Coconut oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and moisturizing properties and therefore many women swear by it as a great natural facial skincare solution.
But it may not be a good idea to use coconut oil on your face. For people with severely dry skin, applying coconut oil may help restore moisture content.
However, coconut oil may be problematic for most of us, especially people with very oily skin, as it can lead to more breakouts and clogged pores.
Since coconut oil can’t penetrate the pores and sits on top of the skin, it can suffocate your skin, clog your pores and cause breakouts. Do not apply coconut oil or any oil on acne or broken skin.
Do not use coconut oil as a facial moisturizer
Coconut oil contains saturated fats, which may help repair your skin’s natural barrier and trap in moisture. This can in turn help soothe rashes, and heal dry, flaky skin. While these moisturizing properties can work well on your ashy elbows and cracked heels, it is not a great idea to use coconut oil as a facial moisturizer. Coconut oil may benefit areas where your skin is thicker, but it may be too heavy on your face, where it can clog pores.
An ideal facial moisturizer should be the one that hydrates your skin while remaining light enough to prevent clogging your pores. If you’re looking for a natural moisturizer, try aloe vera. This wonder herb can help soothe skin irritation and help wounds heal faster. But unlike coconut oil, it won’t clog your pores. The best about aloe vera gel is that it suits all skin types.
Coconut oil is a natural remedy for certain skin conditions
Although coconut oil may not do any significant benefit on your face, it has been found effective in treating a variety of skin conditions on other areas. For example, coconut oil may help ease physical symptoms of atopic dermatitis—a skin condition that makes your skin red and itchy, especially in children.
One study revealed that coconut oil is effective at combating colonization of Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria that causes the immune system to react by breaking out in dry, scaly patches. Another study suggested that coconut oil can help treat xerosis, a skin condition that also causes dry, scaly skin similar to atopic dermatitis. In 2010, an animal study found that wounds heal faster when treated with virgin coconut oil.
