Coconut oil has a large number of health benefits and one of them being beneficial for your skin due to its cleansing, healing and anti-bacterial properties. Using this oil for the skin is gaining immense popularity among people who use it topically as it is considered as an ideal all in one product that can be added to your personal grooming regimes and skincare. When applied, it is very gentle on your skin since it is not laden with ingredients and chemicals which makes it a safer option to use without any side effects.
The Benefits
Using coconut oil for the skin offers a large number of benefits because it is an excellent smoothening agent and massage oil for the skin. It can also protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun because it is natural oil that does not contain any additives and chemical. It can protect your skin in some of the sunniest and hottest places of earth. However it is questionable whether it is superior to artificial sun screens and processed lotions. The composition of the oil offers all the impressive benefits as it can help you to maintain skin health.
Multiple ways in which you can use Coconut Oil for the skin
Skin cleansing
It can be used for cleansing the skin as it is a natural product and hence it offers far more benefits than the products available in the market that is laden with harsh chemicals. These chemicals in the other products will strip your skin off its natural oil and can also lead to different skin issues like clogged pores and acne. The anti-fungal properties from the oil of the coconut can help with acne as it kills bacteria and helps to opens clogged pores. It is a great cleanser that can wash away the impurities and dirt away from your skin, thus making it look flawless and beautiful.
Waterproof makeup remover
You can also use coconut oils for removing waterproof eyeliner and mascara as the oil can help in washing off the most clingy and stubborn waterproof makeup with great ease. It also helps in moisturizing and conditioning the skin as well as the eye lashes so that you can remove makeup easily and quickly. Personally I thought this works WAY better than Ponds Cold cream (a popular brand known to get rid of the toughest waterproof mascara). Plus it will not leave a greasy creamy feeling as it can be washed off instantly.
Moisturizer
It is considered as a great moisturizer as it is a carrier of important essential oils and provides extra moisturizing properties to the creams and lotions especially if you have Eczema. It can be an excellent cleanser for all kinds of skin and help in keeping the skin moisturized and supple for a longer period of time.
Coconut Oil and Eczema: MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
I heard of a recent research on how coconut-oil can benefit eczema due to having ceramides which is a real important fat (skin lipid) in strengthening the skin barrier to prevent further skin dehydration. Also, it is known to create a film surrounding the skin in order to protect it from the outside environment including harsh UV rays.
How well does it apply to eczema-prone skin?
The honest truth is that it varies among individuals as many of us have different levels of severity of Eczema than others. I have gathered my experiences and talking with many other eczema sufferers into consideration. It appears to help more with minor eczema.
- A study has shown that virgin coconut-oil is far superior than mineral oil in alleviating mild to moderate eczema where both agents functions to strengthen the stratum corneum (top layer of skin) within 8 weeks (Evangelista, Abad-Casintahan, & Lopez-Villafuerte, 2014).
- The lipids from the virgin coconut-oil also penetrates the skin while providing anti-inflammatory activity (p. 105).
Virgin Coconut Oil versus the Regular Version
REMEMBER that “Virgin Coconut Oil” is different than just “Coconut Oil” as the latter one is more processed by heat or has added chemicals (p. 107). Fatty acids are normally broken down in the process to prolong shelf life. Therefore it is best to go for Virgin Oil version.
I have Eczema, when to use Coconut oil?
Best time to apply
The best time to use in my experience is at night before bed while putting my regular moisturizer on top of it. My face feel super smooth and moisturize as I wake up in the morning.
Understand that using the oils from the coconut may not provide enough moisturizing so I personally put a moisturizer (eg. Nivea) on top of it only at night. You have to test yourself, but this has worked for me. I use it like a face serum (oil meant to fill in the nutrients to the skin before applying moisturizer to lock it in from the top layer). For some people, it may ease the itching whereas others not so much.
Worse time to apply
The worst time is to apply during the day underneath the makeup or moisturizer as some of us will feel itchy and feel uncomfortable. If some of you can handle it, then go for it.
Personally I just don’t think it goes well underneath my make-up as I want to stay matte and not-so-greasy looking. Applying the virgin version on the body may be a different story if you want a bit of sun protection.
Bottom line and Final Verdict
Coconut oil can work as an alternative to an expensive facial serum, as it has anti-aging properties along with skin purification and skin smoothing effect. In terms of helping my Eczema, as I mention earlier, “It appears to help more with minor eczema.“
It also serves as an excellent eye make-up remover. Best time to use for face is during the nighttime for an extra moisturizing effect for the upcoming morning feeling good, prepared and well hydrated.
