially clog pores. Coconut oil offers all sorts of skin benefits, but it’s not a perfect ingredient. We work with leading makeup artists, hair stylists, nutritionists, personal trainers, trichologists and wellness practitioners to bring our readers the expert view on news and trends in beauty and wellness, and create specialist guides to help you be your happiest, healthiest self. It can clog the pores and irritate the skin and make the condition worse,” says Berenice Rothenberg, a certified clinical electrologist (CCE) and licensed cosmetologist practicing in New York. While refined coconut oil may be better suited for cooking at high temperatures, virgin coconut oil is a better choice in terms of skin health. 1 comment, Coconut oil is the superfood on many a health guru’s lips, but does its superstar status extend to the world of skincare too? “Coconut oil should also be strictly avoided in anybody suffering with breakouts, as it will aggravate both acne and rosacea.”, MORE GLOSS: 10 non-comedogenic makeup switch-ups, So breakout-prone skin should beware, but what about other skin types? The medium-chain fatty acids found in coconut oil also possess antimicrobial properties that can help treat acne and protect the skin from harmful bacteria. Did you know these 11 foods that are bad for your skin? A 2013 animal study fed rats different types of oil, including coconut oil, olive oil and sunflower oil. While research shows coconut oil can benefit skin health, applying it to the skin may not be ideal for everyone. Affiliate links disclosure: Throughout Get The Gloss we occasionally use affiliate links in our content in order to earn commission on anything our readers might buy via those links. The system breaks down food, extracts nutrients…. “And apply a very thin layer only.”, MORE GLOSS: Roaccutane for acne - a skin specialist’s view, What about other parts of the body? “Forty years ago, a study was done looking at butter, lard, beef suet or coconut oil. However, skincare is different to food - ‘natural’ does not automatically mean better in the skincare arena.”, She adds, “Coconut oil has been used on the skin for centuries and it has hydrating effects. Coconut oil is a type of fat that has been touted for its health-promoting properties. One study tested the antibacterial properties of 30 types of fatty acids against 20 different strains of bacteria. You shouldn’t just be concerned about what coconut oil does to your drains, you should dispose of it with respect to the environment as a whole!! In Mintel’s latest Women’s Facial Skincare Report, it was found that 53% of UK women who use facial skincare products had used products with natural ingredients to care for their skin in the last 12 months. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Since the side effect burden of coconut oil is low, it could be a reasonable option for patients with dermal infections. Caffeine. Led by founders Susannah Taylor and Sarah Vine, our editorial team works with our favourite writers and industry insiders from Amelia Freer to Peta Bee and Imogen Edwards-Jones, and with some of the world's leading brands in beauty and wellness, from Chanel and Estée Lauder to Barrecore and Hello Fresh - to bring you all the information and inspiration you need for skincare, haircare, makeup, fitness and nutrition in one place. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of coconut oil and its components could help treat acne. To get the best results, coconut oil should be applied directly to the skin in areas where acne is found. In fact, there are some that should steer clear of it altogether - specifically, acneic skin types. In fact, there is a good reason why people with oily skin should avoid using it on their face. Animal studies have shown that coconut oil may relieve inflammation by improving antioxidant status and decreasing oxidative stress. In fact, these medium-chain fatty acids make up about 65% of its total composition (4). Lauric acid was found to be the most effective at blocking the growth of bacteria (7). Coconut oil is high in lauric acid, which helps kill the bacteria that cause acne. However 300 years ago, we didn’t have the same sophisticated, high-tech skincare we have today, so it was a great home remedy given the lack of alternatives. Not only was coconut oil found to have an anti-inflammatory effect, but it relieved pain as well (12). Continue if you are OK with this or find out more in our Privacy Policy. The effect of coconut oil alone is unclear. Applying coconut oil directly to the skin may prevent the growth of these microorganisms. Chronic inflammation is a major component of many different types of skin disorders, including psoriasis, contact dermatitis and eczema (11). From Joe Wicks’ love of a bit of Lucy Bee to Gwyneth Paltrow’s penchant for a spot of oil pulling, coconut oil has fast become the superfood ingredient many of today’s healthy living gurus can’t live without. The answer: no, not necessarily. However, if you are absolutely determined to use it, I suggest evening use as you should use something with SPF30-50 in the morning,” advises Dr Williams. Coconut oil, in particular, is non-fragrant plant oil that's full of fatty acids, like linoleic acid and lauric acid (more on what those are and how they work for the skin below. bleaching or deodorizing. And, if trends continue on their current trajectories, the innovation and development behind them will surely have to step up to meet the expectations of today’s increasingly savvier beauty consumer. According to Vogue, coconut oil contains a … Read recommendations for how to use apple cider vinegar as a facial cleanser, toner, and spot treatment. whereas, It can be used as a hair oil. This fat content is what turns the oil solid at room temperature, but not all saturated fats are bad and coconut oil may actually encourage your body to burn fat and raise good cholesterol (HDL). Not only does most of the existing research focus specifically on the effects of virgin coconut oil, but there’s also evidence that it may have added health benefits. Using a small amount and slowly testing your tolerance to it is recommended for those with oily or sensitive skin. It’s important to keep in mind that most current research is limited to animal and test-tube studies, so it’s hard to know how these results may translate to humans. Get your health and beauty fix with our newsletter, February 21st 2019 When you eat refined sugar, ... try using herbs (except cayenne) and coconut aminos to flavor your dishes instead. A test-tube study showed that both lauric and capric acid effectively killed off strains of bacteria (9). However, I see no real reason to use coconut oil if you can use something more effective.”. Yet, eating and cooking with coconut oil is generally not a problem for most people. Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Your Face, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, What You Need to Know About Oral Frenectomies. At room temperature it’s solid, but when heated it can soften or even melt. It is easy to apply directly to the skin and poses few known risks. Those with oily, acne prone skin should proceed with caution. The fatty acids found in coconut oil have antimicrobial properties that effectively kill bacteria and fungi. Because it can cause irritation, breakouts, and blemishes, skip using coconut oil as a cleanser, moisturizer, or makeup remover. 6. ... refined sugar may also cause your body to produce more oil and clog your pores. “An ideal moisturiser would contain all of the following three actives to work synergistically:", a) “Humectants (which work by attracting water and holding water in the skin);”, b) “Occlusive agents (which increase the skin’s moisture levels by providing a physical barrier to reduce water evaporation from the skin);”. A 2014 animal and test-tube study showed that both lauric and capric acid were successful in reducing inflammation and preventing acne by killing off bacteria (17). For utmost sun protection, use your sunscreen before the stated expiration date…, Deodorant allergy is a reaction to antiperspirant or deodorant. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. / Furthermore, one of the market research organisation’s biggest trend predictions is that of ‘Gastronomia’; i.e. Early research shows that applying coconut oil to the skin twice daily can improve skin moisture in people with dry skin. Those who have dry skin and/or mild eczema, and those who have a preference for more natural skincare options look to benefit most.