You know coconut oil is good for you. It has properties that benefit the body inside and out. Many celebrities and health nuts alike swear by the beneficial properties of coconut oil for the skin.
So, is coconut oil really that good for the skin? Here are eight reasons to give it a try!
Fights bacteriaÂ
Coconut oil contains the bacteria-fighting ingredient known as lauric acid. Lauric acid helps to combat bacteria on the inside and outside of the body. On facial skin, lauric acid helps kill bacteria, which may grow as a result of touching your face, applying makeup, or from the development of acne.
In one study from 2009, published in Biomaterials, it was found that coconut oil applied to acne-prone skin significantly reduced the amount of bacteria, leading to fewer breakouts.
Mild sunscreen
The ingredients in coconut oil have light UV-blocking properties. A 2010 study published in the journal Pharmacognosy Research found coconut oil to have an SPF of 8. This is as good as some conventional moisturizers, and is perfect for those days when you only need a light layer of sun protection.
MoisturizerÂ
Coconut oil is filled with saturated fatty acids, which are beneficial for the appearance of the skin. These fatty acids are moisturizing to the skin in a way that water-based moisturizers are not. Coconut oil absorbs into the skin, where the fatty acids are used to plump the skin and fight signs of aging, while also tightening and moisturizing the skin.Â
A 2004 study published in the journal Dermatitis found coconut oil to be effective at moisturizing skin affected by xerosis, a common condition that makes skin dry, itchy, and rough.
Skin smoother
In the same way that coconut oil works as an effective moisturizer, it also works wonders as a skin smoother. The vitamins and fatty acids in coconut oil work together to smooth and plump the skin, which may help fade scar tissue, prevent stretch marks, smooth wrinkles and fine lines, and help the skin retain a youthful appearance.
Wound healer
Coconut oil contains antibacterial and antiviral properties that help heal wounds faster. The coconut oil acts as a barrier for the wound, helping to prevent infection and speed healing by sending vitamin E and other vitamins into the wound. Thus, coconut oil is the perfect companion for minor scrapes, burns, and cuts.
Wrinkle fighter
Coconut oil is high in vitamin E, which is essential to fighting wrinkles. Not only does vitamin E help prevent the formation of wrinkles by increasing collagen production, but it also contains antioxidant properties that help fight signs of aging by encouraging cell turnover and promoting a youthful appearance to the skin.
Scar prevention
The antioxidants, vitamin E, and antibacterial properties of coconut oil work together to minimize the appearance of existing scars, and help prevent new scars from forming. The daily application of coconut oil to existing scars may help them fade faster and blend into the surrounding skin.
Antioxidant powerhouse
Coconut oil contains a large concentration of antioxidants that may help fight skin cancer, prevent fine lines from appearing, encourage the healthy growth and turnover of cells, and brighten the skin. Coconut oil can provide many benefits when applied externally and when taken internally, which is why many health enthusiasts use coconut oil in their diets whenever they can.
Coconut may be hyped in the health market, but it is one food that actually deserves all of the praise. Inside and out, coconut oil has amazing health benefits that help keep your skin healthy, disease-free, and looking young.
Coconut oil is also one of the few oils that can fight both oily skin problems (like acne) and dry skin problems (like eczema).
—Brenda Priddy
Brenda is a writer, chef and health nut with many years of writing experience in the alternative health industry. She specializes in health news, healthy living, alternative treatments, and healthy recipes. She loves educating others about sustainable, healthy living. Brenda lives in Texas with her husband and two daughters.
Sources:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15724344
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/oils/coconut-oil-for-skin.html
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19665786
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3140123
