The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Tamara (Fort Collins, Colorado) on 08/09/2010
★★★★★
I have coworkers always asking what I use that makes my skin glow so much, so of course I tell them about all of the fabulous benefits of coconut oil(as well as apple cider vinegar as a toner beforehand). In the winter time I let it get hard in the jar and use a butter knife to hack chunks out and then use it like a bar of soap- rubbing it all over my body after a shower. Its one of my favorite ways of using it. I guess I could also make the process less dangerous by pouring some melted coconut oil into an ice cube tray and using the cubes the same way.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Tamara (Fort Collins, Colorado) on 08/12/2010
Francisca, I always dilute the ACV. I don't measure, but I put 1 or 2 "capfuls" into a glass and about twice the water. It might be 1 part ACV to 2 or even 3 parts water-- I'm not very picky about being accurate. I keep it on my bathroom counter and use it a few times a day, dabbing a new cotton ball in and wiping my face. I let it dry and then apply coconut oil to moisturize. On occasion I'll make the solution stronger if I feel as if my skin needs a "deeper" clean and treat it like a mini-peel. But be careful! Acid like ACV will cause burns if you're not careful and don't wash with water immediately when you've had too much. I also think that applying ACV will help coconut oil "sink in" better for those times when your skin is so dry that it won't absorb the oil (like on my legs). Just apply the diluted ACV, then add coconut oil. I haven't noticed a huge difference if I let it dry or not before moisturizing, either.
Coconut Oil
Posted by London (Sandusky, Ohio) on 08/08/2010
★★★★★
I don't know what it is about coconut oil, but it makes your skin GLOW. I use no other moisterizer on my body and face, and its incredible how soft and glowing my skin is. It smells great too. However, in the winter I have to use olive oil, or hemp, or flaxseed oil, because coconut hardens. Also great for sunburns.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 08/09/2010
London, I use coconut oil on my skin in the winter as well. I put it in a small jar and I put the jar in a bit of hot water or else, if I don't have the time, I just take a bit out of the jar with my fingers and as soon as it comes in contact with my skin it melts fast! Great moisturizer and a lot cheaper than what you buy in the shops. Great for the sun as well, I now have a deep tan which lasts forever and didn't burn at all! But as someone said here today not good against warts. It did nothing for me neither, only ACV!
Coconut Oil
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 03/06/2010
Hi Blanche, I am 52 and I wash my face with Alep soap (not a brand name, just a very old type of soap, Syrian I believe....). I don't know whether you can get it but it is partly olive oil and partly bay leaf oil. It is a great soap because it hydrates but it doesn't leave the skin oily. Sometimes I use coconut oil after washing with Alep soap. Here in France it is called Savon d'Alep and I believe that it is sold in many other countries too. I have also found it in Switzerland (we are lucky to leave in France but near Switzerland and Germany so we get the best out of three countries). Some people think that I am in my 30's.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Bev (Long Beach, Ca) on 09/07/2009
★★★★★
Hi; I have been using Virgin Coconut Oil to oil pull for the past 2 to 3 months, 3 to 4 times per week for 20 minutes. I cannot believe how my skin looks all over. It's shinny all the time and soft. I don't use any topical lotions because I don't need to. I noticed when I get out of the shower, the water on my skin beads. There is no greasy feeling just soft. Hope this helps.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Susan (USA) on 05/21/2008
Just wanted to add, I also have fair sensitive skin with very small pores (dry skin too) and coconut oil has been wonderful, both internally and externally. When I first started I did get a few breakouts on my face for about a week. I had a funny gut feeling that this was somehow a cleansing reaction, and it after the week it cleared up completely; since then no problems at all. It's been great. Maybe this is what you were experiencing? - or maybe it's just not the right thing for your skin. But anyway it's not because of having small pores...
