It is no secret that coconut oil has a diverse set of benefits. It is an all-natural moisturizer that can be used to cure dandruff, hydrate skin and hair, reduce frizz, and wipe away eye makeup, in addition to smelling like heaven. But does coconut oil darken skin color? Let’s find out by discussing the benefits and side effects of using coconut oil on the face.
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5 Benefits of Coconut Oil for Skin
Coconut oil is extracted from the flesh of coconuts. Both virgin and refined coconut oil are available in stores. Virgin coconut oil is less processed than refined coconut oil. It is known for its magical qualities since it has many health benefits and many beauty products. Coconut oil can do wonders for our skin, mainly when applied to the face at night. The significant advantages include:
Provides Moisture and Protection
Coconut oil contains fatty acids and is known for its hydration properties, which help your skin retain moisture and minimize dryness. It forms a protective layer on the skin, shielding it from environmental toxins, dirt, and other harmful particles that can contact you daily.
Reduces Wrinkles and Softens the Skin
You’ll notice the softening and smoothing impact of coconut oil as soon as you apply it to your skin. It can also assist in improving texture over time by absorbing in the skin. Using coconut oil overnight as a treatment for aging can help to reduce the signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines.
Even Skin tone and Fades Dark Spots
Coconut oil is a great product to use in simple home remedies. It can be used to make a homemade scrub by adding sugar, lemon, and coffee. When combined with coconut oil, all these ingredients reduce the appearance of dark spots on the skin. Coconut oil hydrates the skin while also lightening the uneven skin tone by eliminating scars and other dark spots on the face.
Helps Irritated and Damaged Skin
Coconut oil has an anti-inflammatory effect, which calms irritated and injured skin and speeds up the healing process, resulting in a more even and brighter skin tone. It has vitamin E and antioxidants that assist skin cells in maturing and growing healthily, which produces a glow on the face.
Fights Infection
Coconut oil has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It penetrates deep into the skin layers of tissue to eliminate the underlying skin infection that causes skin damage or uneven skin tone, such as psoriasis, eczema, dry skin, itching, sunburn, acne, and bug bites, as well as scars on the skin. It may also be applied to toenails to cure fungal infections.
Read more about How to get Flawless Skin here.
Side effects of using Coconut Oil on Face
Even though coconut oil has numerous benefits, applying it overnight on your face might have side effects. So, it may not be the best thing to use if you have oily or acne-prone skin because:
Acne Breakouts in Oily Skin
According to research, coconut oil might clog pores in those with oily or mixed skin. Dermatologists do not recommend using coconut oil to people who have acne-prone skin due to its comedogenic property.
Blackheads and White Heads
While some people believe that coconut oil is good at clearing up their acne and makes their skin look brighter and softer, others think it is heavy to use on the skin as an overnight treatment. If left on your face over the night, coconut oil may lead to blackheads, pimples, or whiteheads if you have oily skin.
Read more about Common Pimple Problems here.
So, Does Coconut Oil Darken Skin Color?
Many of us who use natural DIY remedies adore coconut oil and have no problem using it. However, some people are complaining about the skin-darkening effects of coconut oil. Skin darkening appears to be more common in people with medium skin tones or olive-to-brown skin tones. Skin tones from South America and Southeast Asia appear more vulnerable to skin darkening caused by carrier oils. Still, there is no scientific evidence to prove that coconut oil causes the darkening of skin color.
Can Coconut Oil be used as a Sunblock?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, SPF of 30 or higher should be used because it blocks 97 percent of the sun’s dangerous rays. Unfortunately, only around 20% of the sun’s harmful rays are blocked by coconut oil. Skin cancers like melanoma are prevented if sunscreen is used correctly. Manufacturers may eventually blend coconut oil with other components to provide broad UVA/UVB protection, while coconut oil alone is insufficient and should not be used as a sunblock.
The Bottom Line
Coconut oil is an inexpensive treatment for dry and flaky skin but is not the best for people with oily skin as it clogs pores. Moreover, there is no solid evidence supporting the fact that coconut oil darkens skin tone, but it is still recommended to avoid using it during the day. Therefore, it is better to apply coconut oil on the face or body during the night to prevent the risk of sun damage.
FAQs
1. Does coconut oil make skin glow?
Yes, coconut oil contains Vitamin E and other antioxidants, which ensure healthy skin cells giving the skin a healthy and natural glow.
2. What are the benefits of applying coconut oil to the face overnight?
If you have dehydrated skin, applying coconut oil on your face overnight can provide moisture and hydrate your skin. It may reduce the appearance of wrinkles and soften the skin.
3. How to use coconut oil for hair growth?
Take some coconut oil in your hand and rub it gently on your hair. Massaging it on the scalp for 3-5 minutes is also helpful, so the hair absorbs it better. It is best to leave the oil overnight to help with hair growth.
4. Does coconut oil lighten the skin?
Coconut oil can lighten the skin because it helps remove dark spots and results in glowing and hydrated skin.
5. Does coconut oil darken the lips?
No, the moisturizing properties of coconut oil make the lips soft and smooth. It prevents the lips from getting dried and chapped.
Book an appointment now to answer all your queries. You can book an appointment with the top Dermatologists through Marham by calling at Marham helpline: 0311-1222398 or by online booking facility through the website or Marham mobile app.
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