8 Benefits of Coconut Oil!

Everything You Need to Know About Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is an oil extracted from the meat or kernel of coconuts, at room temperature it is solid but can easily soften or melt when heated up.

THE BENEFITS OF COCONUT OIL FOR SKIN INCLUDE

1. Protecting Skin Against Harmful Microorganisms The fatty acids in coconut oil, specifically lauric and capric acid, are excellent for maintaining healthy skin. Their antimicrobial properties are effective in eliminating harmful microorganisms that can proliferate on the skin. Lauric and capric acid are particularly adept at combating common skin infections like acne, folliculitis, and cellulitis, which are caused by bacteria and fungi. These acids help to eradicate the pathogens responsible for these conditions.

2. Coconut Oil is Highly Moisturizing for Dry Skin Coconut oil has been found to be a highly effective moisturizer for dry and cracked skin. Coconut oil helps to hydrate skin and reinforce its natural defensive barrier to better retain moisture which means coconut oil for dry skin is fantastic.

3. Coconut oil may be beneficial in treating acne. The anti-inflammatory properties that coconut oil has means it has the ability to help treat acne, which is an inflammatory condition. Not only this but both lauric and capric acid which are present in coconut oil have been shown to be capable of killing acne causing bacteria.

4. Coconut Oil Can Support Healing Research has shown that coconut oil can enhance the levels of antioxidants and collagen in the body, both of which are crucial for the natural regeneration and repair of our skin.

5. Coconut Oil Can Help to Reduce Inflammation Another benefit of coconut oil for the skin is its capacity to reduce inflammation through the enhancement of antioxidant levels. Antioxidants fight against free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can bind to our skin and lead to inflammation.

6. Coconut oil is known to help achieve a more even skin tone. Coconut oil is recognized for its skin benefits, including reducing dark spots, soothing facial redness, and correcting uneven skin tone.

7. Coconut oil may assist in diminishing the signs of aging skin. One of the advantages of using coconut oil for skin is its ability to enhance the natural production of collagen, leading to improved skin elasticity and firmer skin. This increase in elasticity can also reduce the likelihood of developing fine lines and wrinkles.

8. Coconut Oil Can Help to Soften Skin Many fatty acids found in coconut oil, including capric acid, serve as excellent emollients, contributing to skin softening.
   

THE COMPOSITION OF COCONUT OIL

Coconut oil is wholly composed of different fats and is mostly rich in medium chain saturated fatty acids.

• Caprylic Acid  This particular fatty acid constitutes about 8% of coconut oil and possesses potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, making it a beneficial treatment for a variety of skin conditions.

• Capric Acid  Capric acid, constituting about 7% of coconut oil, is an excellent emollient that can help moisturize the skin.

• Lauric Acid Lauric acid constitutes approximately 49% of coconut oil and is often associated with the oil's numerous benefits. Research indicates that lauric acid may aid in decreased risk of cognitive decline, among other advantages.

• Myristic Acid  Myristic acid is most commonly utilized as a cleansing agent in cosmetics and constitutes about 8% of coconut oil.

• Palmitic Acid Comprising about 8% of coconut oil, palmitic acid is commonly utilized as an emollient to soften the skin or as a moisturizer in skincare products.

• Stearic Acid This acid is commonly used in skincare products as an emulsifier but also is used in hair care products for its ability to protect and condition hair. Stearic acid makes up approximately 2% of coconut oil.

• Oleic Acid  Oleic acid constitutes approximately 6% of coconut oil and is a common ingredient in numerous skincare products aimed at dry and aging skin, due to its easy absorption and significant moisturizing properties.

• Linoleic Acid  Linoleic acid, making up about 2% of coconut oil, is excellent for fortifying the skin barrier, enhancing its ability to retain moisture, and protecting against harmful irritants.