20 Incredible Uses of Coconut Oil for the Skin

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my DISCLOSURE for more info.

Coconut oil is becoming extremely popular in the world these days. Scientists are performing studies and tests that are validating the health and beauty benefits from this product. One of them being coconut oil for the skin. I started using coconut oil for the beauty aspect about a year ago and I am really glad I did.

What is Coconut Oil?

Also known as copra oil, it is extracted from the kernel of coconuts that are grown on coconut trees. The oil spills out of what is called the meat of the coconut. Tropical countries such as the Philippines and Fiji grow coconut trees on plantations.

In the early morning, they pick the coconuts and are then immediately transferred to a pressing factory to ensure pure freshness. They then mechanically cold press the coconuts at temperatures not exceeding 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This is called unrefined or virgin coconut oil.

90% of coconut oil is made out of saturated fats. Now when you read this, don’t be alarmed. Most of these fats are good for our bodies. I’ll show you how and a study conducted by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition where 21 tests were performed, leading to no significant evidence of saturated fats linked to heart disease.

Lauric acid which is in about half of coconut oil has been found to treat and soothe acne. Caprylic fat, Caproic fat, and Myristic fat has anti-fungal properties. Coconut oil also contains vitamin E, vitamin K, and iron.

My Story

I have had a mild form of eczema my whole life. Eczema causes different types of inflammation of the skin resulting in rashes, dry, or itchiness. Even though I have a mild case, my skin becomes irritated with scented lotions and other properties that contain fragrances and dyes. To say the least, this isn’t very fun to deal with. And I know anyone who has eczema will agree with me.

I researched lotion products I could use to reduce the itchiness I endured every day. I then tried using some that claimed the lotion was specially designed for eczema, but most of them didn’t work.

I came across Eucerin’s Aquaphor and Original Healing Lotion. As I started to apply them on my skin daily, I did notice a change in my skin. The redness reduced and the frequency of the itchiness started to become less and less. I was so happy I had finally found something that worked.

Then I came to realize that due to the rich thickness of these two lotions, I couldn’t just go out and run my everyday errands with this caked on my skin. I wasn’t going to give up at that point, so I went online to find other ways.

That is when I found coconut oil. I have been using it on my skin now for about 1 year and I don’t find myself itchy anymore. Yes, never! I love using it and the best part, it is all natural compared to other lotions being sold. I have no clue why I didn’t look for a natural remedy before.

Today I am sharing the benefits and uses of coconut oil for the skin to help anyone who is suffering from eczema or psoriasis. Or if you just simply want softer, healthier skin. Take a look at how I make lotion bars with coconut oil.

Uses of Coconut Oil for the Skin

1. Basic Lotion

Revitalizes for softer, happier skin.

2. Dry Hands Lotion

Do you have a job that requires your hands to constantly be in water or around chemicals drying them out at a faster pace?

3. Dry Elbows Lotion

A remedy for cracked elbows.

4. Skin Conditions

Such as eczema and psoriasis.

5. Itch Relief

Comforts rashes, burns, and bug bites.

6. Makeup Remover

Kills bacteria naturally. Doesn’t dry out skin like other makeup removers.

7. Wrinkles

Can use as under eye cream to reduce bags or lines.

8. Acne

Kills germs which neutralizes inflammation.

9. Lip Balm/Lip Scrub

Re-hydrates the lips.

10. Cold Sores

Speeds healing time and reduces the chance of scarring.

11. Stretch Marks

Soothes and heals the skin. A safe remedy during pregnancy.

12. Cuticle Oil

Loosens the skin making it easy to push back cuticles resulting in faster growth of nails.

13. Detox Bath

My favorite! Helps eliminate toxins through the skin.

14. Body Wash

A natural way to clean the body.

15. Shaving Cream/Aftershave Lotion

Leaves skin feeling silky, soft, and irritation free.

16. Body Scrub

Make a natural body scrub with coconut oil and epsom salts to safely remove dead skin.

17. Massage Oil

Probably the best massage you could ever have. While smelling good it will leave you in a gentle, relaxed state of mind.

18. Deodorant

Useful if regular deodorant irritates your skin.

19. Sunblock

Coconut oil contains an SPF of 4 which blocks 75% of UV radiation.

20. Soap

Adds hardness to homemade soap.

Coconut oil has cured my dry skin tremendously. Give it a try and I’m positive it will work for you too! I hope this has helped and provided you with valuable information on your coconut oil journey.

This list is only about the benefits of coconut oil for the skin. There are so many other uses of coconut oil for your hair and health. Do you use coconut oil in your home? If so, how do you take advantage of all the wonderful assets?