Is coconut oil good for your skin?
Coconut oil is a type of fat that has been flaunted for its health-promoting properties. In fact, it has benefits for skin health as well. Let’s understand this in detail.
What is coconut oil?
Coconut oil is traditionally made by extracting the oil from raw coconuts or dried coconut kernels. It is regularly used in cooking or applied directly to the skin. Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids. Are you wondering which type of coconut oil is best? Refined coconut oil might be better suited for cooking at high temperatures. In terms of skin health, virgin coconut oil is a better choice.
Can coconut oil kill harmful microorganisms?
The antimicrobial properties of medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil can help protect against harmful microorganisms. This is particularly significant for skin health, as many types of skin infections, including acne, are caused by microorganisms or fungi. Applying coconut oil directly to the skin might prevent the growth of these microorganisms.
Can coconut oil reduce inflammation?
Chronic inflammation is a main constituent of different types of skin disorders, including psoriasis, contact dermatitis and eczema. Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties. What’s more, coconut oil might ease inflammation by improving antioxidant status. Antioxidants stabilize free radicals in the body and neutralize the reactive atoms that contribute to inflammation.
Can coconut oil help treat acne?
Acne is an inflammatory condition and many of the medications used to treat it work by targeting and reducing inflammation. (Source: PubMed Central) Coconut oil and its components might help reduce inflammation in the body. It might also help in the treatment of acne. Also, the antibacterial properties of the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil could help reduce acne. Many studies have shown that lauric acid, which accounts for nearly half of the fatty acids in coconut …