How to Use Coconut Oil for Skin: 4 Benefits of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a product made out of the pressed fruit of the tropical coconut palm tree (Cocos nucifera), which yields meat that is about thirty-five percent oil by weight. Oil made from coconuts is very high in saturated fat, which makes it very stable, resisting oxidation and rancidity. With a melting point of seventy-eight degrees Fahrenheit, coconut oil is often solid at room temperature.

Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids and a low amount of vitamin E. It also has emollient characteristics—helping to trap moisture in the skin and antibacterial properties. Many retail skincare products contain coconut oil, though you can use it on its own to make several DIY beauty products, including face wash, makeup remover, nourishing body oil, lip-moisturizing balm, a hair mask, or body lotion.

Adding coconut oil to your skincare routine may provide many health benefits for your complexion.

1. 1. Anti-aging properties: The linoleic acid in coconut oil helps block your skin from pollutants that can exacerbate wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging.
2. 2. Anti-inflammatory properties: Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a saturated fat with strong antimicrobial properties that can help eliminate bacteria in your skin cells that could lead to dermatitis, inflammation, or blemishes.
3. 3. Improved elasticity: Coconut oil may keep skin plump, helping to improve its strength, flexibility, and skin barrier function.
4. 4. Preventing dryness: Coconut oil can trap moisture inside dry skin, providing a hydrating effect. The fatty lipids in the oil seal the skin’s top layer, preventing water loss and locking in hydration. Coconut oil may even improve some symptoms of skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and eczema.

People with certain skin types—like those with sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, or oily skin—should avoid using coconut oil as part of a skincare routine. Coconut oil is comedogenic, meaning that it can clog pores, potentially exacerbating breakouts and blackheads.

Unrefined, cold-pressed extra-virgin coconut oil is the best type of coconut oil to use for your skin. Prioritize organic coconut oil with no additives. Avoid using low-quality or refined coconut oil for your complexion. Cease coconut oil use immediately if you develop allergic reactions like rashes or hives.

Read on for a few ways to use coconut oil for your skin.

1. 1. Exfoliant: Create a DIY coconut body scrub to remove dead skin cells. Simply mix coconut oil and brown sugar, then rub the mixture onto your skin in the shower. Use a washcloth or exfoliating brush to scrub away dead skin, then rinse the body scrub off with warm water. To make a DIY lip scrub, mix one part coconut oil, one part honey, and two parts brown sugar in a small bowl, then add half a teaspoon of warm water. Apply the scrub to your lips in a circular motion, then rinse or wipe it away with a damp cloth.
2. 2. Lip balm: Mix one part coconut oil with one part honey and apply the mixture to your lips. Use this mixture to hydrate your lips overnight or apply it as a daily lip balm.
3. 3. Makeup cleanser: Remove your makeup at night with a little bit of coconut oil. Simply spoon a small dollop of coconut oil into your palms, rub it together, then smooth it over your whole face. Use a small cotton round to gently wipe away any stuck-on eye makeup, then rinse off the rest of the oil with warm water and pat your face dry.
4. 4. Moisturizer: Coconut oil works well as a body or facial moisturizer. Apply coconut oil to your skin after getting out of the shower, bath, or applying your moisturizer. Warm it up between your palms before coating it onto your skin to help seal and lock in the moisture. Dab it into your fingernails and cuticles at night to treat dry hands, then sheathe your hands with a soft cotton glove.

Individuals experience different levels of sensitivity to ingredients found in various skincare products. Consult a dermatologist before applying a new product to your skin to prevent adverse reactions. This article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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