What does coconut oil do for skin?

What coconut oil does for skin

An emollient is a moisturizer that softens and soothes skin. Coconut oil can reduce water loss from the skin, which helps ease dryness. It does not prevent acne, and it can cause breakouts instead. Coconut oil moisturizes dry skin, but natural is doing the work of a very optimistic job title.1

What research can tell you

Clinical studies of virgin coconut oil have reported improvements in skin disorder symptoms through moisturizing and soothing. A separate laboratory study tested virgin coconut oil in cells and found changes in inflammatory markers and proteins involved in skin barrier function. Those cell test results do not show that plain coconut oil treats a skin condition in a person.2

A pediatric trial evaluated an oatmeal cream with isosorbide diesters derived from coconut and sunflower fatty acids, rather than plain coconut oil, so the kitchen jar cannot borrow its lab coat.3

Who should use it carefully

Dry skin on the body is the clearest fit, especially on elbows, knees, hands and feet. If your skin is prone to acne, avoid using coconut oil on your face, shoulders, chest and back. It can clog pores, increase blackheads and whiteheads, and sometimes cause milia, tiny white or yellow bumps. Milia are more likely in places where skin is thin, such as under the eyes.1

Coconut oil may soothe minor scratches or razor burns, but it is not a treatment for intense wounds. It can also be used as a lip balm for dry lips.1

If you are considering it for keratosis pilaris, which causes small rough bumps often found on the upper arms and thighs, coconut oil is not the whole routine. Dermatologists recommend using a keratolytic, a product that loosens dead skin buildup, followed by a moisturizer. An ointment or oil free cream is one option that can help prevent clogged pores.4

How to use coconut oil on your body

1. 1After a shower or bath, apply a little coconut oil to your body.
2. 2Focus on areas that tend to get dry, such as elbows, knees, hands and feet.
3. 3Apply more during the day if your skin still feels dry.
4. 4Start slowly and watch how your skin reacts, especially if you are prone to acne.

For skin care, choose pure, unrefined, cold pressed coconut oil. There is no set daily schedule: apply it after bathing and again as needed.1

Is coconut oil good for your face?

Usually not as a leave on moisturizer. Coconut oil is highly comedogenic, meaning it can clog pores, and it may cause acne. It can be used to remove makeup if you wash it off thoroughly afterward.1

Can coconut oil clog pores?

Yes. Oil can clog pores and lead to breakouts, including tiny bumps and whiteheads. If coconut oil seems to be causing new bumps where you apply it, stop using it on that area. Acne caused by a pore clogging skin or hair product can take four to six weeks to clear after you stop using it. If it has not cleared by six weeks, see a dermatologist.5

Is coconut oil good for dry skin?

Yes, especially for dry skin on the body. Coconut oil helps soften skin and reduce moisture loss, so it can be useful on dry hands, feet, elbows and knees. If the dryness comes with rough bumps from keratosis pilaris, a keratolytic followed by moisturizer is the recommended home approach; coconut oil alone does not cover those steps.14

How do you use coconut oil on your face?

1. 1Put a little coconut oil on a cotton ball or pad and use it to remove makeup.
2. 2Rinse it off thoroughly with a gentle cleanser or makeup remover.
3. 3Follow with a water based cleanser to remove residue and reduce the risk of clogged pores and milia.