Coconut oil and coconut milk are well-known for their versatile uses in everything from cooking to skincare, and there’s no end to the coconut oil recipes out there for various DIY natural products. We recognize the potent benefits of coconut oil for skin coconut and include virgin coconut oil in many of our professional-grade products like our Coconut Hydrating Milk because it’s a proven successful ingredient. Here we’ll learn the 10 best benefits of coconut oil for skin and why you should include it in your daily skincare routine.
10 COCONUT OIL BENEFITS
Many proven ingredients like coconut oil like lauric acid, linoleic acid, and saturated fatty acids act in multiple ways to improve the skin barrier function, as opposed to just one, due to their unique chemical makeup. Coconut oil’s many benefits include:
- Rich hydration
- Has been known to have antimicrobial properties
- Has antibacterial properties
- Softens and smooths the appearance of skin
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Helps the appearance of uneven skin tone
- Antioxidant-rich
- Easy absorption
- Foundation for exfoliants
- Reduces the appearance of redness and irritation
- Can accelerate wound healing
- Can reduce inflammation
- Contains skin protective properties with skin barrier repair effects
- Smells luxurious!
You may find coconut oil on the grocery store shelf, but don’t go turning to the canned food aisle for your skincare products. Coconut milk is processed differently for food preparation than skincare benefits, meaning you should look instead on the ingredients list for specially formulated products to get the best out of this natural ingredient.
TYPES OF COCONUT OIL FOR SKIN
There are many processes that coconut oil can go through before it enters the beauty aisle in pure form or as an ingredient in a blended skincare product. The two main types you need to know are virgin coconut oil vs. refined coconut oil.
Extra virgin coconut oil, or unrefined coconut oil, is obtained from fresh coconuts, incorporating the liquid and coconut meat to extract the oil, which can be a more potent form of the compound.
Refined coconut oil, sometimes called coconut oil extract, is made from dried coconut meat, and needs to be pressed, dissolved, or even bleached to extract the remaining oil. Refined coconut oil can either be heat-pressed or cold-pressed coconut oil, the cold-pressed having been shown to contain more nutrients.
WHAT SKIN TYPES IS COCONUT OIL GOOD FOR?
Coconut oil is great for many different skin types depending on how you're applying coconut oil in your skincare routine. Most often, organic coconut oil is used in moisturizers due to its hydrating properties and moisture-locking medium-chain fatty acids, making it a great body lotion for those with dry skin. Organic coconut oil can also be used as a gentle cleanser or as a makeup remover to help preserve skin hydration and prevent it from being stripped of all its oils during those sometimes overly drying steps. This makes coconut oil a wonderful option for those with sensitive skin types.
Applying coconut oil directly on the skin can clog pores, so it may not be right for people with severe combination skin or oily skin. Coconut oil works best for people with sensitive skin, as it reduces the appearance of redness and irritation.
Coconut oil can help uneven skin look more unified and have a more rich complexion.
Finally, mature skin can also benefit from its rich moisturizing properties, which functionally serve to minimize the look of wrinkles over time.
WHY IS COCONUT OIL GOOD FOR MY SKIN?
Coconut oil, like other plant extracts, contains several types of compounds that give it its unique properties, like moisturization and protection from environmental stressors. Fatty acids in virgin coconut oil spread on the surface of the skin, retaining moisture. The specific fatty acids in coconut oil are readily absorbed by the skin, making it easy to apply and begin receiving its benefits. Coconut oil also contains antioxidants. This means that with constant use, it can help with the appearance of aging.
HIGH-QUALITY COCONUT OIL PRODUCTS
When choosing skin care products with coconut oil in them, it is important to make sure that you are choosing products with high-quality ingredients. If you’re looking for an easy, quick way to incorporate coconut oil into your daily skincare routine, look no further than the high quality products of Epicuren Discovery. Our products make adding coconut oil to your skin care routine an effective and safe choice.
You’ll find coconut oil in awesome products like our Kukui Nut Coconut Massage & Body Oil, Anti-Aging Lip Balm, and you can discover other high-quality products with complementary ingredients and benefits to coconut oil by taking our Skin Quiz today. The quiz identifies your area of concern and matches you with products that can take your skincare routine to the next level.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON COCONUT OIL
IS IT OK TO USE COCONUT OIL ON YOUR FACE?
Yes, coconut oil designed for skincare is safe to use on your face as directed. However, food-grade coconut oil should not be used to treat your face, and people with naturally acne-prone skin may want to avoid it, as the ingredient can clog pores.
WHAT DOES COCONUT OIL DO FOR THE SKIN?
Coconut oil has a few main benefits. First, it's a moisturizing oil with antioxidants derived from nature. Next, it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Finally, it's easy to mix with other ingredients to make everything from exfoliants to massage oils.
DOES COCONUT OIL LIGHTEN SKIN?
No, coconut oil on its own will not brighten your skin. Instead, coconut oil can help even out your skin tone and soften the look of your skin when used consistently.
IS COCONUT OIL GOOD FOR PIMPLES?
No, people with naturally oily skin or who get breakouts regularly should probably not go for coconut oil unless it's part of a mild cleanser.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEE RESULTS FROM COCONUT OIL?
Depending on the product, you'll notice immediate results and most coconut oil products can be applied daily.
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