Everyone knows about coconut oil. Some people use it for cooking while others use it as a conditioning hair mask. No matter how you’ve decided to use this cult favorite oil, we want to get to the bottom of something. Is adding coconut oil actually beneficial to your skincare routine? It seems like there is always a new skincare trend that promises great results. We wanted to find out the pros and cons of coconut oil, whether or not you should use it on your face, and how to choose the best one when there are so many brands on the market. If you are skincare obsessed like we are, read on to find out everything there is to know about this oil.
The first thing we think about when it comes to coconut oil for skin care, we think of moisturizer. It is rich in median-chain fatty acids, specifically lauric acid, which gives it amazing antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. If you have dry, sensitive skin, you might consider adding it to your routine to prove a very hydrating protective layer on the skin. More so, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help to speed up wound healing. Suzanne Friedler, MD, board-certified dermatologist with Advanced Dermatology PC in New York. explains, “There are different mechanical and chemical processes that are used to manufacture coconut oil—for use in skincare, unrefined (virgin or extra-virgin) cold-pressed coconut oil is what’s recommended.”
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However, it’s not the best thing for acne. King advises avoiding putting coconut oil on the places with the most oil glands. She says, “Coconut oil is fairly comedogenic, meaning it can clog pores and contribute to acne. If you have oily skin and are acne-prone, coconut oil shouldn’t be applied to acne-prone areas.” But for everywhere else on the body, don’t be scared, just perform a simple patch test! When it comes to which type to use, both refined and unrefined make great moisturizers, but unrefined is higher in phytonutrients, making it better for skincare. So what are you waiting for? You can add coconut oil as a body, moisturizer, lip balm, and even a shaving cream for the smoothest legs you’ll probably ever have. There really isn’t anything coconut oil can’t fix.