Coconut oil is one of nature’s super foods. It is praised for its versatile health benefits. Not only is it a fantastic choice for cooking and baking, but it is also wonderful for skin health. In addition, it can be used to maintain healthy hair as well as support oral health by oil pulling or making your own homemade toothpaste! (see Dr. Axe’s toothpaste recipe.)

 

When using coconut oil on the skin, my personal preference, in most cases, is to use Fractionated Coconut Oil. Fractionated coconut oil is a fraction of the coconut oil where almost all the long-chain triglycerides are removed leaving mainly the medium-chain triglycerides. This process gives it a very long shelf life and high stability.

Being one of the most stable oils, fractionated coconut oil doesn’t go rancid, so it is perfect for making homemade personal care products or diluting your favorite essential oils. Fractionated coconut oil also has a higher concentration of Capric acid and Caprylic acid, so it has more antioxidant and disinfecting power. It also has a lightweight, feathery feel and no coconut smell.

Get Fractionated Coconut Oil HERE

Here are 5 reasons why you should be using coconut oil on your skin.

1. Coconut oil contains natural anti-inflammatory properties.

Inflammation is the root cause of skin aging. Your body’s response to healing itself is inflammation. This response is important for your body to heal, but in chronic situations, inflammation becomes destructive. Inflammation can be a deep systemic issue and it will most likely show on your skin. Coconut oil can help calm inflammatory conditions like acne, rosacea, psoriasis, rashes, itching, or swelling.

2. It’s an “anti-aging” oil that keeps skin hydrated, giving it a healthy glow.

Coconut oil provides deep, nourishing moisture. It helps to give strength to underlying tissues and keeps your skin soft.

There is a fantastic article about Coconut oil and it’s deeply nourishing effect on the skin by Annmarie Skin Care.

 “The most exciting benefit that coconut imparts on the skin is moisture. Because of its unique combination of fatty acids (lauric, capric, caprylic, myristic and palmitic), it has a way of penetrating skin that few other oils have.” –Annmarie skin care

According to Organicfacts.net, Coconut oil delays the appearance of wrinkles and sagging of skin, which normally accompany aging. You can even use coconut oil around the eyes to protect against wrinkles and fine lines. Apply some on your lips to keep them hydrated, nourished and soft.

3. It’s a natural makeup remover & lash conditioner.

Have you ever taken a look at the ingredient in common makeup removers? Many of them contain harmful and toxic ingredients that are known to cause system toxicity, irritation, hormone disruptions, and even cancer. (R) Yikes! Most of them also strip the skin, causing excessive dryness which accelerates the aging process.

Coconut oil is a much safer and natural way to easily remove makeup. It does the job better than most makeup removers and even removes waterproof mascara.

Plus, an added bonus, it nourishes your lashes. Coconut oil provides essential proteins needed to repair damaged hair. Conditioning your lashes with coconut oil may help to grow them thicker and fuller.

 

4. Coconut oil heals damaged tissue, infections and treats various skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, (R) and fungal issues like candida. (R)

If you suffer from skin conditions, using coconut oil regularly may help. Coconut oil repairs skin cells which means it will aid in healing wounds faster. Coconut oil’s antibacterial properties make it ideal for preventing infection in minor cuts and lacerations. Add a drop or two of pure essential oils and you have a perfect wound healer. (Check out my owie spray recipe.) Also use coconut oil to help soothe a sunburn and prevent peeling.

5. It helps to heal Acne.

The saturated fatty acids in coconut oil, Caprylic acid, capric acid and myristic acid, are rich in antimicrobial and antifungal properties which help to kill bacteria on the skin without harming the natural balance of a healthy microbiome.

Doesn’t oil clog pores?

With acne, your first reaction may be to avoid putting any oil on your face. There is a fear that oils will clog the pores and make acne worse. This is a myth. (see this article, Oils vs Lotions) Yes, certain oils should be avoided, but coconut oil is not one of them. I suggest using fractionated coconut oil. It has a light, feathery feel without being greasy and will not clog pores.

“I was afraid at first cause the thought of oil on your face is the opposite of what we are taught about getting rid of pimples. But I just tried it on a few blemishes, and they were gone the next day…it was amazing. I now use it all over my face!” – Robin (from coconutoil.com)

 

How to use Coconut oil on your skin

• For skin conditions and wounds – Apply directly to the area of concern. Light application is best. A little goes a long way. (Get owie spray recipe here)
• For makeup removal – Place a little coconut oil on a cotton round or soft wash cloth and gently wipe off makeup. Then rinse clean and pat dry.
• For an “anti-aging” glow boost – As a final step after your moisturizer, place a few drops of coconut oil in the palm of your hand. Rub together and gently pat and press onto your face. You can also add a drop of an essential oil to the coconut oil depending on your skins needs.
• For Acne – Apply as a spot treatment nightly or use a light application as your moisturizer to help hydrate, heal and protect your skin. I would also recommend adding a drop of melaleuca oil to your spot treatment.

For easy application, keep your fractionated coconut oil in an oil dropper jar. 

Get dropper jars HERE

Here are some easy DIY recipes using coconut oil…

Homemade deodorant – Out of all the “natural” deodorants I’ve tried, this one works great!

Owie Spray – helps to heal minor wounds, cuts scrapes, burns, and skin irritations. It’s also great for eczema, dry skin, rashes and for the little ones, a bum spray for diaper changes.

Lotion Bars –  I love the idea of these! Try this great skin nourishing recipe by wellness mama.

Detox Face mask – 4 easy ingredients in this brightening face mask by the coconutmama.com

 

How do you use coconut oil on your skin? I would love to hear!

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