Coconut oil has the reputation of a magical elixir. It has an array of uses in cooking, skincare, and haircare. The benefits of coconut oil for the skin are quite often spoken of on the internet. With that being said, one often wonders what is an overstatement and what are the facts? Today we are here to cut the chase and answer frequently asked questions about this plant-based elixir. This blog will cater to all the skin benefits coconut oil offers. To resolve your queries, keep scrolling to find out more.

Can You Use Coconut Oil on Your Body?

Yes, coconut oil can certainly be used on your body. Coconut oil is enriched with fatty acids and has antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. The direct application of coconut oil on the skin offers many benefits. It can be applied to the body and the face. Although, if you have acne-prone skin, the application of coconut oil to the face might lead to breakouts. This is due to the excess residue left behind. To steer clear of that, you can use a gentle cleanser afterwards to remove excess oil or just use coconut oil for the body, avoid its application on the face.

Which type of Coconut Oil is Best for the Skin?

Virgin coconut oil i.e. unprocessed, unrefined coconut oil that does not contain any added chemicals. You can apply virgin coconut oil on skin. The method of production also plays an important role. Unlike others, cold-pressed coconut oil is rich in fatty acids and compounds that aid skin health. It is pure and natural.

What Happens if we Apply Coconut Oil to the Body?

Amongst the many, here are the choicest benefits of coconut oil for the skin. Check them out.

• Aids Hydration

  Yes your skin needs hydration too and you can do that with the help of coconut oil! Coconut oil is enriched with medium-chain fatty acids that help alleviate the dryness of your skin by retaining moisture. It bolsters your skin’s outer protective layer by holding the moisture inside and keeping the skin supple and well hydrated.

• Protects the Skin

  A natural ingredient that can protect your skin? Try coconut oil. The regular application of coconut oil aids a protective skin barrier that shields you from surrounding toxins, dirt and other waste materials your skin is exposed to during the day.

• Eczema Relief

  First and foremost ‘Relief’ is the keyword here. Coconut oil can only help relieve eczema it wouldn’t cure it. Owing to its ability to act as a protective skin barrier and lock moisture, it is truly effective for eczema. Applying it to the affected areas can alleviate symptoms like dryness and itching. Studies also suggest that virgin coconut oil can soothe better than mineral oil. A tip can be to apply any other skincare you want first followed by coconut oil to seal it in.

• Cuticle Repairer

  Troubled with cracked cuticles? Coconut oil can come to your rescue. With dry and cracked cuticles your nails can become brittle. Applying coconut oil to these cracked cuticles can help heal the repaired skin.

• Removes Makeup

  Do not have a makeup remover handy? Coconut oil to the rescue! Coconut oil is an effective makeup remover as it breaks down all the lipid-soluble impurities present in makeup. It does a fairly good job in cleansing the dirt and oil buildup that happens through the course of the day. Although, those with acne-prone skin should use a gentle cleanser later on for a complete cleanse from the excess oil residue.

• Helps Exfoliate

  Looking for a natural exfoliator? Coconut oil is your answer. If your limbs look dull and feel like sandpaper you can use coconut oil to make a DIY scrub for brighter and softer skin. You can mix it with a granular substance like sugar or coarse sea salt, rub it on your face and wipe it with a wet cloth. Coconut oil can also counteract the irritable effects of exfoliation. For starters, you can begin using it once a week to ensure your skin can handle it well. For skin especially, it is advisable to use virgin coconut oil i.e. unrefined cold-pressed coconut oil that has maximum nutrition.

• Moisturizes Lips

  One of the not so popular benefits of coconut oil for skin is the healing it brings to lips. The presence of fatty acids in coconut oil helps replenish the lost or deficient components that lead to dry, chapped lips. Its application creates a fine but effective barrier that keeps water within the lips and irritants out. Unlike other oils, coconut oil is semi-solid at room temperature that makes it less messy. Pour a little of it in a jar and apply it over lips throughout the day.

• Cures Wounds

  Here is a not so popular benefit of coconut oil. Owing to its antimicrobial properties and oily base, coconut oil can be used to treat minor cuts and burns. You need to apply oil to the affected area a few times until the wound starts healing. By any chance, if it does not heal or gets worse you must consult your doctor.

• Improves Skin Texture

  Looking for ways to get that smooth texture? Apply coconut oil. The application of coconut oil on the skin can make it soft and have a soothing effect. Over time its regular usage can also lead to improved skin texture.

• Reduces Signs of Aging

  Looking for a natural anti-ageing remedy? Try coconut oil. The usage of coconut oil can help alleviate the signs of ageing. Once your skin absorbs coconut oil it makes little lines and wrinkles look far from obvious.

• Acts as an Antioxidant

  Here is a natural antioxidant – Coconut oil. Enriched with the goodness of antioxidants and phytonutrients (plant compounds), coconut oil can nourish your skin and combat many external stressors. Antioxidants are also known to fight the effects of free radicals that are responsible for premature ageing. Supplying your skin with antioxidants can only do good.

How to Apply Coconut Oil to the Skin?

The application of this elixir is quite easy. A common practice is directly applying a small amount of coconut oil to the skin. You can consider rubbing it in circular motions all over your face, neck or other parts of the body. The skin ideally absorbs coconut oil easily.

In case you are using coconut oil for the first time, test it on a small area of your skin before applying it elsewhere. Testing is especially recommended for people with sensitive or oily skin to prevent any adverse reactions.

Summing it Up

This kitchen staple indeed has many health benefits. Apart from the goodness, it brings to your food, it also aids skin and hair health. Processed coconut oil is deprived of this nutrition and hence wouldn’t do much to your skin. Virgin coconut oil will nourish your skin and heal the many troubles.