You’ve probably heard a lot about coconut oil lately. It seems like this tropical oil is being used for everything from cooking to cleaning to moisturizing skin. While some of the claims about coconut oil are nothing more than hype, this natural product can be beneficial for your skin. Here are five ways that using coconut oil can improve your skin health.
1. Coconut Oil Can Help Reduce Inflammation
If you have any type of skin inflammation, whether it’s eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis, using coconut oil can help to reduce swelling, redness, and itching. The lauric acid in coconut oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe the skin. Applying a small amount of virgin coconut oil to the affected area two or three times a day can provide relief from inflammation and help to speed up healing.
2. Coconut Oil Can Moisturize Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, you know how uncomfortable it can be. Your skin may feel tight, itchy, and look flaky. Using a moisturizer is essential for treating dry skin, and coconut oil is an excellent option. Unlike some commercial moisturizers that contain ingredients that can dry out your skin further, coconut oil will not only moisturize but also help to protect your skin from future moisture loss. Apply a thin layer of virgin coconut oil to your clean skin after bathing for the best results.
3. Coconut Oil Can Help Heal wounds Faster
The antibacterial and antifungal properties of coconut oil make it an effective treatment for minor cuts and scrapes. Applying a small amount of virgin coconut oil to the wound can help to keep it clean and speed up the healing process by keeping out bacteria and fungi that could cause infection. Coconut oil can also help treat cold sores by reducing swelling and promoting healing.
4. Coconut Oil Can Reduce the Appearance of Stretch Marks
While there’s no way to completely get rid of stretch marks, using coconut oil can help to reduce their appearance. Coconut oil helps to improve collagen production which in turn helps stretch marks to fade away faster. Apply a small amount of virgin coconut oil on the affected areas twice a day for the best results in reducing the appearance of existing stretch marks as well as preventing new ones from forming.
5. Coconut Oil Can Serve as Natural Sunscreen
While you shouldn’t rely on coconut oil alone as your sunscreen, it does have natural SPF properties that make it an effective addition to your sun protection routine—especially if you have sensitive skin that reacts badly to chemical sunscreens. You won’t get the same level of protection from the sun using coconut oil as you would from a standard sunscreen but adding it to your skincare routine will give you some added protection against harmful UV rays—just don’t forget to reapply often!
Whether you’re looking for an all-natural alternative to commercial skincare products or just want to enjoy the benefits that this tropical powerhouse has to offer, using coconut oil on your skin is worth considering! Have you tried using coconut oil on your skin?