Coconut Oil
Posted by Devika (Nagpur) on 12/26/2016
By only applying coconut oil skin glows or we have to mix something with it? Pls rply I want my skin to glow
Coconut Oil
Posted by Sandy (Bangalore, India) on 10/10/2008
Yes, coconut oil causes sun-burn. Please don't expose your skin to the sun after applying coconut oil to it. Best time to apply coconut oil is before bed-time and wash it off the next morning.
Coconut Oil
Posted by shygirllatina (Sun City, Ca,.U.S.A.) on 05/28/2009
I used coconut oil also in the evening and it also caused my skin to flush I didn't go out in the sun. I thought maybe it was just me also. Honey and bannana mashed and mixed together are also good for the skin. equal amounts of both.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Dart8 (Victoria, Bc, Canada) on 05/23/2010
★☆☆☆☆
While I am a fan of coconut oil generally, it has been a horrible experience for my face and, to a lesser extent, my chest.
Long ago I replaced almost all my cooking oils for coconut oil and am glad I did. I have recently begun taking a spoonful in my coffee every morning and am seeing some energy level increase. I love how it makes the skin on my body feel and it is helping with some cystic skin problems I had. But my face? Nightmare!
When I first applied it I was hoping to eliminate a few dry patches (likely exzema) and aid in my determination to not grow old so gracefully (am 52). Within about 24-36 hours my skin began to itch, redden, bubble and thicken. Everything I read said "stay with it - your skin is just eliminating toxins etc. It will all be better soon". Well I stuck with it for 5 days of extreme discomfort and self-isolation. Today I am throwing in the towel, washing it off and going back to my old routines. I wish I had a more positive report but this has been my experience.
I have been using Extra Virgin Coconut oil and when the redness started I began reducing the amount I used and when that didn't work I put lots on (trying to cover all my bases)... sadly, this just didn't work for me.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Anonymous (USA) on 01/07/2007
★★★★★
dry lines around eyes/wrinkles prevention Coconut oil is the future as I have smoked for 10 years yet skin is smooth & line-free AMAZING
Coconut Oil
Posted by Norah (Boston, Ma) on 04/14/2014
★★★★★
I use coconut oil in the winter months on my skin. It's amazing! I've tried every oil as experiment, but this one works best for my dry sky. It doesn't leave a residue, which I like.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Elizabeth (New York, New York, Usa) on 09/04/2009
This is a reply to AKR from Jersey City:
As an alternative to coconut oil during summer months, try jojoba oil. It is lighter and more appropriate for warm weather and humidity, when our skin produces more of its own oils. But truthfully, coconut oil may only need an adjustment of application method to be used during summer months. You may want to try applying it when you first wake up, before completing the rest of your morning regimen (this gives it time to absorb). Then, with clean hands, give one last (quick--ten seconds or so) facial massage to press the oil deeper, and take a dry, soft cloth and sweep it over your face. Tissue can also be used, if preferred. This should effectively remove any excess, leaving just the coconut oil that your skin readily absorbed. A light dusting of cosmetic powder (or for those who do not wear makeup, any good skincare powder from a drugstore) applied afterward will even further reduce any shine or oiliness.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Lindsey F (Dover, NH) on 04/06/2008
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
I have been using coconut oil as a moisturizer for about a year now.
I read on numerous internet sites and blogs about how it was a miracle product for all kinds of skin ailments including acne.
So I started using on my face and body--it has been a great replacement for body lotion, and has mildly improved the keritosis pilaris on my upper arms, but using it on my face was a BIG mistake! I am still suffering from the consequences (pimples all over, including places where I had NEVER had them before). I have since learned that people with small pores, like me, should not use thick natural oils on the face, because the molecules are too large. People with larger pores (darker skin usually) can benefit from it, but it can really clog up people will small pores! Jojoba and tea tree oils are the only oils suitable for my delicate face.
Just want to warn others!
