Coconut oil is used in both the kitchen and the bathroom for an array of different uses. From hair care to natural skincare to recipes, the internet is full of info about this tropical oil
There is a lot of hype around coconut oil for the skin. But with our help, you’ll be able to cut through all the clutter and learn what this incredible oil can do for your face and body.
Coconut oil for the skin is made by pressing fresh coconut meat.
The best type of coconut oil for your skin is virgin, unrefined, and extra-virgin.
Here’s how to use coconut oil on your skin and what benefits it has.
Table of Contents
What are the types of coconut oil?
- Virgin or Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Virginity is purity. Virgin and extra virgin are purely interchangeable terms. For olive oils, the virgin terms for olive oils are drawn based on free fatty acid contents. But for coconut oils, the difference between the two kinds of oil is only one thing: location. Virgin coconut oil comes from cold-pressed coconut milk, while extra virgin comes from freshly squeezed coconut milk
Virgin and extra virgin coconut oil refer to the amount of processing the coconut oil have undergone. Unrefined means that it has undergone the least amount of processing and is more nutrient-rich.
- Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil
The oil is extracted from the fresh young coconuts. The oil is manufactured in a process that does not use chemicals and does not heat the oil beyond room temperature.
This results in an oil that contains more phenolic compounds than traditional coconut oil, which can help rid your body of free radicals and increase your immune system. The milder flavor may also increase your desire for cold-pressed coconut oil over coconut oil made with chemicals and heating
- Expeller-Pressed Coconut Oil
Our raw, extra-virgin coconut oil is created by cold-pressing. This means, that all of the beneficial enzymes, proteins, and antioxidants are of the highest quality because our coconuts are processed below 118° F/48° C.
- Hydrogenated Coconut Oil
There are many types of coconut oils: Coconut oil that is hydrogenated typically has a more solid, longer shelf life moreover, it increases the melting point to 86-97F.
It can be helpful in colder weather conditions.
There are two types of hydrogenated coconut oils: hydrogenated partially, which is cheaper and mixes better with other industrial ingredients, and fully hydrogenated, which is more expensive.
- Partially Hydrogenated Coconut Oil
The FDA advises that partially hydrogenated oil be eliminated in food, as this is one of the more dangerous types of fats. It creates trans-fats, which are associated with heart disease, weight gain, obesity, and stroke.
- Fully Hydrogenated Coconut Oil
Fully hydrogenated coconut oil is solidified and has undergone complete hydrogenation. However, fully hydrogenated coconut oil still contains the same harmful trans-fats that its less processed counterpart, partially hydrogenated coconut oil, contains.
- Non-Hydrogenated Coconut Oil
Hydrogenation is the process of adding hydrocarbon groups to the unsaturated bonds of oil molecules. Non-hydrogenated coconut oil is coconut oil that has not undergone this process and remains free of chemical modification. This type of oil is better than hydrogenated ones.
- Refined Coconut Oil
Refined coconut oil is coconut’s highly-processed, stripped-down, and whitened cousin. Made from dry-milled coconuts that have been machine pressed to squeeze out their oil content, these raw coconuts get a good old oil bath before being baked in high heat. That takes care of any pesky smells lingering about the oil – it’s time for bleaching! The bleaching clay removes impurities (including bugs, dust, and microbes) from the refined coconut oil. Now that it’s sterile enough for your kitchen, the refined oil gets filtered to remove the remaining particles. And, just like our other coconut oils, it is 100% plant-based and cold-pressed.
Benefits of coconut oil for skin
- Coconut oil anti-aging
Research has shown that coconut oil has antioxidant effects. Some dermatologists recommend the use of coconut oil to help slow down the appearance of wrinkles and delay aging.
It is considered a good source of medium-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids have been shown to have antioxidant effects. Coconut oil helps maintain the health of the skin and also has other cosmetic uses such as moisturizers, lotions, and make-up removers.
- Coconut oil for skin and body
1- Hydrate dry hands
Coconut oil can help ease dry skin by giving you that all-too-necessary moisture boost. Dr. Low Dog suggests keeping a jar of organic extra virgin coconut oil by the kitchen sink and rubbing some on your hands after washing to help keep them soft and moist. And if you cook with coconut oil, scoop out a little extra for your hands—it’s solid at room temperature, so it won’t turn into a messy greasy mess!
