Is Coconut Oil Good for Your Skin? 10 Benefits, 2 Types & Cons

Coconut oil contains several beneficial properties that can help treat many different health conditions.

Though the health benefits of coconut oil consumption are well-established, its effects on the skin are predominantly based on animal or test-tube studies.

Coconut oil is linked to certain potential skin benefits, such as:

Providing antioxidants
Moisturizing the skin
Minimizing the signs of aging
Boosting nutrients
Protecting the skin from harmful microorganisms

Coconut oil is composed of 65 percent of medium-chain fatty acids, a form of saturated fat that possesses antimicrobial properties, which is crucial for skin health.

10 coconut oil benefits for your skin

Has a moisturizing effect when applied directly, thus reducing dryness and itching of the skin.
May help fight skin infections, including acne, cellulitis, folliculitis, and athlete’s foot, and heal wounds.
Removes impurities and helps soothe irritated skin.
Provides a protective barrier, helping shield the skin from environmental toxins, dirt, and pollutants.
Promotes a soft, soothing, and calming effect while improving the skin texture.
Helps diminish the signs of aging and makes the lines and wrinkles appear far less obvious.
With antioxidant and phytonutrient components, it can help fight environmental stressors that may accelerate the signs of aging.
Gets easily absorbed by the skin and provides instant hydration and protection.
Makes a good exfoliant when mixed with a granular substance, such as sugar or coarse sea salt.
Helps alleviate any discomfort, redness, or irritation.

2 main types of coconut oil

Copra or refined oil
- Made from the dried flesh of coconuts. The copra is pressed and then, heated to remove odor. This is processed and filtered to remove any additional bacteria or debris using chemicals (sometimes).
- Contains medium-chain triglycerides, including capric acid, caprylic acid, and lauric acid.
Virgin coconut oil
- Made from fresh flesh by pressing the fruit.
  - Expeller-pressed oil: A machine presses the oil from the coconut flesh using heat.
  - Cold-pressed oil: The oil is pressed without the use of heat.
- Contains higher amounts of nutrients, such as vitamin E, and bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, than copra oil.

4 characteristics of coconut oil

Coconut oil contains 80 to 90 percent saturated fats, which provides it with a firm texture at cold or room temperature.
Fats in coconut oil are made up of smaller molecules called fatty acids, predominantly lauric acid (49 percent), with myristic and palmitic acids present in smaller amounts.
Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are present in trace amounts.
Coconut oil does not contain cholesterol and fiber. It has traces of vitamins, minerals, and plant sterols (which block the absorption of cholesterol in the body).

What is the nutritional information about coconut oil?

Table: Nutritional value of 1 serving of coconut oil (1 tablespoon) Nutrient Amount

Calories
117

Total fat
14 grams

Saturated fat
12 grams

Trans fat
0 grams

Protein and carbohydrates
0 grams

Sodium
0 grams

Cholesterol
0 grams

The fats mainly found in coconut oil include:

Lauric acid
Myristic acid
Palmitic acid
Monounsaturated fats
Polyunsaturated fats
Plant sterols
Medium-chain triglycerides

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What is coconut oil used for?

Coconut oil contains several beneficial properties that can help treat many different health conditions, ranging from hair and skin damage to poor cognitive function and metabolism.

Oral uses

The ingredient in coconut oil help reduce abdominal fat, curb appetite, strengthen the immune system, prevent heart diseases, and may protect against dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Coconut oil is popular in several trending diets including ketogenic and Paleo diets.

Topical uses

Coconut oil can be used as a cleanser, moisturizer, or makeup remover.
It can be used to minimize the signs of aging and soothe dry, red, or irritated skin.
Applying coconut oil to the skin can reduce eczema symptoms in children.
Extra virgin coconut oil may help with skin rashes in infants.

To use pure coconut oil as a cleanser or moisturizer, take a small amount of coconut oil in your hands, rub it until it becomes liquid, and spread it all over your face. Allow it to absorb for a few moments and then wipe your face with a warm wet cloth. The same process applies when using coconut oil as a makeup remover.

To use as a hair mask, apply it to the ends of your hair or apply it all over your head for two to three hours and then wash it off.

Cons of coconut oil

When taken in moderation, coconut oil can provide many benefits (orally and topically). However, there are a few potential health risks.

When taken orally

Coconut oil contains saturated fats that can increase cholesterol levels. Regular and high amount consumption of coconut oil can increase levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or bad) cholesterol.
High levels of LDL cholesterol can raise the risk of heart disease and stroke.
The American Heart Association recommends no more than 13 grams of saturated fat per day in the diet, whereas coconut oil contains 14 grams in one serving, which could exceed the recommended daily allowance limit.

When applied to the skin

Though coconut oil is safe when applied to dry, mature, and sensitive skin, it can be tricky to use it on oily skin. It could cause oily skin to produce more oil or trigger breakouts.