Why does coconut oil make me dry?

Author: Reva Lubowitz  |  Last update: Tuesday, June 10, 2025

With an oil that is super absorbent, like coconut oil, skin may be getting the message that its received enough moisture, which lowers the balance of natural oils. Then, once the coconut oil is absorbed, you have nothing left to protect you on the surface.

Is coconut oil making my skin dry?

Coconut oil is not a humectant (doesn't trap moisture) nor a moisturizer (adds moisture) - it repels water. It can clog your pores as well as ultimately zap moisture from your skin and hair. This is basic beauty science.

Why is coconut oil making my hair dry?

  • Protein Interaction: Coconut oil has a high affinity for hair protein, which means it can penetrate the hair shaft.
  • Heavy Application: Using too much coconut oil can leave a greasy residue that attracts dirt and pollutants, leading to a buildup that can dry out hair over time.

Why is my skin dry even after applying oil?

A person's skin may still feel dry after moisturizing for many reasons. These can include not exfoliating, washing excessively, dehydration or malnutrition, using harsh products, or due to certain skin conditions or side effects of certain medications.

Can coconut oil make your lips more chapped?

Overuse: Applying too much coconut oil can lead to a buildup, which might cause the lips to feel more dry when the oil wears off. Hydration Levels: If you're not drinking enough water or are dehydrated, your lips might still become dry despite the application of coconut oil.

Top 3 Benefits and Uses Of Coconut Oil - Dr. Berg

What is your body lacking when you have dry skin?

When skin loses water too quickly, it becomes dry. This can happen for many reasons. Everyday things, such as using deodorant soaps and harsh cleaning products, can strip oils and fats from our skin. Taking long, hot showers can also dry your skin.

Is coconut oil a drying oil?

Natural drying oils included in this category include linseed oil, soybean oil, and coconut oil. To provide them with beneficial characteristics, synthetic resins are added to them. Based on fatty acid content, oils are categorized as drying, semidrying, and nondrying.

What does over-moisturized skin look like?

Your skin will certainly tell you in subliminal ways, such as clogged pores or acne breakouts on your shoulders or other areas of your body, small bumps and more. It's easy to think that over moisturising is a good thing as 'it's just providing your skin with extra hydration' – however, this isn't true.

Can coconut oil cause breakage?

“Coconut oil is a great ingredient to implement into your hair routine because it has nourishing fatty acids, which help moisturize the hair, prevent breakage, and strengthen the hair,” says Fitzsimons. According to research, coconut oil actually reduces protein loss in both damaged and undamaged hair.

How to stop coconut oil from hardening?

To keep coconut oil from solidifying, maintain it above its melting point of 75-77°F (24-25°C) using methods like coconut blankets for consistent heating, mixing with low-saturated fat oils, or storing in a warm environment.

What does coconut oil do for skin?

Coconut oil for face is popular as it is highly moisturising and can also reduce inflammation, counteract free radical damage and prevent infection. Not only this but coconut oil for face can boost the production of collagen which helps to firm skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Why does coconut oil dry my hair?

Coconut oil is not good for low-porosity hair because it will prevent water from moving out of the hair, so it doesn't allow water to move in and out of the hair. It will become dull and dry. Just the opposite, high-porosity hair is more open to moisture flowing in and out, thus having room for both.

What is the best oil to moisturize your skin?

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.

How long does it take for coconut oil to absorb into skin?

Use coconut oil as an ointment by melting a small amount in the palm of your hands and applying a thin layer to the skin. The oil needs a few minutes to absorb into the skin.

Why is coconut oil drying my skin?

With an oil that is super absorbent, like coconut oil, skin may be getting the message that its received enough moisture, which lowers the balance of natural oils. Then, once the coconut oil is absorbed, you have nothing left to protect you on the surface. Whoops!

Why is my hair so dry after oiling?

Using oil alone may not be enough to hydrate and moisturize your hair, especially if your hair is naturally dry or damaged. While oil can help to seal in moisture and protect your hair from environmental factors, it may not be enough to provide the hydration that your hair needs.

Why does oil dry out my skin?

A molecule of oil has not one drop of moisture. So, if your skin is parched and dehydrated at the surface, no amount of oils can offer long-term relief and will probably make it worse over time if you keep up the practice, even if you apply them to damp skin.

What is very dry skin a symptom of?

People with skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) or psoriasis are more likely to have dry skin. Medical treatments. Some people develop dry, thick skin after undergoing treatment for cancer, receiving dialysis or taking certain medications. Aging.

Why is my skin so dry even when I moisturize and drink water?

You're deficient in certain nutrients

Stubborn dryness may occur if your body is low in vitamin A, vitamin D, iron, niacin or zinc, all of which are a must for healthy skin. Talk to your doctor about whether you might be deficient in one of these nutrients, and if you are, whether or not to take supplements.

Is vaseline good for dry skin?

Pure petroleum jelly is very gentle on skin, making it perfect to soothe dry skin on all areas of the body and keep it hydrated at the same time. Choosing a good moisturizing lotion containing micro droplets of Vaseline® Jelly will help heal dry skin deep down for fast relief from itchy dryness.

What drink is good for dry lips?

Drink adequate water daily to prevent dehydration, which can contribute to dry lips. Proper hydration helps maintain moisture levels in your lips as well.

Does coconut oil dry out lips?

Can coconut oil dry your lips out? If you're using coconut oil as lip balm, it should do just the opposite. Due to its hydrating and emollient properties, coconut oil will likely add moisture to your lips instead of drying them out.

What is the most hydrating lip oil?

The best lip oils, at a glance
  • Best Overall: Kosas Wet Lip Oil Gloss, $22.
  • Best Drugstore Lip Oil: E.l.f The Glow Reviver Lip Oil, $8.
  • Best Hydrating Lip Oil: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil, $19.
  • Best for Chapped Lips: Burt's Bees Hydrating Lip Oil, $20.
  • Best for Deep Skin Tones: Typology Tinted Lip Oil, $29.

Previous article
What causes skin pigmentation to turn white?
Next article
Does muscle workout burn belly fat?