2- Shave your legs
It’s possible to get a nice clean shave on your legs or underarms with coconut oil, instead of shaving cream. Coconut oil is a bargain and it smells divine. Plus, its skin-soothing properties will leave you feeling nourished.
3- Use in place of lotion
If you are looking for an affordable option that not only smells amazing but also leaves your skin feeling nourished and smooth, try using coconut oil as a moisturizer. You can also mix things up every so often by trying a body lotion with coconut oil in it (like this one from the Body Shop).
4- Slather on as a massage oil
When making your massage oil, it’s smart to start with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba. Cut out the middleman and buy the base oil in bulk.
5- Create a luscious body scrub
Dr. Low Dog says, “I make my scrub by mixing together ½ cup of coconut oil and 1 cup of brown sugar or salt. I like adding some pure vanilla extract or five drops of eucalyptus or lavender essential oil because they make the scrub smell great.”
6- Nourish dry cuticles
Massage coconut oil into your cuticles and the skin surrounding your nails to moisturize and hydrate those areas. This way can help you fend off cracked skin, strengthen brittle nails, and avoid hanging nails.
7- Relieve psoriasis
People who have psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that causes skin cells to build up, can find relief from the itchy, scaly symptoms by taking a bath in hot water mixed with two tablespoons of coconut oil, says New York City dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner.
8- Treat your feet ”coconut oil for athlete’s foot”
Athletes are more likely to get a fungal infection called athlete’s foot than other people. Coconut oil can help you treat the infection and stop it from coming back. To use as athlete’s foot treatment, rub a little coconut oil on your skin where you have athlete’s foot. Cover this with cotton socks and go to bed. You can also put coconut oil on cracked heels.
9- Soothe eczema
Coconut oil can also be used topically as a treatment for eczema. One small study found that applying coconut oil to the skin twice a day reduced the presence of staph bacteria on the skin, dryness, abrasion, and swelling of the skin due to repeated scratching.
10- Coconut oil as anal lube
You might want to keep a jar of coconut oil in your nightstand because this super-slippery stuff can pack a whole lot of punch. “It’s rare for people to have any type of allergic reaction,” Dr. Kari Braaten saBe sure to only use coconut oil as a lubricant when you have both been tested for STDs and are using another form of birth control.id previously. A little goes a long way—and overdoing it can make your sheets slippery.
Coconut oil for skin whitening
Coconut oil is made up of healthy ingredients, including essential fatty acids and vitamin E. This solid oil can penetrate your skin faster to treat underlying inflammations and disorders in the skin.
Coconut oil contains properties of bleaching and brightening. It takes time to lighten the skin with coconut oil.
How to melt coconut oil
- Use a pan
Whether you need to melt large quantities of coconut oil in a pan or simply want to melt any amount, you can use one of these two simple methods. The first is by far the most popular because it is quick and easy, making it perfect for everyday cooking.
The second method is much slower but retains more nutrients which are perfect for anyone looking to boost their diet with a different type of fat.
- Water Bath
Two ways allow you to apply this method:
1: Sink Water Bath: Fill a pot or bowl with hot water. The water doesn’t have to be boiling, but not lukewarm. Place the desired amount of coconut oil inside a jar, zip-lock bag, or airtight container. Put the container in the hot water. Make sure the container is completely covered by the water.
2: Stove Top Water Bath: For a quicker way to melt coconut oil, you can put it in a double boiler and get it warm enough to melt (or cut) it. Be sure to turn off the heat once your bowl is placed on top. If you don’t have a double boiler, you can also put your cast iron frying pan over your pot of boiling water!
- Microwave
Want to melt coconut oil in seconds? This method is fantastic, especially if you want to melt it for baking sweet treats or savory items. It’s important to use an unrefined product when melting it quickly. Not only will it keep the flavor, but it will also keep the nutrients and essential fatty acids intact.
”Coconut oil for hair men is also incredible”
The bottom line
Coconut oil is one of the healthiest fats or oils you can find, and shouldn’t be melted with a ton of heat – it removes nutrients. Using organic and unrefined coconut oil in your recipes will give you more nutrients and an authentic flavor and odor. Coconut oil helps maintain cholesterol levels, protects skin and hair from damage, and has other benefits, including maintaining your healthy heart and immune system.