Coconut oil may help improve your skin’s appearance and texture. It can help hydrate dry skin and promote wound healing. However, research on its effectiveness is still new and limited.
Coconut oil can benefit skin health in several ways. In addition to treating dry skin, it can also be used to promote wound healing, keep tattooed skin moist, and form a protective barrier. It may also soothe irritation, battle bacteria, and reduce inflammation.
However, because much of the research on the benefits of coconut oil are animal and test tube studies, more research is needed to confirm how it impacts human skin health. Here is what researchers know so far about the potential benefits of coconut oil:
- Improves symptoms of eczema: One study found that people with eczema (a chronic skin condition that can cause skin inflammation and irritation) who used extra virgin coconut oil on their skin showed significant signs of improvement.
- Creates a protective barrier: Several studies have shown that applying coconut oil extract to skin may enhance its ability to provide a protective barrier. Researchers theorize this effect is due to the anti-inflammatory properties of the oil.
- Addresses dry skin: When your skin’s natural moisture evaporates (called trans epidermal water loss), it can lead to dry skin. Researchers have found that coconut oil is effective at hydrating and soothing dry skin. It also contains linoleic acid, which functions as an emollient—meaning it softens and moisturizes your skin.
- Battles bacteria and fungal issues: Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties. For this reason, it may be helpful when used on minor cuts, scratches, and abrasions. Meanwhile, an older test tube study found that the lauric acid in coconut oil can kill the bacteria that leads to the development of inflammatory acne.
- Promotes wound healing: Multiple animal studies have found that the anti-inflammatory effects of virgin coconut oil can help speed wound healing, particularly in people with burns, diabetic ulcers, and surgical wounds.
Most skin care experts recommend against applying coconut oil to your face, mainly because its thick texture can clog pores, leading to breakouts. However, coconut oil may be helpful for other parts of your body, especially if you have eczema or extremely dry skin (xerosis).
When applying coconut oil to your body, take your time and gently massage it into your skin several times a day or anytime your skin feels dry. You can also apply the oil within five minutes of taking a shower or bath while your skin is still damp. This helps seal moisture into your skin and alleviate dry skin.
You can also use coconut oil to remove eye makeup. However, you may want to avoid using it to remove foundation or other types of makeup to prevent clogged pores.
Some people also use coconut oil on wounds, stretch marks, and incisions to help them heal and fade. There is limited evidence that coconut oil works for this use. Before using the oil on cuts and scars, talk to a dermatologist or other healthcare provider to ensure it is safe for you.
There are pros and cons to using coconut oil on your skin. Its thick, creamy consistency can hydrate and soothe skin. It may also address acne in some people. However, it can also clog pores, especially in people with oily or acne-prone skin.
Some people can also develop irritation or rashes from using coconut oil, especially if they have sensitive skin or an allergy.
Before applying coconut oil all over your body, do a patch test to ensure you won’t have a reaction:
- Start by applying a quarter-size amount of coconut oil on the underside of your arm or the bend of your elbow.
- Do this for 10 days, checking each day to see if you develop a rash or some type of irritation.
- If, after 10 days, you do not notice any irritation, you can apply it to the rest of your skin. If you are unsure or have concerns, ask a dermatologist or other healthcare provider if coconut oil is right for your skin.
Coconut oil is produced through both wet and dry processing. With dry processing, the coconut meat is dried to create kernels. Once dry, these kernels are pressed to extract the oil and then deodorized. The end result is a refined coconut oil that has a more neutral scent.
With wet processing, coconut oil is obtained from raw coconut meat that has not been dried. This process produces virgin coconut oil, which often has a rich, coconut scent. Most experts agree that virgin coconut oil is best for skin health, while refined coconut oil is better for cooking.
The majority of the research on coconut oil and skin health uses virgin coconut oil. Plus, evidence from a test-tube study shows that virgin coconut oil has a higher amount of antioxidants than refined coconut oil, making it more effective at fighting free radicals. This can help protect against cell damage and may offer anti-aging properties.
So, if you are going to use coconut oil on your skin, opt for virgin coconut oil over refined coconut oil.
Coconut oil may help address common skin issues like dry skin, eczema, and minor cuts and abrasions. However, the research on its effectiveness is still early, and more studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness in improving skin health.
If you are considering using coconut oil to moisturize or hydrate your skin, choose virgin coconut oil and test a small patch of your skin first to make sure you are not allergic to the oil. You may want to talk to a dermatologist or other healthcare provider to see if coconut oil is right for your skin type and condition.
