Benefits Of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil For Skin Problems

Extra virgin coconut oil can be made either through a cold-pressing of ripe coconut flesh or through an extraction from coconut milk. It is a popular cooking oil, especially in Polynesian and other tropical cuisines, but it also has several therapeutic properties that make it an excellent natural skin treatment. Though rare, coconut oil allergies do exist, so use it with caution or under a physician's care until you are confident that you are not allergic.

Anti-Aging Effects

As you inhale, the oxygen molecules that travel into your body may split and create what are known as "free radicals," according to HealthCheck Systems. These free radicals then seek out and attach themselves to other molecules in your body tissues, sometimes causing dysfunctions or molecular breakdown. The results of this breakdown include premature aging and inflammation. NaturalNews notes that cooking oils containing polyunsaturated fats are a major source of free radical production. Coconut oil, however, is the only natural cooking oil which never oxidizes when heated, and therefore does not contribute to free radical production. It can also serve as an antioxidant, which is a compound that finds and inhibits free radicals in the body. You can get these benefits by using coconut oil in place of other cooking oils like olive oil, vegetable oil and, most importantly, any polyunsaturated fats.

Xerosis Treatment

According to the Penn State's College of Medicine at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, xerosis is the clinical term for dry skin, which can be caused by living in a dry environment, routine exposure to hot water, frequent sun exposure and with age. The National Institutes of Health published a study in 2004 from the Makati Medical Center in the Philippines that investigated the use of extra virgin coconut oil to treat xerosis. The study found that extra virgin coconut oil was safe for topical use as a moisturizer, and that it significantly improved lipid levels and hydration in the skin. Compared to mineral oil, which had already been declared medically safe for the topical treatment of xerosis, the study showed that coconut oil was somewhat more effective, though not on a statistically significant level.

Infection Inhibitor

"The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods" identifies coconut oil as a powerful natural antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal solution, which makes it great for warding off infection in minor scrapes, cuts and burns. According to Organic Facts, the application of undiluted extra virgin coconut oil to damaged skin creates a chemical layer that keeps the wound clean and actively disinfects. These properties make extra virgin coconut oil a suitable alternative treatment for other skin problems like athlete's foot, diaper rash, thrush and even ordinary bruising.