8 Benefits Of
Coconut Oil For Skin
What is
Coconut Oil?
Coconut Oil in Skincare
Coconut oil is really popular both as an ingredient in skincare products and to apply raw. When you use it raw it can feel heavy on your skin, but it still has lots of benefits and is highly nourishing. Coconut oil is mostly made up of saturated fats that have a whole range of benefits for your skin’s defensive barrier function. The fats and essential amino acids in coconut oil help the barrier of your skin to stay strong, moisturised and looking great.
Benefits of Coconut Oil for Skin:
Is Coconut Oil Good for Skin?
The benefits of coconut oil for skin include:
- Defending Skin from Damaging Microorganisms
The fatty acids that coconut oil contains, namely lauric and capric acid, are fantastic at helping to keep your skin healthy thanks to their antimicrobial properties, which mean they kill harmful microorganisms that can grow on skin. Common skin infections such as acne, folliculitis and cellulitis are caused by fungi and bacteria, which the lauric and capric acid in coconut oil help to kill.
- Coconut Oil for Dry Skin is Highly Moisturising
Coconut oil has been found to be a highly effective moisturiser for dry and cracked skin. Coconut oil helps to hydrate your skin and reinforce its natural defensive barrier so it can retain moisture better, which means coconut oil for dry skin is a fantastic option when your skin is feeling tight or rough.
- Coconut Oil Can Help to Treat AcneThe anti-inflammatory properties that coconut oil has mean it has the ability to help treat acne, which is an inflammatory condition. On top of this, both lauric and capric acid, which are present in coconut oil, have been shown to be capable of killing acne‑causing bacteria.
- Coconut Oil Can Support Healing
Studies have shown that coconut oil has the ability to boost the level of antioxidants and collagen in your body, and both of these play an important role in the natural regeneration and repair process of your skin.
- Coconut Oil Can Help to Reduce InflammationAnother benefit of coconut oil for skin is that it can help to reduce inflammation by improving antioxidant status. Antioxidants help to fight free radicals (unstable atoms that attach to your skin) that can trigger inflammation.
- Coconut Oil Contributes to a More Even Skin Tone
Coconut oil for skin has been known to help reduce dark spots, soothe facial redness and help to improve an uneven skin tone.
- Coconut Oil Can Help to Reduce Signs of Ageing Skin
Because one of the benefits of coconut oil for skin is that it helps to increase the natural production of collagen, it can improve skin elasticity for firmer‑looking skin. Better skin elasticity also means fine lines and wrinkles are less likely to appear as early.
- Coconut Oil Can Help to Soften SkinSeveral of the fatty acids that coconut oil contains, such as capric acid, are excellent emollients that help to soften your skin and leave it feeling smoother to the touch.
Benefits of Coconut Oil for Skin:
The Composition of Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil is Composed of:
- Caprylic Acid
This fatty acid makes up approximately 8% of coconut oil and has strong anti‑inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties, which makes it an effective treatment for numerous skin conditions. - Capric Acid
Capric acid is an excellent emollient and can help to moisturise your skin. It makes up approximately 7% of coconut oil. - Lauric Acid
Lauric acid makes up roughly 49% of coconut oil and has been linked to being the main reason for most of coconut oil’s benefits. Some research suggests that this acid can help with weight management, reduce the likelihood of Alzheimer’s and more. - Myristic Acid
Most commonly, myristic acid is used as a cleansing agent in cosmetics and makes up approximately 8% of coconut oil. - Palmitic Acid
Making up approximately 8% of coconut oil, palmitic acid is most often used as an emollient to soften skin or as a moisturiser in skincare. - Stearic Acid
This acid is commonly used in skincare products as an emulsifier, and it’s also used in hair care products for its ability to protect and condition hair. Stearic acid makes up approximately 2% of coconut oil. - Oleic Acid
Oleic acid makes up roughly 6% of coconut oil and is used in many skincare products that target dry and ageing skin, as it is easily absorbed by the skin and is highly moisturising. - Linoleic Acid
Linoleic acid comprises about 2% of coconut oil and is amazing at strengthening the skin barrier so it can better retain moisture and keep harmful irritants out.
Where Does
Coconut Oil Come From?
Approximately 70% of the world’s coconut oil is produced by the Philippines and Indonesia.
One of the coconut oil benefits is that it has been proven to significantly increase skin hydration just as effectively as other mineral oils, and to keep skin hydrated for longer. Coconut oil for dry skin can be used as a deep treatment to nourish dry and cracked skin, replenishing lost moisture and strengthening the skin barrier so it can hold on to that hydration.
Coconut oil has also been found to help treat eczema and reduce its symptoms of dry, scaly and itchy skin that’s prone to rashes.
Popular
Coconut Oil Uses
DIY Coconut Oil
for Face
- Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of coconut oil into your palm and melt it by gently warming it between your hands.
- Gently massage the melted coconut oil onto your face and neck area.
- Once you have an even coverage, dab away any excess residue from the surface of your skin using an absorbent tissue.
- Leave the rest of the coconut oil on your skin to slowly sink into your face and neck overnight.
You don’t have to limit coconut oil just to your face either – you can use this method to apply it to the skin all over your body for deep nourishment. Most people who use coconut oil like to do this sparingly, around once a week, as it can be heavy on the skin and clog pores – especially if you already have oily skin.
NIVEA
& Coconut
The NIVEA Caring Shower Cream Coconut & Jojoba Oil beautifully blends the fragrance of coconut with natural jojoba oil, which is high in vitamins C and E, and other precious oils, to offer your skin an indulgent pamper. Elevate your shower routine, as this enriching formula not only cleanses but also leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth and delicately scented with the alluring essence of coconut.
