Is Coconut Oil Good For Your Face? Debunking the Rumors

Coconut oil is something that has long been claimed to be good for your face but is this true? In this article, we will answer this question and a few others regarding coconut oil.

Coconut oil is made up of mostly saturated fats, which are the good fats that help keep the skin on your face healthy. It is also great for moisturizing dry skin, reducing signs of aging, and soothing irritated skin.

“The only downside to coconut oil is that it is highly comedogenic. This means that coconut oil can clog pores and lead to breakouts in acne-prone skin,” says Dr. Shari Marchbein, a board-certified dermatologist.

On the other hand, coconut oil possesses antimicrobial properties that can help fight acne-causing bacteria. It also has hydrating properties that help moisturize dry skin, hence preventing breakouts caused by dryness.

Due to these conflicting properties, coconut oil can be good for your face, and it can be bad as well. The best way to find out if coconut oil is good for your face is to do a patch test and see if it works for you.

Does Coconut Oil Darken Skin?

There’s no scientific evidence that shows if coconut oil darkens the skin. However, some people experience an increase in pigmentation or dark spots on the skin after using coconut oil.

“The exact reason for this is unknown, but it may be due to hormonal changes, stress levels, and lifestyle factors such as smoking or alcohol consumption,” explains Dr. Marchbein.

It’s also important to know that coconut oil has a slightly darker appearance on skin tones with a yellow or olive undertone. If you are worried about the color difference, you can mix coconut oil with other oils that are lighter or with your face cream.

Coconut Oil for Skin Whitening

Coconut oil is a natural product that helps in whitening the skin. It has many benefits for the skin due to its high content of antioxidants. These antioxidants help to protect your body from harmful free radicals, which cause dark spots on the skin.

Coconut oil also contains three main fatty acids: lauric acid, capric acid, and caprylic acid. These acids can help to break down the fats on your skin cells, which causes the skin to shed dead skin cells more quickly.

It also acts as an emollient, so it can help moisturize dry or chapped skin. So you might see some small brown or dark spots disappear after using coconut oil on your face.

Is Coconut Oil a Good Sunscreen?

It is a common misconception that coconut oil provides sufficient protection from the sun. Coconut oil offers some protection against UVB rays but does not protect against UVA rays.

“This means that a large percentage of the sun’s ultraviolet rays can still penetrate your skin and cause damage,” explains Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist.

Furthermore, the popular belief that coconut oil has SPF 15 is false. Coconut oil has a SPF level of 4-5, which is significantly lower than the SPF value in many commercial sunscreens.

To fully protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, it is recommended to use an SPF 30+ sunscreen every day. And if you frequently forget to apply sunscreen, try taking it with you in your purse or backpack.

SEE: Is Coconut Oil Good for Skin? The Ultimate Answer

Is Coconut Oil a Good Moisturizer?

Coconut oil contains a balance of saturated fatty acids, medium-chain triglycerides, and essential fatty acids that work together to moisturize your skin and leave it feeling nourished.

Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer and can do everything from reducing wrinkles to protecting your skin from infections. But the biggest benefit of using coconut oil as a moisturizer is how easily it melts right into your skin without feeling greasy.

So if you’re looking for a natural way to moisturize your skin, then look no further than coconut oil. It is 100% natural and can be used in place of lotion or other skin-care products that may contain parabens, silicone, chemical fragrances, or other harmful ingredients.

Best Coconut Oil for Face

Coconut oil comes in two varieties: Virgin (unrefined) coconut oil, and refined coconut oil. Both can be made by pressing dried coconut meat or by extraction from fresh coconuts using a process known as wet-milling.

“While both types of coconut oil are beneficial, virgin coconut oil is the best for your face. It comes from fresh, mature coconuts and is cold-pressed without the use of any heat or chemicals,” explains Dr. Camp.

Furthermore, virgin coconut oil has many health benefits because it contains higher levels of lauric acid, capric acid, myristic acid, and palmitic acid.

Studies have shown that these fatty acids have antibacterial properties that help fight against bacteria that can cause acne and other skin conditions.

SEE: Discover Natural Uses of Coconut Oil You Need in Your Routine

Benefits of Coconut Oil on Face

is coconut oil good for your face

It’s antibacterial

Coconut oil has antibacterial properties that can help soothe acne and other blemishes while fighting off the bacteria that cause them. The lauric acid in coconut oil is also converted by the body to monolaurin, which can destroy viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

Smoothes the skin

Coconut oil is a natural emollient, which means it will help to soften and smooth your face. However, its benefits go beyond just moisturizing your face. It also helps to maintain the elasticity of your skin, making it smoother and less susceptible to sagging.

Protects the skin

Coconut oil is a rich source of triglycerides and polyunsaturated fats that have been shown to protect, repair, and regenerate skin tissue.

In addition, coconut oil is rich in antioxidants, which help to provide a protective barrier on the skin, shielding it against environmental toxins, and dirt.

