The biggest potential drawback of using coconut oil on your skin is that, as a comedogenic ingredient, it can clog pores and lead to breakouts.
Despite its benefits, coconut oil is not suitable for everyone. Its comedogenic rating is 4 out of 5, meaning it is likely to clog pores, especially for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin. Prolonged use on such skin types can lead to breakouts and blackheads.
Side effects of using coconut oil on your skin
It's hydrating, yes. But that means it can do its job a little too well and clog pores and cause acne breakouts — especially if your skin is more on the oily side.
In summary, coconut oil has demonstrated many advantages to meet the requirements for the composition of an anti-aging cosmetic product with the ability to moisturize, antioxidant, strengthen the skin barrier and support regeneration collagen in ECM.
Coconut oil clogs your pores. So while it's good for hydrating your skin, it definitely won't help prevent acne. It can even cause blackheads and whiteheads, which are signs of inflammatory acne. So avoid using it on your face or any other areas that are prone to acne.
Myth: Coconut oil is a heart-healthy cooking alternative.
The reality: Coconut oil has been shown to raise cholesterol levels — the good and the bad kinds — more than other plant-based oils like olive or canola. And in truth, medium-chain triglycerides make up only a small amount of the fatty acids in coconut oil.
Coconut oil is one of the best oils for your skin. Its vitamin E and medium-chain fatty acids (MCTs) help nourish and support the skin. Plus, coconut oil's cleansing properties are essential for a clear-looking, moisturized complexion.
“I make sure the skin stays moisturized to plump [it] up,” Harth says. “I recommend using products with ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and even petroleum jelly, which is a terrific sealant for skin.”
Jojoba oil is one of the most versatile options for anti-aging oils because it mimics your skin's natural oils. It absorbs quickly, leaving your skin soft but not greasy, which makes it ideal for sensitive or combination skin types. You can use it to balance moisture levels and calm redness or irritation.
Some claim coconut oil offers benefits like healthier gums, plaque removal, and even whiter teeth. But before you make oil pulling part of your morning routine, it's important to ask, “Does coconut oil really whiten teeth?” It turns out that oil probably won't offer you significant oral benefits.
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.
Essential oils such as rose, lavender, and cinnamon may help with erectile dysfunction by improving circulation, reducing anxiety, and supporting emotional balance. To use them safely, always dilute with a carrier oil and avoid direct application to sensitive areas like the eyes, genitals, or broken skin.
Coconut oil is rated 4 on the comedogenic scale (out of 5), meaning it can cause clogged pores, pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads. If you are already prone to breakouts and use coconut oil, this is probably making them worse. I always recommend using a gentle cleanser and non-comedogenic moisturizer.
Coconut oil has as many calories as other fats with 117 calories and 14 grams of fat per tablespoon. Eating too many calories from any source can cause weight gain, which increases disease risk.
When applied overnight, it will trap the moisture into your skin making it soft, supple and hydrated. Lauric acid in coconut oil will help boost collagen production. Coconut oil is said to reduce any signs of inflammation like redness or irritation but its anti-inflammatory properties are yet to be proven.
Helichrysum oil is sometimes referred to as the "Botox in a bottle" because of its powerful regenerative properties.
Coconut oil is deeply hydrating and easily absorbed by the skin, making it an excellent natural moisturizer. It helps to replenish lost moisture, leaving the skin soft, smooth, and supple without clogging the pores. Coconut oil is rich in vitamin E that combats free radicals that causes premature ageing.
According to Marmon, many women begin to notice crepey skin around the time they hit menopause because the drop in estrogen during that time speeds up the decrease in collagen and elastin, resulting in a thinning of the skin with a loss of moisture and fat.
Home remedies like aloe vera gel, coconut oil, and egg whites can be applied topically to help improve skin firmness. These ingredients are known for their hydrating and tightening properties.
Collagen can't be measured — for instance, in a blood test — but there are signs that your collagen level is decreasing. These signs and symptoms include: Skin that's wrinkled, crepey or sagging. Hallowing in and around your eyes and face.
According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hope Mitchell, founder of Mitchell Dermatology, you should look for plant-based oils — such as jojoba, almond, and coconut — when choosing a body oil because they mimic the natural lipids found in your skin, helping to restore and balance your skin's moisture level.
The Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash is our top choice when it comes to drugstore body washes. The soothing blend of prebiotic oats and glycerin envelops skin in a lightweight veil of hydration, never leaving a sticky or heavy feeling behind. It's hypoallergenic and free from harsh sulfates and parabens.