Pure, organic, unrefined coconut oil is the ideal agent for skin care because it uses the healing properties of nature to improve our skin, rather than scientifically-engineered compounds like highly-refined vegetable oils, which are prone to free radical generation. As you know, free radicals cause permanent damage to skin tissues and prematurely age the skin. Furthermore, pure, organic, unrefined coconut oil does not evaporate immediately like water, but is able to penetrate into the cell structure to form a protective layer against damaging free radicals.
Here are some other benefits for your skin:
- Coconut oil moisturizes. A 2004 study conducted by the Makati Medical Center’s Department of Dermatology in the Philippines concluded that “Coconut oil is as effective and safe as mineral oil when used as a moisturizer.” Coconut oil improves skin hydration and increases skin surface lipid levels.
- Coconut oil fights acne and other skin conditions. The lauric acid found in coconut oil is anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal. A bioengineering grad student from UC San Diego confirms that the natural byproducts of coconuts fight acne when applied directly to the skin. People in the tropics have long used coconut oil to treat everything from eczema and diaper rash to psoriasis and fungal infections.
- Coconut oil eradicates signs of aging like wrinkles and liver spots. Coconut oil reduces our need for Vitamin E, fights free radicals, strengthens the skin’s underlying connective tissues, helps prevent sun damage, and hasn’t been stripped of its natural components through the refining process, says Biochemist Dr. Ray Peat.
Coconut oil skin care is a mighty first line of defense against a wide range of diseases. It's so potent, bacteria and other illness-causing organisms are crying foul in the sidelines.
Using coconut oil for your skin is like shrinking Superman and the entire Justice League to microscopic sizes and have them scatter all over your skin. Those villainous microbes don't stand a chance. The secret of coconut oil? Well, there is no secret!
Medium Chain Fatty Acids
It has been common knowledge for several decades within the research community that it contains mostly Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) or Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFA). These extraordinary fat molecules are the main reason why coconut oil is so healthy for you.MCFAs such as Caprylic acid (C-8), Capric acid (C-10), and Lauric acid (C-12) hate harmful microorganisms. They destroy bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites, yeast, etc. that cause minor skin irritation, all the way to the HIV virus (AIDS).
Your Skin First, THEN Your Entire Body
When you use coconut oil on your skin, the benefits are profound and long-term. Once it completely penetrates the pores of your skin, it will eventually end up in your bloodstream for more health-improving activities.The skin is the largest single organ in your body. It is the only thing or covering that prevents air-born, water-born or whatever-born killers from dismantling every single cell in your body.
Fortifying your skin with "antimicrobial" MCFAs is one of the most effortless ways to guarding against infection. Coconut oil is nature's richest source of rare MCFAs.
Topical
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The rich tropical smell of coconut oil combined with its many topical skin benefits makes this oil an excellent daily face and body moisturizer. The small molecular structure of coconut oil allows it to easily penetrate the skin while preventing moisture from escaping. Coconut oil has been found to have sun-protective properties. It offers moderate sun protection and is soothing to the skin after too much sun. Coconut oil also makes a soothing and relaxing massage oil.
Problem Skin
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Coconut oil can help to cure and prevent acne by encouraging a pH balance that allows one's natural oils to combat infection. The lauric acid in coconut oil has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Thus, coconut oil can be used to help heal infections, such as athlete's foot and ringworm, according to Bruce Fife, CN, ND. Coconut oil also aids in healing cuts and minor burns.
Benefits
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Using coconut oil on the skin can help combat and prevent microbial and bacterial infections. Adding the oil to your diet also can have a similar affect on your skin, helping it to stay young, supple and strong. Signs of aging occur when free radicals cause the connective tissue in the skin to break down. Coconut oil's high antioxidant levels slow the harmful effects of free radicals in the body. This prevents the damaging actions that lead to signs of aging.
Considerations
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Coconut oil is great for the skin. It has as many benefits when taken as a dietary supplement as when applied directly to the skin. Coconut oil is a saturated fat, but not all saturated fats are bad and coconut oil is one of the healthy ones. Coconut oil can help to rebuild youthful, supple skin while combating the signs of aging. It can be used to help heal wounds, infections and burns. Coconut oil is not a cure-all, but it does offer wonderful moisturizing properties while healing and soothing the skin from the inside and out.