Increases hydration

Coconut oil is composed of medium-chain fatty acids and triglycerides, which help to reduce dryness in your face by providing deep hydration and allowing it to retain moisture. It is easily absorbed by the skin and doesn’t leave behind a greasy feeling after application.

Prevents wrinkles

Coconut oil is one of those natural products that can be used as an anti-aging cream. That is because it helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on your face due to its antioxidant properties.

Soothes the skin

Coconut oil’s moisturizing and healing properties help to soothe the skin. And if you’re prone to irritations, coconut oil can also help to ease any major discomfort and provide lasting soothing relief. It also contains a healthy fat called lauric acid, which is an effective skin moisturizer and healing agent.

SEE: Tricks to a Squeaky Clean, Glowing Complexion You Need to Know

How to Make Coconut Oil for Skin

is coconut oil good for your face

The recipe below uses only one ingredient: coconut.

  • Combine two cups of shredded coconut with one liter of water.
  • Boil over medium heat for an hour or until the mixture becomes clear.
  • Turn off the stove and let it cool for five minutes.
  • Pour the liquid into a cheesecloth and squeeze out all the remaining liquid from the shredded coconut.
  • Boil the coconut liquid in a saucepan until for 1 hour.
  • Pour the liquid into a container and cover it with plastic wrap.
  • Leave for 24 hours for the oil to separate from the water.
  • Pour the oil into a jar and store it in a cool dry place.

How to Use Coconut Oil on Face

is coconut oil good for skin

Face cleanser

Coconut oil is a natural and effective way to clean your face and get rid of makeup and impurities. It doesn’t have any harsh chemicals or perfumes that can irritate your skin.

Moreover, the antibacterial properties of coconut oil are perfect for removing bacteria from your pores.

  • Massage your face with coconut oil in a circular motion.
  • Leave it on for 5-10 minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water
  • Use it twice a day, in the morning and at night
  • Make sure you don’t use too much coconut oil on your face or you might break out.

SEE: Can You Use Body Wash On Your Face?

Face massage

One of the most popular ways to use coconut oil is for a face massage. A face massage with coconut oil can help your skin by moisturizing it and making your pores smaller. It can also soothe irritations, hydrate dry skin, and reduce signs of aging.

  • Clean your face thoroughly with a face cleanser to get rid of all dirt and bacteria.
  • Wash your hands also and pat dry with a fresh towel.
  • Pour some coconut oil into your palms and rub them together (be careful not to pour too much).
  • Rub the oil into your face and massage in gentle circular motions.
  • Starting from your forehead, massage cheeks, under eyes, nose, and mouth area.
  • Wash off with warm water and apply your regular moisturizer.

Lip balm

Coconut oil’s moisturizing and soothing properties make it the perfect ingredient for a homemade lip balm. It’s also ideal for dry or chapped lips because it seeps into your skin and hydrates it from the inside out.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cups coconut oil
  • 1/2 tablespoons beeswax
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa butter
  • A few drops of peppermint and vanilla essential oils (optional)

Steps:

  • Melt the coconut oil in a saucepan on low heat.
  • Add beeswax and cocoa butter into the saucepan, stirring until completely melted.
  • Remove from heat and put a few drops of peppermint and vanilla essential oils (if using).
  • Pour the mixture into a lip balm tube or small container and let it cool for 10 minutes.

SEE: Discover Practical Ways to Have Clear Skin [Expert Guide]

FAQs

acne skin care routine

Can coconut oil make my face look younger?

Yes, it can. The fatty acids present in coconut oil can act as an anti-aging treatment by reducing wrinkles and age spots on your face.

It also contains antioxidants that help protect your face against damage from toxins, pollution, and other environmental stressors that can contribute to the aging of your skin.

How can I use coconut oil on my face overnight?

The best way to use coconut oil on your face overnight is to apply it directly to your face before you go to bed.

This ensures that the oil will have enough time to penetrate your skin while you sleep. Coconut oil also works by providing deep hydration for your face, which can help with wrinkles or other signs of aging.

Can coconut oil tighten my skin?

Yes, it can. Coconut oil contains antioxidant properties that help to eliminate free radicals and toxins that can damage your pores and make them larger.

It also contains hydrating and antimicrobial properties that work to moisturize and protect your skin, leaving you feeling hydrated and smooth.

Conclusion

Coconut oil is high in saturated fats, which are good for your skin. It is also a natural product that can help to protect your skin from harmful environmental pollution, shed away dead skin cells, and moisturize your face. 

In addition, coconut oil contains antioxidant properties that protect your skin against bacteria, minimize fine lines or wrinkles and whiten dark spots. This leaves your skin feeling hydrated, fresh, and smooth after you apply it to your face.

However, as with any product, you should keep in mind to do a patch test and see if coconut oil clogs your skin before slathering it on your face. If it clogs your skin, it’s best to stay away from it and try other natural remedies like aloe vera.

Thanks for reading.

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