Virgin coconut oil is often used internally for a variety of skin and health ailments because of its anti-viral and health-enhancing properties. Research is now verifying what tropical populations have long known: Coconut oil applied to your skin can help your skin become radiant and healthy. Coconut Oil Central claims that coconut oil, which is rich in medium-chain triglycerides, is a small enough molecule to pass into your skin and nourish it from the inside. Also, the composition of your own sebum, which is the skin oil your body produces to protect your skin from the elements, is also rich in medium-chain triglycerides, meaning this is your own body's preferred protective layer.
Wound Healing
A recent study published in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology examined the impact of topical coconut oil on wound healing. This study found that virgin coconut oil applied to the wound dramatically increases the rate at which wounds heal, partly because it stimulates collagen production and turn-over. New blood vessels formed more quickly in skin treated with virgin coconut oil and antioxidant levels were higher.
Head Lice
In a European clinical trial, coconut-oil based spray was more effective than pharmaceutical permethrin 0.43 percent topical treatment for head lice. The coconut oil spray, which also contained anise, is far safer for pediatric use and was 40 percent more effective than the neurotoxin permethrin.
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a condition in which the skin becomes dry, cracked and flaky and is far more susceptible to bacterial infections, especially infections with Staph aureus. According to a study published in the journal "Dermatitis," virgin coconut oil has emollient properties that help to heal and protect the skin's surface, as well as broad-spectrum antimicrobial components that help protect against bacteria, viruses and fungi.
References
- Skin Pharmacology and Physiology: Effect of Topical Application of Virgin Coconut Oil on Skin Components and Antioxidant Status during Dermal Wound Healing in Young Rats
- European Journal of Pediatrics: Clinical trial showing superiority of a coconut and anise spray over permethrin 0.43% lotion for head louse infestation
- Coconut Oil Central: Coconut Oil Skin Benefits are Safe, Natural and Sustaining
- Dermatitis: Novel antibacterial and emollient effects of coconut and virgin olive oils in adult atopic dermatitis
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