Benefits of Coconut Oil for Skin: Is It Good for Your Face & Body?

coconut oil for skin

Coconut oil is an affordable ingredient that we know and love for cooking and baking — but experts say that it might also be your new skincare hero, too. It's an all-natural product with many health benefits thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, so it sounds perfect, right?

You've probably seen it listed as an ingredient in some of the best skin care products on the market too. But can the coconut oil you buy at the grocery store really be that good for your skin? We've done the research to find all the answers you need. Here's everything you need to know before you add coconut oil to your skin care routine.

 

What is Coconut Oil?

 

As you probably know, coconut oil is oil made from coconuts. It's very high in fat, and it's often used in cooking — in fact, you may already have it in your pantry. What beauty experts love about coconut oil is that it's very rich in fatty acids, specifically medium-chain fatty acids. These medium-chain fatty acids can do a great job of hydrating and protecting the skin.

The main heroes in coconut oil are lauric acid and linoleic acid. Lauric acid has antimicrobial properties that can stave off unfriendly bacteria and reduce inflammation. Linoleic acid, on the other hand, is an unsaturated omega-6 fatty acid that can soothe and hydrate the skin.

 

Types of Coconut Oil

 

Before you reach for the first coconut oil you can find in the grocery store, you should be aware that there are a few different types of coconut oils:

 

Virgin Coconut Oil (Organic Coconut Oil, Cold Pressed Coconut Oil)

Unrefined coconut oil, sometimes known as virgin coconut oil, is made by pressing coconut meat to extract its oils. And just like olive oil, you can have virgin coconut oil and extra virgin coconut oil, and even cold pressed coconut oil (which is produced without using heat). These kinds of unrefined coconut oil are solid at room temperature and they have a distinctive coconut-y scent. 1

 

Refined Coconut Oil

Refined coconut oil, on the other hand, goes through additional processing after the initial extraction. These steps in the manufacturing process filter the oil and make it more suitable for cooking, and this gives it a more neutral scent and flavor.

Although you can use either refined or unrefined versions in your beauty routine, unrefined coconut oil is better because it is less processed and more gentle on the skin.

 

7 Benefits of Coconut Oil for Skin

 

So what exactly does coconut oil do for your skin? Here are all of the benefits of adding this ingredient to your skincare routine:

 

1. It's a Natural Cleanser

 

Coconut oil is a very effective face cleanser. It's a great way to remove makeup, and it's even effective on stubborn and waterproof makeup. It's gentle on the eyes, so you can even use it as an eye makeup remover. Coconut oil attracts makeup and dirt buildup, melting it so that you can easily wipe it away. It also kills bacteria and yeast on the skin, so it's a very effective natural cleanser.

If you decide to try coconut oil as a makeup remover, you might want to use it as one step in a double cleansing routine. This would mean that you follow it up with a water-based cleanser, which will be able to penetrate your skin more effectively after the initial oil cleanse.

 

2. It Has Antimicrobial Properties

 

Thanks to the lauric acid in coconut oil, it's a natural way to kill harmful bacteria on your skin. In fact, it actually has antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties — so it's a very powerful ingredient to have in your skincare kit.

It can help reduce blemish-causing agents, and also aid in the skin's natural healing process. It may accelerate wound healing and prevent infection, and thanks to its natural antibacterial properties it can even be used as a first aid cream for minor cuts and scrapes.

 

3. It's Naturally Exfoliating

 

Coconut oil has exfoliating properties, helping to remove dead skin cells and leaving you with smoother skin. This can also help promote a more even skin tone and reduce the appearance of pigmentation issues like age spots or sun damage.

You can apply coconut oil directly to your skin, or use it with other physically exfoliating ingredients like coffee grounds or sugar to make a DIY body scrub or face scrub.

 

4. It Hydrates & Plumps

 

Thanks to its fatty acid content, coconut oil can also help trap moisture into your skin. It works by sealing the outer layer of your skin, preventing water loss and keeping all that essential hydration in.

It's a great ingredient to combat dry skin and keep skin hydrated and soft, and you can use coconut oil as a natural face cream, body lotion, or lip balm. It works even better when you combine it with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or aloe vera, which can attract and retain water in the lower layers of your skin. For maximum hydration, try combining topical coconut oil with RenewSkin Inc.'s hyaluronic acid supplement Taut Hydrate — a natural way to add moisture to your skin from the inside out.

What's the best facial moisturizer? RenewSkin Inc. reviews the best options.

