Coconut oil is highly saturated and edible oil extracted from raw or dried coconut kernels. It is 100% fat, and about 80%-90% of it is saturated fat. It contains;
Lauric acid (49%)
Myristic acid (18%)
Palmitic acid (8%)
Caprylic acid (8%)
Capric acid (7%)
Oleic acid (6%)
Linoleic acid (2%)
Stearic acid (2%)
Coconut oil helps to keep the skin smooth and hydrated. It is loaded with natural fats and anti-inflammatory properties. You may use coconut oil for skin issues and improve its texture and appearance.
People commonly use coconut oil for eczema and growth in premature infants. It's also used for psoriasis, obesity, breast cancer, heart disease, and many other conditions.
How Is Coconut Oil Made?
Coconut Oil is made from the white fleshy inner part of coconuts. Virgin or extra virgin coconut oil is made from the fresh flesh, while refined coconut oil generally uses copra, or dried flesh.
The process for making virgin coconut oil involves pressing the fruit via one of several different methods. Expeller-pressed oil is pressed using heat. Cold-pressed uses none, which allows it to hold onto more of its nutrient density.
Refined coconut oil involves pressing the copra, then heating it in order to remove the odor. It’s then processed and filtered to remove any additional bacteria or debris, sometimes using chemicals.
Organic coconut oil means it’s grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or other icky toxins.
Benefits of Coconut Oil on the Skin
1. It hydrates
Coconut oil is made up of medium chain fatty acids that help to reduce dryness and allow your skin to retain moisture.
2. Protects The Skin Barrier
Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties and protects the skin barrier. It may be beneficial in soothing the symptoms of skin disorders like eczema and atopic dermatitis and restore the compromised skin barrier.
3. Moisturizes The Skin
Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid and myristic acid, that softens and moisturizes the skin. It reduces transepidermal water loss to improve skin dryness and texture.
4. It helps to protect skin
Coconut oil provides a protective barrier, shielding skin from environmental toxins, dirt and other environmental pollutants you’re faced with everyday.
5. It smooths skin
Applying coconut oil to your skin has a smoothing, softening effect; and over time, it can actually help to improve your skin’s texture.
6. Removes Makeup
Coconut oil can also be used for oil cleansing to remove makeup. It gently dissolves waterproof makeup and cleanses the skin .
7. It provides antioxidants
With antioxidant and phytonutrient (plant compounds) components, coconut oil for face can help boost your nutrient factor and fight against environmental stressors that accelerate signs of aging.
8. It calms temporary redness
This nutty oil has a soothing, calming effect and can help reduce temporary redness when applied to the skin.
9. It absorbs easily
Coconut oil absorbs into skin easily and swiftly, providing instant hydration and protection.
10. It’s a great base for exfoliants
If you’re into DIY skin care, coconut oil makes a great exfoliant base when mixed with a granular substance like sugar or coarse sea salt. Combine the two ingredients, very gently massage it onto your skin, and wipe with a warm, wet cloth.
11. It soothes irritated skin
If you’re prone to irritations or sensitivity, coconut oil can help to alleviate discomfort and provide soothing relief.
12. Minimizes UV Damage
UV exposure causes sunburn and premature aging. Topical coconut oil can prevent the damaging effects of UV rays on the skin and blocks 20% of the UV radiation
13. Promotes Wound Healing
A study on rats found that virgin coconut oil promoted collagen development and wound healing. The fatty acids and other components in coconut oil stimulate the fibroblasts (collagen-producing cells) and improve the antioxidant enzyme activities to heal wounds.
14. It minimizes the look of fine lines and wrinkles
Coconut oil can help to diminish the signs of aging when used regularly. By hydrating and softening the skin, it works to make those little lines and wrinkles appear far less obvious.
Ways To Use Coconut Oil For Skin
1. Oil Cleanser
Massage your face with a few drops of coconut oil. Wipe it with a damp cotton cloth. Follow up with a facial cleanser to remove the remaining traces of oil and dirt.
2. Facial Scrub
Combine equal parts of coconut oil and brown sugar. Massage your face with this sugar scrub for a minute and wash off with lukewarm water. This sugar scrub exfoliates dead skin cells without damaging the skin. You can use it twice a week. Also, Mix coconut oil with coconut sugar and use this mixture as a scrub on your face for at least 2-3 times a week. This will give you a much smoother skin than ever before.
3. Facial Moisturizer
You can use coconut oil as a facial moisturizer and as a last step of your skin care routine to seal all the goodness of your beauty products. Massage your face with a few drops of virgin coconut oil and wake up with soft and smooth skin. You can even use it as a carrier oil for your favorite essential oils.
Remember: If you have acne-prone or oily skin, avoid using coconut oil.
4. Cuticle Oil
The cuticles protect the nails and keep out bacteria. However, they may dry out and get damaged. Massage them with coconut oil to keep them nourished, hydrated, and healthy.
5. Face Wash: Melt the coconut oil in a pan and add 1 tbsp baking soda and 5 tbsp of any of your favourite essential oils suitable for application your face. Store this homemade face wash liquid in a jar.
6. Lip Balm: You can add a few drops of coconut to any of your lip balm or chapstick, this will help in making your lips moist and getting rid of dry lips.
7. Night Cream: Add a few drops of coconut oil to your moisturizer and apply it at night before sleeping if you are prone to face acne. If not, then you can apply the oil as it is on your face.
8. Sunburn Relief: The harsh rays of the sun can dry the delicate skin on your face and you look older. Coconut oil helps you to get rid of that redness and itching as it rehydrates the skin.
9. Makeup Remover: Removing makeup is a major task. Instead of removing make up with other chemicals, remove it with coconut oil. This will make your skin hydrating and softer. Coconut oil will help in reducing wrinkles as well.
Side Effects Of Coconut Oil
If you have a nut allergy or are allergic to coconut oil, applying it may cause:
Irritation
Hives
Itching
Rashes
Redness
Those who have acne-prone or oily skin, it may aggravate the breakouts. If you have oily skin and are on antibiotics or have low immunity, do not apply coconut oil on the face as it may aggravate bacterial and fungal spread due to its comedogenic nature. clog your pores and increase the appearance of blackheads, whiteheads and acne
