10 Benefits of Coconut Oil for Skin

Coconut oil and milk are well-known for their versatile uses in everything from cooking to skincare, and there’s no end to the coconut oil recipes out there for various DIY natural products. We recognize coconut oil’s potent benefits and include it in many of our professional-grade products like our Coconut Hydrating Milk because it’s a proven successful ingredient. Here we’ll learn the 10 best benefits of coconut oil and why you should include it in your daily skincare routine.

10 Benefits of Coconut Oil

Many proven ingredients like coconut oil act in multiple ways, as opposed to just one, due to their unique chemical makeup. Coconut oil’s many benefits include:

Rich hydration
Has been known to have anti-microbial properties
Softens and smooths the appearance of skin
Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Helps the appearance of uneven skin tone
Antioxidant-rich
Easy absorption
Foundation for exfoliants
Reduces the appearance of redness and irritation
Smells luxurious!

You may find coconut oil on the grocery store shelf, but don’t go turning to the canned food aisle for your skincare products. Coconut milk is processed differently for food preparation than skincare benefits, meaning you should look instead on the ingredients list of specially formulated products to get the best out of this natural ingredient.

Types of Coconut Oil For Skin

There are many processes that coconut oil can go through before it enters the beauty aisle in pure form or as an ingredient in a blended skincare product. The two main types you need to know are virgin coconut oil vs. refined coconut oil.

Extra virgin coconut oil, or unrefined coconut oil, is obtained from fresh coconuts, incorporating the liquid and coconut meat to extract the oil, which can be a more potent form of the compound.

Refined coconut oil, on the other hand, is made from dried coconut meat, and needs to be pressed, dissolved, or even bleached to extract the remaining oil. Refined coconut oil can either be heat-pressed or cold-pressed coconut oil, the cold-pressed having been shown to contain more nutrients.

What Skin Types Is Coconut Oil Good For?

Coconut oil is great for many different skin types depending on how you're applying coconut oil in your skincare routine. Most often, organic coconut oil is used in moisturizers due to its hydrating properties and moisture-locking medium-chain fatty acids, but it can also be found in cleansers or as a makeup remover to help prevent the skin from being stripped of all its oils during those sometimes overly drying steps.

This ingredient can clog pores, so it may not be right for people with severe combination skin or oily skin. It’s most beneficial for people with sensitive skin, as it reduces the appearance of redness and irritation.

Coconut oil can help uneven skin look more unified and have a more rich complexion.

Finally, mature skin can also benefit from its rich moisturizing properties, which functionally serve to minimize the look of wrinkles over time.

Why Is Coconut Oil Good For My Skin?

Coconut oil, like other plant extracts, contains several types of compounds that give it its unique properties, like moisturization and protection from environmental stressors. Fatty acids in pure coconut oil spread on the surface of the skin, retaining moisture. The specific fatty acids in coconut oil are readily absorbed by the skin, making it easy to apply and begin receiving its benefits. Coconut oil also contains antioxidants. This means that with constant use, it can help with the appearance of aging.

High-Quality Coconut Oil Products

If you’re looking for an easy, quick way to incorporate coconut oil into your daily skincare routine, look no further than the high quality products of Epicuren Discovery. You’ll find coconut oil in awesome products like our Kukui Nut Coconut Massage & Body Oil, Anti-Aging Lip Balm, and you can discover other high-quality products with complementary ingredients and benefits to coconut oil by taking our Skin Quiz today. The quiz identifies your area of concern and matches you with products that can take your skincare routine to the next level.

Frequently Asked Questions on Coconut Oil

Is it OK to use coconut oil on your face?

Yes, coconut oil designed for skincare is safe to use on your face as directed. However, food-grade coconut oil should not be used to treat your face, and people with naturally acne-prone skin may want to avoid it, as the ingredient can clog pores.

What does coconut oil do for the skin?

Coconut oil has a few main benefits. First, it's a moisturizing oil with antioxidants derived from nature. Next, it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Finally, it's easy to mix with other ingredients to make everything from exfoliants to massage oils.

Does coconut oil lighten skin?

No, coconut oil on its own will not brighten your skin. Instead, coconut oil can help even out your skin tone and soften the look of your skin when used consistently.

Is coconut oil good for pimples?

No, people with naturally oily skin or who get breakouts regularly should probably not go for coconut oil unless it's part of a mild cleanser.

How long does it take to see results from coconut oil?

Depending on the product, you'll notice immediate results and most coconut oil products can be applied daily.