Coconut Oil
Posted by Helen (Nigerian) on 01/24/2017
★★★★★
I still can't believe that a cheap and ordinary oil like coconut oil can turn me to a little baby, before now, I have spent so much buying expensive cream, but t I thank God for making me discover this miracle oil.ever since I started using it, I have never looked back
Coconut Oil
Posted by Leena Alloriya (India) on 02/03/2017
You can use it raw. It is good enough to use it like that. The fatty acids present in it adds luster to the skin and do make sure to drink lots of water as well. Both water and coconut oil provide much-needed hydration to skin to glow.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Carly (Seattle, Wa - Usa) on 01/06/2010
What a great idea!
I have been using VCO (Virgin Coconut Oil) for about a month now on my face and body after my morning shower, and for the past week or so I have been melting a tablespoon of it in my coffee or food 2-3x a day.
I started out taking 1 tbsp a day for the first couple of days, and then added additional tbsp's working my way to three a day - I never had a problem with it, but wanted to play it safe!
Applying it topically - I really love the way it makes my skin FEEL - but I can't really tell if there is a huge difference in the way my skin actually LOOKS. I have had a couple of people comment, but that may be because I smile more, because I FEEL better from taking the VCO? Hard to tell at this point, but I plan on continuing the VCO FOREVER. Internally and externally - remember, your skin is your largest organ!
I can't wait to hear your results Blanche - please don't forget to post! :-)
(I'm not a Spring Chicken either - almost 50 here!)
Best,
Carly
Coconut Oil
Posted by Adewuyi Victoria (Lagos State) on 02/22/2017
Does it make you black or fair? because some people said it can make someone dark more. how true it is?
Coconut Oil
Posted by Caroline (Abuja, Nigeria ) on 03/27/2017
Victoria, you know Nigeria is hot. If you apply during the day it darkens you. You need apply it only in the night before sleeping and see the result.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Toni (Las Vegas, NV) on 04/03/2008
★★★★★
To those of you who have had problems with using coconut oil on the face resulting in breakouts, redness, whiteheads etc. If you wish to try Coconut oil on the face use only a very, very thin layer. I'm talking a teeny, tiny amount. You could also try coconut soap instead to clean the face. There are many good natural brands online from which to choose.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Jamie (Van Nuys, CA) on 01/28/2007
★★★★★
Dry skin be gone!! I love this site, and I love testimonials. i am a sucker for them, for better or worse, and have bought many a useless thing based on them. But I am SO SO SO happy to say that this time it actually came true for me! After reading all the great stuff on the site, I bought some Virgin coconut oil. I have fairly dry skin (and always issues with acne and hating my skin) and I have religiously applied a good, natural vitamin A and E lotion everyday after showers for a long time, etc. do all the "lock in moisture" tips... but I still had dry skin, also felt tight no matter what, never that dewy, glowing thing you hear about all the time from really expensive lotions and creams. oh my god thank god for coconut oil!! i am in love with it. I have used it maybe 3 or 4 days now, all over my body and any flakiness is GONE. gone!! yay! my hands are very dry because I work with them, but when I take the time to rub in the oil it keeps it from cracking at least. I know if I am more diligent I might actually feel like I don't have man hands! ha. The best thing is when I used it for a stir fry! holy cow, in love all over again. I mean, I really do feel like I glow like an 'island beauty' when I put it on, it melts so nicely and thin and silky on body temperature, and I am a redhead so anything that helps me feeling smooth and less mottled is a godsend. honestly, i am silk, not grease. even when it goes on it's not like oil, it's bliss. I'm a little overwhelmed with how/if to take it internally, along with all the ACV, molasses, hydrogen peroxide stuff... i don't want to bombard my body.. Any suggestions on how to prioritize which of these I ingest/get in a good steady routine? Or if it's harmful to be eating coconut oil AND all this other stuff? is it too much? regardless, for dry skin coconut oil is THE WAY TO GO. hands down. OH! also feels so so nice on my face. I was worried I'd break out but so far so good. I actually, finally (sob) feel RIGHT in my skin. hasn't been so for a long time. my face actually feels lubricated, I have been stunned the past night or two that I put it on my face to realize that it feels healthy from the inside, which is literally unreal and a blessing. my self image has improved from outside, inside out! Not too be too dramatic, but I really finally feel like I can say I'm a beautiful woman, because my skin FEELS fresh, healthy and also looks it. thank you!!!
