Table of Contents:
- Skin Disorders and Symptoms
- Why Use Coconut Oil for Skin?
- Medium-chain fatty acids
- Antioxidants
- Vitamin E
- Proteins
- Coconut Oil for Skin Care aside from Skin Disorders
Our skin is the largest organ in our body. It serves as a top layer to protect us from harmful elements that may harm our health. However, it can also act as an open door for toxins to enter our body. That’s why we need to exert extra effort to take care of our skin. However, there are certain times when our skin suffers from disorders.
There are several skin disorders that different people experience. Skin diseases can differ in what caused them, symptoms and severity. They can either be permanent or temporary and painful or painless. Whatever they are, it’s for sure that skin disorders can cause discomfort. It may even cost you your confidence since you’re not comfortable with your skin.
In times when skin disorders appear, we often result in using expensive creams and ointments. However, conventional creams are riddled with chemicals that may harm our skin even more.
Through thorough studies, it’s been discovered that some nature’s gift can help through these disorders, just like coconut oil!
Here are some skin disorders and their symptoms you can ease with coconut oil:
Baby’s nappy rash
CAUSE:
- Baby’s skin is in contact with pee or poo for a long time
- Soap or detergent you’re using
- Alcohol-based baby wipes
- Baby’s nappy rubs against its skin often
- Baby’s taking antibiotics
SYMPTOMS:
- Red patches on baby’s bottom
- Skin looks sore and hot to touch
- Spots, blisters, and pimples may is possible
Eczema
CAUSE:
- Overactive response of the immune system to irritants
- Hereditary
- Certain substances
- Upper respiratory infections
- Stress could worsen the condition
SYMPTOMS:
- Itchy on a particular area of the skin
- Affected areas are typically dry or scaly
- Rashes that commonly appears on the face or feet
Psoriasis
CAUSE:
- Genetic predisposition
- Defects in immune regulation
SYMPTOMS:
- Red skin plaques covered with scales that may be itchy and painful
- Fingernails and toenails discoloration, thick and pitted nails
- Dry skin that possible cracks and bleeds
- Soreness around patches
Varicose Veins
CAUSE:
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Standing for long periods of time
- Obesity
- Hereditary
SYMPTOMS:
- Visible veins while standing or sitting
- Possible pain, swelling, and heaviness over enlarged veins
- Rare symptoms include swelling and discoloration
Keratosis Pilaris
CAUSE:
- Buildup of keratin that blocks the opening of a hair follicle
- If you have certain conditions like eczema
SYMPTOMS
- Painless tiny bumps usually in the upper arm
- Dry and rough skin
Warts
CAUSE:
SYMPTOMS:
- A bump on a particular area
Acne
CAUSE:
- Hormonal imbalance
- Oil on your face mixes with dead skin cells
- Taking medications like corticosteroids
SYMPTOMS:
- Whiteheads and blackheads
- Tiny red bumps
- Pimples
- Painful pus-filled lumps
Stretchmarks
CAUSE:
- Pregnancy
- Gained or lost weight rapidly
- Corticosteroid creams, pills, and lotions
- Adrenal organ disorders
SYMPTOMS
- Bands of purple or bright pink parallel lines appear on your skin
Cellulite
CAUSE
- Too much accumulated fat
SYMPTOMS
- Dimpled or bumpy skin
Athlete’s Foot
CAUSE:
- Tinea fungus grows on your feet
- You had physical contact with someone with athlete’s foot
SYMPTOMS
- Itching and burning sensation between the toes and soles of the feet
- Blisters on the itchy area
- Cracking and peeling of skin between your toes and also the soles
- Discolored and thick toenails
Dermatitis (Atopic Dermatitis, Contact Dermatitis, Seborrheic Dermatitis)
CAUSE
- Atopic Dermatitis: dry skin, gene variation, immune system dysfunction
- Contact Dermatitis: direct contact with allergens like jewelry, perfumes, cosmetics, etc.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: yeast contained in the oil secretion of the skin.
SYMPTOMS
- Red itchy rash. If it’s scratched, a fluid may leak.
- Red, burning rash
Why Use Coconut Oil for Skin?
Coconut oil makes a perfect moisturizer. It may be mistaken to clog pores especially in an oily face, but it doesn’t. It’s pretty ideal for any skin type. Once applied to the skin, it deeply penetrates into the skin. You’ll benefit from the nutrients that contribute to healthy skin.
Medium-chain fatty acids
Coconut oil is one of the numbered natural sources of medium-chain fatty acids. These acids, especially the dominant lauric acid, contain agents that fight against organisms. Microorganisms like bacteria, virus, and fungi that may harm your immune system and skin’s appearance. These organisms may cause acne, infections and other skin conditions. It also has anti-inflammatory agents that may help heal acne and joint pains.
Antioxidants
Coconut oil’s polyphenols and phytonutrients produce antioxidants and tissue-protective agents.
Vitamin E
Coconut oil also contains Vitamin E which has been known to be essential if you want a healthy and glowing skin. Vitamin E promotes healthy skin growth, smooth skin, wear and tear repair, and protects it from cracking. It also contributes to premature aging and wrinkling prevention.
Proteins
Proteins in coconut oil help keep the skin rejuvenated in and out. It also helps promote cellular health and tissue repair. When you have enough protein in your body, damaged cells near the skin is replaced.
How to Use Coconut Oil for Skin Care aside from Skin Disorders
There are several skin conditions in which coconut oil can cover. From top to all over the body (just as long there’s skin), here are the uses of coconut oil you can try at home:
- FACE WASH. Use coconut oil as a face wash regularly. You’ll flaunt a glowing look in no time free from acne and wrinkles! The antimicrobial and moisturizing properties make it an ideal natural face wash.
- ANTI-AGING CREAM. Coconut oil can help keep that youthful glow by nourishing it and eliminating wrinkles. It restores the elasticity of the face and sustains the connective tissues.
- MAKEUP REMOVER. Your facial skin has too much chemical from cosmetics. Give it a rest by using coconut oil as a makeup remover. Plus, the eye makeup that’s usually so hard to remove goes off easily with coconut oil. Unlike the commercial makeup removers, coconut oil won’t dry your skin.
- LIP GEL. Cracked lips can be a sign of dehydration and a result of chemicals applied like lipstick. Typical lip gels are made from chemicals which may be harmful when swallowed. However, if you use coconut oil as a lip gel, it’s safe if you accidentally swallow it.
- SKIN MOISTURIZER. Use it in place of lotion or body creams to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. It’ll help improve collagen cross-linking and the antioxidant enzyme activity increases.
- BODY SCRUB. Replace your old body scrubs with coconut oil. It’ll help exfoliate your skin by getting rid of the dead skin cells clogged in your pores. It also increases blood flow to the surface of the skin.
- SHAVING GEL. Use coconut oil as a shaving gel. Shaving is already a terror to our skin, so it’s much better to stay away from chemical-based shaving gels. It immediately moisturizes your skin while you’re shaving.
- SKIN DISORDERS. Because of coconut oil’s medium chain fatty acids, a regular application may help treat skin infections caused by microorganisms. It covers skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
- STRETCH MARK CREAM. Stretch marks are a mess. It lowers someone’s self-esteem. Ditch the stretch mark creams in the market and switch to coconut oil instead.
- SUNSCREEN. Naturally, coconut oil blocks UV rays. It prevents the damaging chemical reaction of toxins that may occur when you’re exposed to the sun.