 

5. It Has Anti-Aging Properties

 

Studies show that coconut oil can increase collagen in the skin and improve skin elasticity, making skin thicker and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. By boosting collagen production, coconut oil can also help aid wound healing and reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks. 2

By increasing the density of collagen fibers in the skin, coconut oil can firm up and tone your complexion, reduce sagging, and create a more youthful appearance. Of course, it's not going to give you a natural facelift, but it can certainly help tighten your skin — especially when used alongside other top collagen-boosting ingredients like collagen peptides, vitamin C, and retinol.

If you want to significantly boost collagen production, the best treatment you can add to your routine is a high-quality collagen supplement like Taut Liquid Collagen Drink. This supplement is formulated with a 13-gram dose of hydrolyzed collagen peptides, which are the most effective ingredients for boosting collagen production in the body.

Each serving also contains elastin, hyaluronic acid, ceramide, vitamin C, and grape seed extract, for maximum results. With powerful anti-aging and antioxidant properties, it's the best way to truly make a difference for your skin.

What are the benefits of liquid collagen for skin? RenewSkin Inc. explains.

 

6. It Reduces Inflammation

 

Coconut oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness. Thanks to its lauric acid content, coconut oil can kill off the bacteria that can lead to skin inflammation, blemishes, dermatitis, and other inflammatory skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

It can also be used to soothe eczema flare-ups. According to a 2014 study, there's also clear evidence that virgin coconut oil is even more effective at soothing the symptoms of atopic dermatitis (eczema) than mineral oil. 3

Coconut oil can also be applied to reduce inflammation caused by sun exposure, like a natural aftersun. Research also shows that you can use virgin coconut oil as a general moisturizer to relieve itching and irritation. 4

 

More helpful reading: How to treat eczema

 

7. It Repairs the Skin Barrier

 

Coconut oil is similar to other well-known fatty acids for skin like ceramides, in that it acts as a natural emollient to reinforce your skin barrier function. This means that it can help heal and repair the outer barrier layer of your skin, which is crucial to keeping dirt, germs, and bacteria out. A healthy barrier layer is crucial to protecting your skin against sun damage and air pollution, too.

 

How to Use Coconut Oil for Skin

 

If you want to start using coconut oil on your skin, the good news is that there are plenty of ways to do it! Here are the best ways to use coconut oil for your skin:

  • Cleanser — to use coconut oil as a natural face wash and/or makeup remover, simply spoon a small amount of coconut oil onto your palms and rub it until it turns into liquid form. Gently smooth the oil over your face and eyes, taking your time with stubborn eye makeup, then rinse away with warm water. If used as a makeup remover, you may want to use cotton pads to wipe away eye makeup before you rinse.

  • Face moisturizer — you can apply coconut oil just like you would a normal night cream or overnight mask. It's best used at night so it can absorb into your skin while you sleep. After your regular skincare regimen, simply rub a small amount of coconut oil between your palms until it becomes a liquid, then apply all over your face and neck. If there's any greasy residue remaining, dab this away with a soft tissue — the aim is to leave just a light layer of oil on your skin. Repeat once or twice a week.

  • Exfoliant — using coconut oil with either of the above methods will have a gentle exfoliating effect on your skin, as it's a naturally exfoliating ingredient on its own. If you want to boost the exfoliating benefits, you can make a DIY body scrub by mixing coconut oil together with sugar or coffee grounds. Simply massage the mixture into your skin before rinsing it away in the shower.

  • Body moisturizer — since coconut oil works best to prevent water loss, it's a great ingredient to apply to your body as soon as you hop out of the shower or bath. Apply to slightly damp skin for best results.

  • Lip balm — you can apply coconut oil to your skin as a quick and easy way to soothe dry, chapped lips.

It's really that simple! Keep a jar of coconut oil in your beauty kit for a quick and easy way to hydrate, soothe, and exfoliate your skin as needed.

 

Before You Start

 

Although coconut oil is a great addition to your skincare routine, you probably shouldn't dive right into using it morning, noon, and night. You should also consider the following advice when adding coconut oil to your routine:

  • Choose the right type — although any coconut oil could technically have benefits for your skin, the best type to use is unrefined, organic coconut oil. Because refined coconut oil goes through additional processing, it isn't as gentle for your skin, so it's better left in the pantry for cooking.

  • Integrate it slowly — like most skin care ingredients, it's best not to overdo it. You can use coconut oil as a cleanser every day, but if you're using it as a moisturizer, mask, or exfoliating scrub, you should only use it 2–3 times per week. The risk with applying coconut oil too often is that it can possibly clog your pores (as too much of any oil could).

  • Don't ditch your regular moisturizer — although coconut oil is great for skin hydration in that it locks moisture in, it's best used in tandem with a good moisturizing serum or lotion. There needs to be some hydration to lock in in the first place!

 

When Shouldn't You Use Coconut Oil for Skin?