Coconut Oil
Posted by Lisa (Bangkok, Thailand) on 01/07/2007
★★★★★
I ingest pure virgin coconut oil twice per day. I used to have dry scaly skin. I tried the most expensive lotion brands: Loccitane, Origins, Bath & Body Works -- but nothing made my skin shiny and smooth. After two weeks of ingesting coconut oil and using externally my skin began to shine! My boyfriend couldn't stop touching me and everyone thought I was pregnant because my skin glowed. I am an African-American so we notoriously suffer from dry skin but now I have beautiful skin and because I live in Thailand I have access to some of the best oil around at good prices. The only mild reactions I had was gas which I took gas pills for.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Introuble (Islamabad) on 03/21/2018
I have been using ordinary coconut oil for a year now, did see my skin glowing and it also helped me with my acne problem. But last week I switched to organic cold pressed oil, somehow there is outbreak of acne. What can be a reason for that?
Coconut Oil
Posted by Blanche (New Iberia, Louisiana) on 03/05/2010
★★★★★
Well, I wanted to report back on my experiment with coconut oil versus a well known moisturizer. These are the only products I used on my face for 2 months, except for makeup. I clean my face with a tiny bit of mild soap, and sometimes only warm water.
Wow. I examined both sides very carefully with a magnifying mirror in good sunlight and I see no difference. So:
Soft and smooth: BOTH SIDES
Elasticity: BOTH SIDES
Feel on skin: COMMERCIAL PRODUCT ABSORBED QUICKLY; VCO A LITTLE GREASY, WHICH I SOLVED BY GENTLY DABBING WITH A TISSUE THEN IT WAS OK.
Faded brown spots: VCO SLIGHTLY BETTER.
I'm going to finish the commercial product, but will continue to use the VCO, with perhaps a sunscreen on top. As far as my skin breaking out, couldn't test that because I am over 65 and don't have that problem anymore.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Lita209 (Sanford, Fl, Usa) on 03/05/2010
Blanche I wanted to thank you for keeping your word when you said you would post about your experiment in couple of months. I was looking forward to hearing from you. That is great news!
Coconut Oil
Posted by Blanche (New Iberia, Louisiana) on 01/05/2010
I am fairly new to this site, and I think it is very interesting to hear about all the benefits gained by using natural substances for various ailments. I've been fascinated by all the posts from people who have used various natural oils for the face. I decided to do an experiment.
Today I bought a facial moisturizer from a well know product line that has 4 letters in the name. It is supposed to ease wrinkles, fade brown spots, and have skin looking younger within 2 months.
I decided to use that on the right side of my face, and virgin coconut oil on the left. I'll post the results in 2 months. I need to say that I am starting out with a few wrinkles and spots, since I am not exactly a spring chicken.
Coconut Oil
Posted by AKR (Jersey City, NJ, USA) on 01/29/2009
I am wondering what would make for a good summer facial moisturizer. During the winter, I use Virgin Coconut Oil, which works great. But for the summer, I need something thinner and less oily. Any suggestions please? Many thx.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Robin (Rural, VA) on 01/29/2009
Tr Aloe Vera Gel.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Melissav (Chicago, Il) on 04/18/2014
It sounds like you had an allergic reaction to the coconut oil on your skin. I have had several contact dermatitis outbreaks on my face (not from coconut oil) and what you described sounds just like what I experience during those outbreaks. It is extremely uncomfortable. Don't worry, though. You can still safely ingest it. A dermatological sensitivity doesn't necessarily equal a systemic allergy. My skin is sensitive to mango, but I can still eat it as long as I don't get much of the juice on my face.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Senjii (Hamilton, Ontario Canada) on 11/23/2012
I have never tried this remedy for problems skin on the face, However in an effort to find more natural products to clean my skin I discovered that baking soda mixed with enough Peroxide 3% to create a semi runny paste then gently massaged into the skin in a circular fashion for about 1-2 minutes depending on skin sensitivity, not only exfoliated the skin & Cleans the pores, then rinsed with tepid or cool water then patted dry left my skin not only feeling truly clean & fresh, it didn't dry the skin out either & had no side effects, as a result I now use this method as my total skin cleansing regimen.
