Nourish Your Skin With the Power of Coconut Oil

Few wellness activities and beauty products are more widely promoted on social media. Skincare regimes favored exfoliation procedures, and go-to serums are hot subjects in many social circles. However, for some, concerns about dry skin, chronic illnesses, and aging skin go beyond the surface. Although the refined version is more suited for cooking, most dermatologists and specialists prefer using the unrefined version for skincare, but both variants contain enough fatty acids to be an excellent moisturizer. Though many of the stated health advantages of coconut oil are supported by limited research, topical coconut oil has received considerable attention.

Such advantages are noteworthy because the skin is the most extensive and diversified organ in the human body. One of the most essential indicators of excellent health is one's skin quality. According to research, any dermatology-related condition can have an impact on one's mental health and may contribute to the evolution of chronic skin diseases. Inflammatory illnesses such as atopic dermatitis, or eczema, are among them. "Virgin coconut oil has been shown to help with," says Jennifer Koman, RD, LDN, a nutritionist at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital.

Health Benefits of Using Coconut Oil on the Skin

Uma Naidoo, MD, director of nutritional and lifestyle psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital and author of "This is Your Brain on Food," agrees that coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties and that it may help with various skin conditions "by lubricating and soothing the skin" (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
In vitro anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of Virgin coconut oil

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Koman claims that coconut oil also acts as a barrier against environmental irritants and harmful bacteria, although she warns that it does not provide UV protection, as some people believe. "Coconut oil has an SPF of only 1 and will not protect you against UV rays," she explains. "Always wear sunscreen."

Is it Safe to Use Coconut Oil on Your Face?

While coconut oil is moisturizing and beneficial to many skin types, it is not for everyone. Some people's skin reacts poorly to it, and anyone who is allergic to coconut oil should avoid it. Experts advise starting slowly and applying only a small amount at first to see how the body reacts before spreading it further.

And, while some people use it liberally on their skin (and even in their hair), coconut oil is not water-based and should not be used everywhere. For example, Tara Schmidt, a senior registered dietitian, does not encourage using coconut oil on one's face. "Be aware that it is likely to clog pores if used on the face or other acne-prone areas," she says.

Reference:

1. In vitro anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of Virgin coconut oil - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30671361/)

Source-Medindia