By Christine Ruggeri
March 10, 2020

Coconut oil can be thought of as the do-everything oil with next-to-zero downside. Use it in your food, on your hair, skin, nails — you name it! It’s no wonder that many beauty care products on the market today are made with coconut oil. But guess what? Coconut oil for skin can be done easily at home too.

Coconut oil benefits come from its therapeutic compounds. It’s loaded with good fats that provide us with energy, has hydrating properties, and is able to fight microbes within and outside the body. It also smells amazing!

But did you know that coconut oil for skin is also a thing? That’s right, you can reap coconut oil’s benefits from the outside-in. Not only is using coconut oil on your skin an all-natural method to eliminate many of the toxic ingredients that are found on drugstore shelves, but it’s also a cost-effective way to care for your body.

Coconut oil also is able to penetrate your skin on a deeper level than your average product because of its low molecular weight and the way it bonds with proteins. So feel free to ditch those extra products in the medicine cabinet and try many, if not all, of these 23 ways to use coconut oil for healthy, radiant skin instead.

Benefits of Coconut Oil for the Skin

1. Has Antimicrobial Properties
Coconut oil contains three fatty acids —capric, caprylic and lauric acid — that possess both disinfectant and antimicrobial properties, helping to protect against as well as heal microbial infections. Studies indicate that it’s effective against bacteria-related issues like dental caries and skin infections.

This is why organic coconut oil for skin blemishes and infections is so popular. It keeps bacteria at bay and can help to fight infections that cause cold sores, diaper rash and body odor.

2. Works to Hydrate Skin and Hair
Why does coconut oil for skin work so well? In part, it’s due to the saturated fats that helps the skin stay moisturized, with the fat preventing moisture loss through the skin’s pores. These fats give the skin a healthy, smooth and even tone.

Research reveals that virgin coconut oil improves the symptoms of skin disorders by moisturizing and soothing the skin. It also protects the skin by enhancing skin barrier function.

3. Reduces Inflammation
Coconut oil benefits for skin include its ability to improve skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and other inflammatory skin issues.