Amazing Benefits Of Coconut Oil For Skin

Coconut Oil: One Ingredient, Many Benefits

Although it's one simple ingredient, the benefits of coconut oil are far from limited. Made from one simple ingredient, the benefits of coconut oil are anything but limited. The perks of using coconut oil run more than skin deep – though what it can do for your skin is pretty incredible too. This superfood boasts incredible health benefits when ingested, and similarly, enhances skin and hair health when applied topically in skincare products and hair care products. Use alone in its natural state, or within your favourite skincare products to reveal the almost endless benefits of coconut oil for skin health.

Coconut oil is derived from the kernel of mature coconuts, and it’s been used around the world for centuries to nourish and protect the skin, particularly in tropical areas where the coconut is native. Thankfully, you don’t have to live in the coconut’s lands of origin to benefit from its properties (although a tropical island would be dreamy!). This superfood’s superpowers have made it a major ingredient in many top face moisturisers, body lotions and treatments. It can also be used on its own to enhance the health and appearance of your epidermis, which in a nutshell, is your overall skin's radiance.

So what benefits can you expect from using coconut oil on your skin? Read on to find out!

1. SKIN SOFTENER

Who would have thought that softer skin is in the cooking aisle! Coconut oil is an intense moisturiser, soothing dry skin by coating it in a non-greasy layer of lightweight hydration. In fact, studies have shown it is a superior oil moisturiser, so apply liberally, rub it in, and enjoy super soft skin – with no oily residue. Add to this, it helps lock moisture into the skin to prevent dryness. We love using the Vanessa Megan Gold & Lime Caviar Coconut Membrane Sheet Mask whenever our skin needs some extra TLC and hydration!

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2. EXFOLIANT

Coconut oil is also a wonderfully powerful and gentle exfoliant. Not only will it help slough away dead skin cells that can dull your complexion and age your appearance, but it will also unclog pores and leave your skin supple and hydrated. Use on your face and all over your body to purge your skin of devitalised dead skin cells. For best results, apply the coconut oil onto your skin and then use a face cloth to massage it in, using small, circular motions. Rinse the remaining oil from your skin. Alternatively, reach for the Saya Coconut Body Polish that harnesses the power of coconut oil and Shea Butter to deeply moisturise and nourish the skin as it buffs it smooth and soft.

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3. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES

Ingesting coconut oil has been praised for its ability to reduce inflammation within the body, but it can also work topically. If your skin is inflamed due to burn, rash, acne or infection, simply apply some coconut oil. This will help your skin calm down and become healthier. Alternatively, you can actually ingest coconut oil to give your skin an all-around boost of anti-inflammatory agents that will help you glow from the inside out. Our favourite way to do this is via a flavourless and easy dosage Tonik No.1 Organic Coconut Oil Capsules Made with 1,000mg pure, organic coconut oil within each capsule. These daily supplements may help to encourage an anti-inflammatory response from your body, boost energy and aid digestion also.

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4. ANTIBACTERIAL BENEFITS

The lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid in coconut oil give it potent antibacterial properties. This helps protect your skin from pathogens that will eventually flourish into bacteria, sometimes causing minor skin infections such as acne and blemishes. To reap the rewards of this acne-fighting natural oil, simply apply coconut oil to your skin daily. You can use it as an exfoliant or a moisturiser. Either way, you’ll see the same blemish-busting results. A must try is the Edible Beauty Edible Mum & Bub Coco Barrier Cream which instantly soothes and provides lasting relief for even the most delicate and sensitive skin.

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5. FIGHTS FUNGUS

Thank coconut oil’s anti-microbial functions for its ability to take on fungal infections. That’s right: coconut oil can actually inhibit the growth of potentially harmful micro-organisms that can wreak havoc on your skin. So if you have a yeast infection, eczema or ringworm, reach for your coconut oil for fast relief. Apply a little to the affected area, and let it do its work. 

