Yes, you can use coconut oil as a moisturizer depending on your skin type. It is comedogenic, meaning it can potentially clog pores, so if you have oily or combination skin it's best to avoid using pure coconut oil as a moisturizer.
Coconut oil can work as a moisturizer, but is it right for you? While coconut oil does work to seal moisture into the skin, board certified dermatologist Dr. Purvisha Patel says it shouldn't replace the moisturizer step in your routine altogether.
Coconut oil is highly comedogenic, which means it clogs the pores on your face. When you apply coconut oil, it simply lays on the surface because the molecules in the oil are far too big to be absorbed into the skin.
Can I use coconut oil on my face every day/night? Yes, you can use coconut oil on your face every day and night. All you need to wash your face, dry it, and apply a small amount of coconut oil on your face at night and every morning.
Leave a light layer of coconut oil on your skin overnight. Avoid getting coconut oil into your eyes, as it may make your vision blurry temporarily. If you're pinched for time, coconut oil can also do double duty as a makeup remover prior to using as a night cream.
Despite the fact that coconut oil is definitely an oil and, as stated above, it does absorb into the skin, many people also report that coconut oil increases the feeling of dryness in their skin.
Summary: Coconut oil can be an effective moisturizer and aid in the treatment of dry skin and eczema.
Coconut oil is highly comedogenic, which means it can clog pores. Consequently, it may actually make acne worse for some people (22). When applied to the skin, coconut oil may clog pores and make acne worse. It is not recommended for those with very oily skin.
The skin generally absorbs coconut oil quickly. If someone is using coconut oil for the first time, they should test it on a small area of the body before applying it to more extensive areas.
Studies show that coconut oil can help cell turnover, making the skin barrier stronger by thickening it. Since skin that's thinning due to aging is a big cause of under-eye circles, it makes sense that coconut oil would diminish their appearance.
Coconut oil is easily absorbed into the skin and is known to have many health benefits, including those from vitamins E and K, as well as its antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Coconuts are considered a tree nut so if you are already sensitive to any type of nut or have an allergy, coconut oil could cause an allergic reaction. When applied topically this could appear as itchiness, red bumps or a persistent rash that doesn't clear up.
The lauric acid in coconut oil has nourishing properties that seep into your skin. Some coconut oils absorb quickly, providing moisture to heal dry, chapped lips.
Moisturizers and face oils are not interchangeable. You cannot use oil in place of moisturizer because oils are too heavy for the skin. They will make your face oily and greasy, which is something you definitely want to avoid as it will make your skin look worse than ever.
The best type of coconut oil for skin skin is organic, virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil, as it's the least processed of the bunch so it retains the most nutrients. When using coconut oil for your face, avoid buying the more processed varieties produced primarily for food purposes.
1. Can coconut oil make your skin glow? Yes! Coconut oil contains many antioxidants and fatty acids that aid in promoting clear, bright and glowing skin.