Is Coconut Oil Actually Good For The Skin?

We asked a few people how to Is coconut oil actually good for the skin? and this is their answer.

1. Aurora Som, Former cosmetologist student

On paper, yes it is due to all the benefits it can give but then looking at the comedogenic rating it's scores a 4 out of 5.

5= you're basically guaranteed to break out from it.

So a 4 means MOST people would break out from it. I'm not normally someone who breaks out. When I do it's normally only one or two every few months in my t zone region but when I used coconut oil for a few weeks and noticed I had 7 pimples altogether and a few in areas I normally don't break out in. Coconut oil was the only thing I had added to my regimen. I stopped using it. MAYBE you're skin just “purges” but the thing is I've never broken out like that, not even as a teenager so I'd be cautious if you intend to apply it to your face.

I still use it on my body cause I LOVE the smell of coconuts but I don't think I'll be applying it to my face again anytime soon, although I'm always tempted to because of the scent haha

2. Denise Baker, Fitness Enthusiast

Well, it has linoleic acid, which is a fatty acid as well as lauric acid which is also antimicrobial. It's super hydrating, easily absorbed by the skin. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties as well.

Coconut oil can be used to treat dandruff, psoriasis and eczema, as well as oil pulling for dental health. Between the antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties, as well as its moisturizimg benefits it's almost a wonder drug for skin. Except it's not a drug, completely natural and you can eat it to boot.

I use it as a moisturizer and for oil pulling, and it's my favorite makeup remover. That being said, it builds up on my skin and can cause breakouts, at keast for me. Easy to fix, just mix a dab of baking soda in it for an exfolliant.

It tends to be my go to for a lot of my skin care, although I like castor oil for some things (hair treatments, eyelashes), and argan oil as a makeup base.

I'm sure I've left something out, but suffice to say I love the stuff, and my skin does too.

3. Erin Nypaver, former Music Director

Coconut oil is wonderful for your skin. When it is thoroughly rubbed into the skin, it seals in moisture, keeping your skin soft and supple. Coconut oil also contains a fatty acid called lauric acid, which is a strong anti-microbial agent, which means that it can kill germs and heal blemishes on the skin. Coconut oil has also been used on the skin to prevent skin cancer, although I'm not sure if there is any research to back that up. Some cancer patients do use coconut oil, but they use it as an alternative to chemically made lotions. Basically, coconut oil is a great natural lotion that keeps your skin healthy.

4. Anima Sur, Self-Employed

Coconut oil has a lot of benefits. Particularly if you are using the virgin cold pressed one.

This oil is linked to some potential benefits for skin, including reducing inflammation, keeping skin moisturized and helping healing of wounds. The medium-chain fatty acids found in oil also possess antimicrobial properties that can help treat acne and protect our skin from harmful bacteria.

Coconut oil also contains many antioxidants, especially vitamin E, which means it can protect skin from external damage such as from radiation of sun. It works as a natural sunscreen because of its beauty protection benefits. It helps improving overall skin tone and making your skin look lighter.

5. Dean Ulven, Strategic Account Manager

I asked this exact question to a colleague who is African American and her answer was: “We have dry skin and it works”. Enough said. Plus it’s not expensive. Now as a older white guy with a decent amount of hair on his head? I’ve gone from a US $22 a small pot of clay to VCO and my hair is healthy and supple. What it does for your hair I really can’t say.