Photo by Tijana Drndarski from Pexels Coconut oil is a type of fat that has received attention for its ability to improve health. It has a long list of health advantages, from lowering LDL cholesterol levels to enhancing brain function in Alzheimer's patients.

In fact, it may even be advantageous for the health of your skin, according to various researches.

1. It Can Eliminate Harmful Microorganisms

Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids that have antimicrobial properties which can aid in warding off harmful microorganisms. Since many skin infections, such as acne, cellulitis, folliculitis, and athlete's foot, are brought on by bacteria or fungi, maintaining good skin health is extremely crucial.

Direct application of coconut oil to the skin might stop the growth of these microorganisms. This is because coconut oil contains lauric acid, which can fight harmful microorganisms and accounts for roughly 50% of the fatty acids in coconut oil.

In one study, 20 different bacterial strains were used to investigate the effectiveness of 30 different types of fatty acids as antibacterial agents. Lauric acid was discovered to be the most effective at preventing bacterial growth. Lauric acid can kill off Propionibacterium acnes, a type of bacteria that causes the onset of inflammatory acne, according to another test-tube study.

2. Coconut Oil Might Help With Inflammation

Psoriasis, contact dermatitis, and eczema are just a few of the many types of skin illnesses that frequently involve chronic inflammation. It's interesting that anti-inflammatory effects of coconut oil have been demonstrated. In one study, experts used virgin coconut oil to treat rats' inflamed ears. It was discovered that coconut oil not only reduced inflammation but also pain.

Coconut oil may also reduce inflammation by boosting antioxidant status. Antioxidants function by neutralising the reactive atoms known as free radicals in the body, which can cause inflammation.

3. Using Coconut Oil To Treat Acne

Although some people believe coconut oil clogs pores, extensive evidence suggests it may really help heal acne.

Being an inflammatory condition, acne is often treated with drugs that target and reduce inflammation. Acne treatment may benefit from coconut oil and its components since they may lessen bodily inflammation. Additionally, the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil may aid to lessen acne because of their antimicrobial qualities.

Lauric acid, which makes up over half of the fats in coconut oil, has been shown in numerous studies to be effective in killing the type of bacteria that causes acne.

4. Dry Skin Can Be Moisturised By Coconut Oil

Applying coconut oil on your skin has benefits for inflammation and acne, in addition to keeping your skin nourished. One study compared the effects of coconut oil to mineral oil, a type of petroleum-based oil frequently used to treat dry skin, in patients with mild to moderately dry skin.

Coconut oil dramatically increased skin hydration during the two-week research and was just as efficient as mineral oil. Additionally, it has been proven to aid in the treatment of eczema, a skin condition characterized by scaly, itchy rashes. Keeping your skin hydrated can aid in maintaining the integrity of your skin overall, the healing of scars, and the preservation of your skin's barrier function against bacteria.

The conclusion

Although coconut oil's health advantages have been extensively researched, the majority of studies on how it affects the skin use test tubes or animals.

However, coconut oil may have some potential advantages for skin, such as lowering inflammation, maintaining skin moisture, and promoting wound healing.
The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil have antibacterial qualities that can help treat acne and shield the skin from noxious microorganisms.