6. SCALP TREATMENT

A dry itchy scalp isn’t only annoying, but it’s unattractive. You want to itch, but when you do, you release a flurry of dandruff. What to do? You guessed it: grab your coconut oil. As an intense moisturiser and a fungus fighter, coconut oil provides a formidable scalp treatment that will condition, hydrate and cleanse your skin, to leave your hair shiny and soft. To apply, simply warm a few tablespoons of coconut oil until it becomes liquid. You just want it to melt. Next, rub the warm oil into your scalp, applying evenly. Wrap your head in a towel and let the goodness soak in for two hours. For best results, work over the scalp with circular movements the BondiBoost Scalp Therapy brush to help loosen dead skin cells and aid their removal. It’s a bonus scalp massage you’ll love! Shampoo and condition your hair as usual.

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7. FIGHTS FINE LINES & WRINKLES

Use coconut oil to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while also warding off future signs of ageing. Not only does coconut oil moisturise your skin and make it appear more supple, but because it actually helps your skin rejuvenate and repair itself (an ability that decreases as we age) it can actually help diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The secret? Coconut oil has been shown to increase collagen production so our skin looks and feels more youthful. It is also rich in antioxidant vitamin E, which will further contribute to your skin’s ability to heal itself with anti-ageing benefits. Try the Eminence Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer that helps to lift, tighten and plump the appearance of ageing skin. Enriched with antioxidant-rich coconut oil combined with apple, shea butter and natural retinol this moisturiser promotes skin elasticity and revitalisation.

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8. MAKEUP REMOVING POWER

Coconut oil is versatile enough to be an effective, gentle makeup and eye makeup remover that’s suitable for all skin types. Unlike some makeup removers that are harsh and dry out your skin, coconut oil nourishes as it removes makeup. It is particularly useful for stubborn eye makeup like mascara and is harmless, even if you get a little in your eyes. Simply apply it all over, being extra gentle around the eye area, and then wipe off with a warm, damp and clean face cloth. Even the big skincare brands agree this is a wonderful ingredient! A must try makeup remover enriched with coconut oil is the Payot Nue Make-Up Remover Stick for Face, Eyes & Lips or the Pure Fiji Coconut Cleansing Balm.

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9. CHAPPED LIP RELIEF

Just like coconut oil can relieve dry skin, it can relieve dry lips like a charm. All you have to do is dab it on – and since it tastes good, you don’t have to worry about ingesting a little (or a lot!). Simply apply it as needed for refreshed, hydrated lips.

10. DEEP CLEANSER

Your coconut oil can also give your skin an incredibly powerful deep cleansing. While you might think that coconut oil would just add more oil to your skin, the truth is that oil actually binds oil and removes excess oil. You can actually use coconut oil to get rid of that nasty grease and grime while giving your skin a hit of healthful nutrients and hydration. For best results, apply a small amount of coconut oil to your face (about half a teaspoon) and gently massage it into your skin. Next, place a warm – but not hot – face cloth over your face and relax for 30 seconds. Let it work its magic. When time is up, remove the cloth, and wipe away any excess coconut oil. Alternatively, we love using the Hydropeptide Makeup Melt that combines coconut oil with macadamia nut oil and Shea Butter to leave the skin feeling soft, fresh and nourished.

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11. SUNBURN PREVENTION & TREATMENT

Most people don’t think of slathering on oil as a great way to prevent sunburn. Oils can often cause people to get a burn. This is why it will probably come as a surprise that coconut oil can protect your skin from the sun thanks to a natural SPF of 4. Of course, this isn’t going to give the sort of protection most people need for prolonged sun exposure, but it's great to know it can offer a mild SPF when applied to exposed skin. But what if you already got a sunburn? Then get coconut oil, fast. Because coconut oil can help your skin repair itself, and is particularly useful for people who are suffering from sunburns. Not only is sunburn exceptionally painful, but slather on a healthy dose of coconut oil and soak up the anti-inflammatory, skin rejuvenating properties.

12. MANICURE ASSISTANT

Next time you’re giving yourself a manicure, use coconut oil to help soften and moisturise your cuticles. Apply the oil to your cuticle area, let it absorb for a couple of minutes and then push them back for nail presentation perfection.