This method also to my surprise was great for brushing my teeth, the side effect was interesting, where before I used a popular name brand toothpaste to rid myself of very sensitive teeth which of course did not work & make my teeth dull, the peroxide baking soda mix not only made my teeth brighter, but took care of the sensitive teeth. I suggest causion & Brush gently & be patient if yu try this, but do also research before hand to see if this is apropriate for you :)
Coconut Oil
Posted by Krystal (Memphis, TN) on 01/11/2007
★★★★★
I began using coconut oil on my hair and body and it is awesome. My skin is so soft. After I take my ACV bath or spray my body down with ACV after a shower, I wait until I am completely dry and rub my body down with the coconut oil. It is so good to my skin I can't help but to rub my own face and body! I began putting it around my dry cuticles; letting the oil soak in and can you believe my cuticle look awesome. I put it on my lips and let the oils soak in to make my lips softer. I don't need chap stick. I have coconut oil. I use a little on my hair and oil my scalp with it. I am going to experiment with taking it internally. I have read the comments about taking to much so I am going to start off slow. Natural products are awesome. Why don't we use what God intended! Nature! Vegetation & herbs! I love nature!
Coconut Oil
Posted by Sultana (Birmingham, Uk) on 01/31/2010
Hi. Recently i have been suffering from really dry sensitive skin. I don't normally have this problem but iv been coming out with noticable dry red patches on my face. I have tried everything, but nothing is working. Iv started coconut oil, taking it internally and externally but iv found that it dries up really quickly. The rest of my skin is looking great but the patches are still dry and red. Maybe im using it wrong? for anyone else who has sensitive dry skin, please could you give me some advise on applying coconut oil. i really don't want to give up on it... thank you. x
Coconut Oil
Posted by Dianna (Austin, Tx) on 02/02/2010
depending on your body and the climate where you live - coconut oil may not work well for very dry sensitive skin.
coconut oil is a cooling oil - meaning that it feels cooling to the skin and very dry skin needs more warming type oils.
try another oil - castor oil would be great, even extra virgin olive oil, or if you can find some cold pressed sesame oil that would be great too.
if you want to keep using the coconut oil i would suggest to supplement its use by adding some castor oil either mixed in or on top of it.
castor oil is also anti fungal and anti-inflammatory.
coconut oil only works for me in the warm weather. if i use it when it is cold here my skin seems to actually get drier and shrink up!
however in the summer it works great!!! oh and you could also try warming up your coconut oil too.
djh
Coconut Oil
Posted by Sultana (Birmingham, Uk) on 02/03/2010
thank you very much for a reply, I will try warming the coconut oil. Don't really want to try anything else as iv tried so many things and getting fed up now. What ive been doing is washing my face with warm water, applying vco then putting a warm damp flannel on my face. I leave that on for a couple of seconds then apply another layer of coconut oil. after a bit it still dries up but not as bad as before. I am slowly seeing a difference with coconut oil, its better than the other creams but I guess I'm just going to have to be patient. I have taking atleast 3tbsp a day with a glass of warm milk and definately noticed a difference. my hairloss has reduced and my gums aren't as sensitive as they used to be. Can I ask what brands are good?
Coconut Oil
Posted by Sp (Nashville, Tn) on 04/25/2010
★★★★★
Hi Blanche and Grace, thank you for your information!! It is very useful.
I recently have been adding VCO to the face oil mixture that I made and my face feels great. I used to spent $$$ on face creams, but since discovering EC, I have found a way to give my skin and face what it needs naturally and save a lot of money.
