Coconut Oil for Skin: Benefits and Who Should Avoid It - Verywell Health

Coconut oil has been promoted for its ability to help moisturize dry skin. In addition, research suggests this natural oil may have additional antibacterial, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties when applied topically.

This article discusses how coconut oil may benefit the skin, which types are available, and how to apply it for the best results.

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What Skin Benefits Does Coconut Oil Offer?

Coconut oil may provide several benefits, whether used for dry skin or a health condition.

Treating Skin Conditions

Studies show that coconut oil applied topically to the skin may help people with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis or eczema, which causes an itchy rash. Coconut oil's anti-inflammatory properties may decrease the severity of the condition, prevent moisture loss, and improve the skin's barrier function. Check with a healthcare provider to ensure coconut oil is a good option.

Reducing Stretch Marks

While coconut oil can't physically remove stretch marks from pregnancy or another cause, it's possible that applying this oil to the targeted areas may help reduce their appearance. Coconut oil's antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties may also promote skin healing from within, reducing the chances of stretch marks developing.

Healing After Surgery

Coconut oil has wound-healing effects and can contribute to healing. It is one ingredient that's recommended for application near the vaginal area to promote healing after surgeries such as a septate hymen. Speak with a healthcare provider for postsurgical instructions before using coconut oil.

Treating Hemorrhoids

When over-the-counter (OTC) remedies for hemorrhoids (swollen veins in the anus or rectum) aren't helping, coconut oil may be a suitable replacement. In one study, researchers found coconut oil reduced hemorrhoid discomfort in pregnant people more than other lifestyle modifications alone.

Ask a healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or aren't getting better after a few days.

Making Sex Comfortable

Coconut oil may be an effective personal lubricant, making sex more comfortable due to its moisturizing properties. However, oil-based lubricants can damage latex condoms, making them less effective. Before applying coconut oil to the skin on and around the genitals, be sure the product doesn't have added sugars or other ingredients that could lead to a vaginal infection.

How to Apply Coconut Oil on Skin

If you're using coconut oil to hydrate dry skin, it's a good idea to moisturize immediately after showering. You can do this by taking a small amount in your hands and rubbing the oil from the neck down, focusing on body parts that need extra moisture, like the knees, feet, elbows, and hands. Continue applying until the skin feels moist and supple. If needed, coconut oil can be reapplied later.

Where Not to Put Coconut Oil

Since coconut oil could clog pores, consider not using it on the face or other body parts prone to acne, like the chest and back, unless directed by a healthcare provider. Also avoid getting coconut oil in the eyes.

What Skin Types Does Coconut Oil Help?

Coconut oil works best on drier skin types or skin affected by a condition like atopic dermatitis. That's because coconut oil and other natural ingredients or products with oily consistencies clog pores, causing acne breakouts or similar acne-like bumps and skin conditions.

If you're unsure about your skin type or whether coconut oil application would be a good fit for you, check with a healthcare provider before trying.

Types of Coconut Oil

There are two types of coconut oil, and both are solid before melting into a liquid formula.

Unrefined coconut oil is oil that hasn't undergone additional processing outside of extracting the oil. It is either wet or dry-pressed from coconut and comes with the signature coconut scent and flavor. A term found on the label of some unrefined varieties is "cold-pressed," meaning the extraction process didn't use heat.

Refined coconut oil means that some processing has occurred to remove some of the natural components within the oil. It's characterized as a "cleaner" oil without a telltale coconut scent or taste and may be used more for cooking or baking. Refined coconut oil may lose some of the coconut's antioxidant benefits during production.

Should Anyone Not Use Coconut Oil on Their Skin?

People prone to clogged pores and acne should not apply coconut oil to their skin without consulting with a healthcare provider such as a dermatologist (a specialist in skin, hair, and nail conditions).

Anyone who has had an allergic reaction to natural oils (like sunflower oil or similar natural ingredients) or a coconut allergy should ask a healthcare provider before using coconut oil on the skin. Unrefined coconut oil can contain potential allergenic proteins that may be removed during the extraction process in refined coconut oil.

People seeking to use coconut oil as an SPF should likely reconsider. Although some research has suggested that coconut oil's antioxidant properties may help protect the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, most experts agree that regular SPF is recommended until further scientific evidence confirms these findings.

Summary

In addition to moisturizing, coconut oil may have other properties that are good for the skin. Research shows coconut oil's antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents might help with wound healing, scar reduction, and treatment of certain skin conditions. As applying oils may be problematic for people with certain skin types, check with a healthcare provider before adding coconut oil to your skin care routine.

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