13. STRETCH MARK MINIMISATION

You’ve lost or gained weight. You’re pregnant or just had a baby. You’ve gone through a growth spurt. All these things can cause stretch marks, and while they are completely natural and harmless, many of us would prefer smoother looking skin. Fair enough. Apply coconut oil to your body regularly to diminish the appearance of stretch marks. And if you are pregnant, apply it as the baby grows to prevent stretch marks. It’s a fabulous and safe skin treatment that smells delicious.

14. SHAVING PROTECTION

Moisturise your skin while getting a great shave by using coconut oil as your shaving lotion. In addition to getting softer, more hydrated skin, using coconut oil will also prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs – two of the most dreaded outcomes of shaving. Just rub it into your skin and shave away. That’s it!

15. ALL-AROUND BABY CARE 

If you have a wee one at home, stock up on coconut oil. Coconut oil is hypoallergenic and super gentle on a baby’s sensitive skin. Use it to combat a nasty case of diaper rash, massage it into the baby’s scalp to treat cradle cap and rub it into the baby’s skin for intense, delicate moisture. It doesn’t matter if the baby ingests a tiny amount: like breast milk, coconut oil has been shown to build a stronger, healthier immune system. Of course, you shouldn’t be feeding your wee one coconut oil, but if they happen to ingest some, it certainly won’t hurt.

16. BUG BE-GONE

Mix coconut oil with peppermint, rosemary, tea-tree or citronella essential oil for a natural and effective insect repellent. Not only will your skin enjoy an intense hit of hydration, but it will also enjoy an insect repellent free of harsh chemicals – harsh chemicals that can be absorbed into your system through the skin. To concoct this DIY repellent, simply combine three teaspoons coconut oil with 3-4 drops of your essential oil of choice. Blend them together with a spoon, and apply to all exposed skin. You can make a big batch of this and store it in a cool, dry place.

17. SOOTHE CRACKED HEELS

If you have cracked heels, you know how painful they can be. Your skin actually splits, forming rough, deep crevices that bleed and are prone to infection. Cracked heels are caused by chronic skin dryness and exposure to the elements, particularly the cold. They can also be the result of fungal infections, psoriasis, hypothyroidism, vitamin deficiencies, obesity and thickening of the skin on the heel due to palmoplantar keratoderma. Heal your cracked heels fast with coconut oil. Part of what makes it so powerful is its low molecular weight and ability to bond well with your skin’s proteins. This means coconut oil can penetrate your epidermis more effectively than most products, so use coconut oil or products containing it for the ultimate skin repair treatment and moisturiser. For best results, apply it liberally before bed at night. Put on a pair of socks so you don’t smear the oil all over your bed linen – and so the oil stays in place. You can also use this same treatment for cracked fingertips or palms.

18. UNDERARM CARE

Show your armpits some TLC with a liberal dose of coconut oil. You can use it to exfoliate the area and prevent ingrown hairs, and its antifungal and antibacterial properties also make it a wonderful natural deodorant. Use it on its own, or make your own deodorant by combining coconut oil (⅓ cup), baking soda (2 tbsp), arrowroot powder (1/3 cup) and a few drops of your essential oil of choice. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until creamy. Store in a jar and apply it to your underarms as needed. Simple as that!

19. HEAL CUTS

Since coconut oil helps your skin repair faster and more effectively, it is the perfect topical treatment for minor cuts. Combine this with its antifungal and antibacterial power, and you’ve got an all-in-one treatment to help heal your skin, prevent infections and reduce the likelihood of scarring. Simply apply coconut oil to the cut and cover it to keep the wound clean.

20. SKIN DETOX

The super-strength of coconut oil’s antioxidants has been thoroughly researched and well documented. Tap into this power to detox your entire body. You can ingest it to detox from within, or try oil pulling which is detoxification of the mouth. Another great option is to add coconut oil to your bath in combination with some Epsom or Himalayan salts to soak in the antioxidants from the outside. Your skin will be the visible evidence of the detoxifying power of coconut oil, both feeling and looking smoother, softer and refreshed.

There you have it: 20 compelling and indisputable reasons to coat every inch of your epidermis in the goodness of coconut oil. Use it on its own, or use products that contain this beautifying, edifying and natural skincare solution.