 

Coconut oil might not be the right choice for every skin type. It's great for treating normal, dry, and sensitive skin types, but those with an oily skin or acne-prone skin type should proceed with caution.

Since oily and acne-prone skin is already prone to congestion and clogged pores, there's a chance that coconut oil can make this worse. Applying coconut oil regularly could potentially clog pores, leaving blemish-prone skin even more prone to blemishes. It's worth a test to see how your skin reacts, but if you have acne-prone or oily skin and you find coconut oil too heavy for your skin, you should try other oils like rosehip or calendula.

Since coconut oil is a gentle ingredient, it's generally safe for those with sensitive skin. However, there's never any harm in doing a quick patch test, especially if you have super sensitive skin.

Coconut oil is a good option to treat eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions, but if you have a severe condition or a particularly bad flareup, you should consult a board-certified dermatologist for treatment advice.

is coconut oil good for your skin

More helpful reading: RenewSkin Inc.'s skincare routine for oily skin

 

Coconut Oil for Skin FAQs

 

What type of coconut oil is best for skin?

 

Although you can use either refined or unrefined coconut oil on your skin (both have the same fatty acid content), the unrefined versions are better. Virgin coconut oil or extra virgin coconut oil are good options because they have not been overly processed, so they are gentle for your skin.

Some virgin coconut oils are cold pressed, which means that no heat was used in the oil extraction process. This may be the best version to use in skin care, according to a 2017 review that found that cold-pressed coconut oil has more of the fatty acids that are good for skin. 5

You can also choose between organic and non-organic coconut oil. The main difference is that organic coconut oil is made with organic coconuts, harvested organically, with no harmful chemicals used at any stage of the process. To find it, look for the USDA-certified organic symbol on the label.

 

How often should you use coconut oil?

 

It depends on what you're using it for — coconut oil can be used daily as a cleanser, makeup remover, or lip salve. But if you're using it as a face mask or body scrub, you should only use it 2–3 times per week.

 

Can coconut oil be mixed with other ingredients?

 

Absolutely, it's better to use coconut oil alongside other skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramide (to prevent dry skin), collagen peptides and retinol (for anti-aging benefits), and vitamin C (for radiance). Coconut oil should be used after your skincare routine, to lock in moisture and seal the barrier layer.

Coconut oil is a gentle, non-reactive ingredient, so it shouldn't interact negatively with any of your skincare products. In fact, it may even help soothe your skin if you're experiencing irritation or redness from another ingredient.

 

More helpful reading:

https://www.renewskinco.com/blogs/i/what-ingredients-should-not-be-mixed-with-skincare

 

Is coconut oil good for hair?

 

Yes, coconut oil is great for skin and hair alike. Its hydrating properties are perfect for treating dry hair. You can use it before or after showering, on wet or dry hair. Here's how:

  • Pre-wash hair mask — before washing your hair, rub it through the strands of your hair and leave it to sit for a few hours, or overnight.

  • Conditioner — comb through wet hair after washing, leave for a few minutes, then rinse.

  • Leave-in conditioner — apply a small amount to wet hair after showering, comb through and leave to dry.

 

The Bottom Line

 

As you can see, it's worth adding coconut oil to your skin care routine for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. It's a quick, easy, and affordable fix for dry and tired skin.

While you enjoy the many beauty and health benefits of coconut oil, it's best to support your skin with healthy habits and a good skincare routine. If aging skin is a concern, the collagen-boosting effects of coconut oil may not be enough. For better results, combine it with a collagen supplement.

With Taut, you can achieve visibly younger-looking skin in as little as three weeks. With the Ultimate Transformation Program, you'll get:

  • Taut Liquid Collagen (24 servings) — our signature collagen drink with 13 grams of hydrolyzed collagen in every bottle, plus powerful hydrating and antioxidant ingredients like grape seed extract and vitamin C.

  • Taut Hydrate (60 capsules) — our super-hydrating supplement with hyaluronic acid and grape seed extract, to plump and hydrate your skin from within.

  • Taut Collagen Mask (5 sheet masks) — our luxurious sheet mask infused with collagen, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and botanical squalene, to protect and brighten your skin.

Together, these top three skincare products and supplements can seriously rejuvenate your skin in just three weeks.

Like what you see? Check out our auto-ship service to save up to 15% on our collagen products: https://www.renewskinco.com/collections/auto-ship-service

 

References:

  1. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/coconut-oil/

  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8870445/

  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24320105/

  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6335493/

  5. https://www.orthofyto.com/wp-content-orthofyto/uploads/2018/08/vaughn2017huidolienieuwsberichtOFWK34-bij-plantolie.pdf