Why you should consider using coconut oil to combat dry skin

Here are some expert tips on how to incorporate it into your skincare routine

14 April 2024

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Photographed by Ashish Shah

Using coconut oil for your skin may not be the first, second, or even 10th thing that comes to mind when wanting to combat dryness. But it turns out, it might be time to strongly consider it. Coconut oil is known for its many health benefits, and as a natural emollient, it is packed with nourishing ingredients that can be just as effective as—if not better than—some of your favourite skincare products. And the fact that it is easy to find and can be pretty wallet-friendly doesn’t hurt either. But don’t just take our word for it. Below, see what the experts had to say about why you should consider coconut oil for your skin and how to properly incorporate it into your routine.

Why should you consider coconut oil?

Coconut oil comes from coconut meat, which is the white part you see when you cut into one. Studies show that this natural oil is made up mostly of fatty acids, like lauric acid, myristic acid, and linoleic acid, and provides a lot of benefits when used in cooking, hair care and skincare regimens.

Where our skin is concerned, it’s main benefit is that it can act as a natural moisturiser. But it can also do so much more. Joshua Zeichner, MD, associate professor and director of cosmetic and clinical research of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, says that it is useful in treating the skin in many ways, but can mostly be used as a moisturiser, cleanser, and treatment for inflammatory conditions.

The Benefits of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is useful in many ways, but, according to the experts, it has five main skin benefits:

Provides and Locks in Moisture

One of the main reasons to use coconut oil for your skin is to add moisture. Hadley King, MD, a New York City–based board-certified dermatologist, says that it makes for an excellent moisturiser because it is rich in fatty acids called triglycerides, and has emollient properties to soothe dry skin along with acting as an occlusive to lock in moisture. Zeichner adds that because coconut oil is rich in fatty acids, it can help hydrate and soften the skin.

Dissolves Makeup

Zeichner says that coconut oil can safely be used as a makeup remover, even around the eyes. “Oil dissolves oil, so it can bind to makeup allowing it to be removed from the skin,” he says. You simply need to gently rub it into your skin, like you would an oil cleanser, before washing it off. So consider this for the next time you need to cleanse off hard-to-remove liner or mascara.

Fights off Bacteria

King goes on to say that coconut oil also contains lauric acid, which has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Zeichner adds that lauric acid is also thought to be antimicrobial, so it may lower levels of acne-causing bacteria on the skin and help reduce inflammation.

While there are some claims that coconut oil can treat dandruff as it has antimicrobial properties and the lauric acid can lower levels of yeast known to drive dandruff, Zeichner says its effectiveness is still unclear when it comes to treatment.

Protects and Boosts Skin Barrier Function

Coconut oil is also rich in antioxidant properties, which can help protect the skin from environmental aggressors. “It can help neutralise and prevent damage from free radicals from UV rays and pollution,” says King. This also helps the skin fight off premature fine lines and other signs of aging.

Supplements Essential Oils

Zeichner says that coconut oil is commonly used as a carrier oil for essential oils. Essential oils need to be diluted before being applied to the skin and he says adding coconut oil will help protect the skin while reaping all the benefits from whatever essential oil you want to use.

The Side Effects

King says that coconut oil is fairly comedogenic, so it can clog pores and cause breakouts. Those with sensitive skin, oily skin, or acne-prone skin should proceed with caution if they want to incorporate it into their regimen. She adds that coconuts are also considered tree nuts and may cause a rash or other types of allergic reaction for those allergic to anything nut-related.

As a dandruff treatment, Zeichner emphasises that more studies need to be done to prove its efficacy. He adds that not fully removing coconut oil from your scalp can actually make dandruff worse and create an oily environment that will encourage the overgrowth of yeast. So if you use coconut oil on your hair and scalp, be sure to thoroughly cleanse it.

How to Use Coconut Oil

Cold-pressed coconut oil, refined coconut oil, and virgin coconut oil—there are many types of coconut oil you can use. But for the most part King says there are little differences between organic and processed coconut oil and that the best one for your skin depends on personal preference and what will work best for your skin type.

King says that both refined and unrefined coconut oils contain triglycerides, so either one will be an excellent moisturiser option. Unrefined coconut oil or virgin coconut oil, has a higher content of phytonutrients and antioxidants. But virgin coconut oil is heavy and can have a greasy texture, so she recommends using it as a final step in a nighttime routine.

Refined oil removes many of the antioxidants due to the high temperatures used in the manufacturing process, but it doesn’t smell as potent as pure coconut oil (if the smell is something you dislike). Fractionated coconut oil, which is an odour and taste free oil is derived from regular coconut oil and is less likely to clog pores but has less antioxidant benefits.

Application is fairly simple too. You just use coconut oil in place of your normal moisturizer or body lotion in your skin care routine (King says to always remember to use SPF if you’re opting to use coconut oil for skin during the day), and you’ll be good to go.

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