Have You Also Been Pondering Over the Question - Is Coconut Oil Good for Skin? Here's What You Need to Know About the Benefits & Disadvantages of Using Coconut Oil (2020)

Yes, it is definitely good for skin, hair, and overall health in many ways. Extracted from raw coconut or dried coconut kernels, coconut oil is highly saturated oil, which can be used for cooking and has several benefits for skin health as well. Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties, hence helpful in skin problems like cellulitis, folliculitis, and acne, etc. Coconut oil reduces inflammation and is helpful in skin disorders as contact dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. Coconut oil also helps treat acne, acts as a natural moisturizer for dry skin, and is also effective in wound healing when applied with an antibiotic.

Coconut oil extracted from dry kernels is by the dry method, and this oil is known as refined coconut oil because the process is finished with bleaching and deodorizing. While in the wet process, virgin coconut oil is extracted from raw coconut without any chemical process; hence it is better for skin health.

Out of the many benefits for the skin from Coconut Oil, one of the most important is that it can kill harmful microorganisms due to the lauric acid content present in it, thus effective against various skin infections caused due to fungi or bacteria. Lauric acid and Capric Acid present in coconut oil have strong antimicrobial properties and are effective against strains of various bacteria and fungi.

Further, the anti-inflammatory properties present in Coconut oil can ease inflammation and relieves pain by improving antioxidants in the affected area. Coconut Oil is also an effective natural remedy for acne because acne is an inflammatory skin condition, and the direct application of coconut oil regularly may help treat acne problems.

Coconut oil is quite an effective moisturizer; especially, the virgin coconut oil is pure and moisturizes the skin without any side-effects. Not only coconut oil gives the required hydration to your skin, but it also acts as a shield against the harmful bacteria. So, coming winter, you know that it’s not your regular cold cream, but 100% natural virgin coconut oil, which is one of the best moisturizers for your skin.

Another benefit of coconut oil for skin is that it helps to heal wounds quickly and effectively. Studies suggest that virgin coconut oil, when mixed with antibiotics, accelerates the healing process of burn wounds and also prevents infection with improved antioxidants in the impacted area, thanks to the antimicrobial properties of the oil.

Though coconut oil has many benefits for skin, there are certain precautions to be adhered to before you start applying it on your skin. People with oily skin should avoid coconut oil (especially on the face) as it may block the skin pores resulting in blackheads. Also, if you have sensitive skin, then better to apply on a small area first, and if the results are positive and you don’t feel any itching or irritation, then you can continue using it on your skin.

Further, coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer, but it can’t replace your sunscreen as it has an SPF of 1. So, never try to use it as a sunscreen or try to make some DIY sunscreen using coconut oil. Moreover, refrain from applying a thick layer of coconut oil as it may give a sticky appearance. Rub a little amount on your palms and apply evenly on the desired body part.

Not only is coconut oil good for skin, but virgin coconut oil also has a luscious smell, which is more like a coconut cookie.

Below mentioned are some of the purest and superior quality virgin coconut oils, which are excellent for skincare and skin problems.

1. Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil - available on amazon.in for Rs 681.

2. Kama Ayurveda Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil (50 ml) - available for Rs. 245 on kamaayurveda.com.

3. Organic India Virgin Coconut Oil - available on organicindia.com for Rs. 725 (500 ml).

4. Forest Essentials Organic Cold Pressed Coconut Virgin Oil 200 ml bottle - available for Rs. 825 on forestessentialsindia.com.

5. Pure and Sure Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil 250 ml jar - available for Rs. 305 on pureandsure.in.

6. Max Care Virgin Coconut Oil Cold Pressed 500 ml bottle - available for Rs. 375 on maxcareindia.in.

7. Morpheme Pure Cold Pressed Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, 120 ml bottle - available for Rs. 229 on morphemeremedies.com.

8. Coco Soul Cold Pressed Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, 250 ml bottle - available for Rs. 338 on cocosoul.in.