Is It Good To Apply Coconut Oil On Your Face?

Coconut oil sure has surged in the last few years, hasn't it!

On our last trip to Barbados, we could see huge piles of coconuts all along the highway from workers pulling them in from the forest for worldwide demand. 

Back in the 80s, you didn't hear too much about coconut oil, but now it's everywhere.

Back then, coconut oil was thought to contribute to clogged arteries, high cholesterol levels, and heart disease because it's high in saturated fat.

Recent research, however, suggests that coconut oil that's processed differently (not partially hydrogenated), is full of very healthy fatty acids that are really easy for the body to burn off and has been linked to health benefits like increased high-density lipoprotein (good cholesterol). 

We've also been adding (and loving) high-grade cold-pressed coconut oil (MCT - medium-chain triglycerides) to our coffee for years (known as Bullet Proof Coffee), but I'll save that for another post!

Through all this research, another fantastic benefit came to light, something that my ancestors from Colombia knew for years: 

Coconut oil is incredible for your hair and skin!

Coconut oil's natural antioxidants help protect from environmental stressors, and its vitamins firm, moisturize, and brighten the skin.

But before we dive-in any further, let's clarify that there are two types of coconut oils: extra virgin and fractionated. 

Extra virgin coconut oil undergoes limited processing and is as close to the raw material as it can get. It is high in nutrients and antioxidants. However, it is too heavy for oily skin types, it can clog pores and cause breakouts.

If you tried a product with coconut oil and your skin broke out, chances are it was extra virgin oil!

On the other hand, fractionated coconut oil goes through a distillation process. It's moisturizing and high on vitamins and antioxidants, plus the skin easily absorbs it.

Since fractionated coconut oil is the best option for skincare, and is the only one we use, let's focus on it!

Coconut Oil For Your Face

Fractionated coconut oil is often called "liquid coconut oil", it's made from regular (preferably high-quality) coconut oil through a process called fractionation.

This process removes its long-chain fatty acids via hydrolysis and steam distillation, increasing shelf-life.

Of course, the remaining fatty acids still retain the super moisturizing capabilities of coconut oil. Its unique combination of fatty acids (lauric, capric, caprylic, myristic and palmitic), makes it excellent in skincare. 

Other nutrients in fractionated coconut oil include Vitamin A, C, and E, which have been shown to help the skin look firm and plump. 

So What's The Difference Between Fractionated Coconut Oil And Regular Coconut Oil?   

Regular coconut oil goes through a process called "fractionation" to create fractionated coconut oil.

This process removes the long-chain fatty acids and the 12-carbon lauric acid. What you get is predominantly medium-chain fatty acids, known as caprylic acid and capric acid.

Caprylic and capric acid are responsible for the amazing moisturizing properties of coconut oil. The result is a highly antioxidant oil rich in vitamin A, C, and E. This oil is great to reduce the appearance of the signs of aging and to help your skin look younger and plump. 

Did I mention fractionated coconut oil is the best hydration we've ever experienced?  

Apply it after a shower, before bed, or literally whenever, for a naturally smooth protective layer, making your skin glow and radiate health. 

Hydration, as you know, plays a significant role in anti-aging preventative care. By keeping the skin on your face moisturized, you can prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Always test a small patch first.

While coconut oil allergies are rare, people can be allergic to anything and everything found in nature.   

Any time you introduce a new product into your beauty routine, please test it out on a small patch of skin for about a week to make sure you do not have any allergic reactions to it.

Does Coconut Oil Cause Pimples On Your Face?

Oily skin types can still need moisture. One of the biggest mistakes many people make is not moisturizing their face because they fear getting pimples. This often is counterproductive, as the skin gets irritated and dry, responding with even more oil being produced.

This is the last thing you want. So, why can some people with oily skin rave about the results while others try it and it causes breakouts? What's going on?

First, let's ensure that we're talking about the right kind of oil, fractionated coconut oil and not extra virgin coconut oil.

Some people insist on using extra virgin coconut oil because it undergoes limited processing, and it's higher in nutrients and antioxidants than oil that has been refined. However, extra virgin coconut oil is too heavy for oily skin types and can clog pores and cause breakouts. You recognize it by the fact that it's solid at room temperature.

Watch this short "How To" video that demonstrates the best way to apply this oil to your face.

We have done all the heavy lifting for you to develop this product that has worked wonders for most people who have tried it. Do you think it could you too? We hope so!