What are the benefits of using coconut oil on your face overnight?

Looking at a better way to healthier skin? The simple remedies are hiding in your kitchen rack. Coconut oil.

Researchers has found out that coconut oil may be just what your skin needs. It's benefits include:

♦ reducing inflammation

♦ stopping the damage of free radicals

♦ helping to prevent infection

Since coconut oil is a fat extracted from raw coconuts or dried coconut flakes, its emollient properties may make it beneficial for certain skin types, such as dry, or normal-to-dry skin, when used as an overnight moisturizer.

Coconut oil contains nourishing fatty acids that help hydrate and protect skin. These include lineolic acid (vitamin F), which helps skin retain moisture and lauric acid, which has antibacterial properties.

If you have dry, flaky skin, using coconut oil instead of your regular moisturizer may soften and hydrate your skin, leaving it looking refreshed and soft upon waking.

BENEFITS OF USING COCONUT OIL ON YOUR FACE OVERNIGHT

1. Protect Your Skin From UV Rays

When applied to your skin, coconut oil may protect it from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, which raise your risk of skin cancer and cause wrinkling and brown spots.

In fact, one study found that coconut oil blocks about 20% of the sun's UV rays.

However, keep in mind that it doesn't provide the same protection as conventional sunscreen, which blocks about 90% of UV rays.

Another study estimated that coconut oil has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 7, which is still lower than the minimum recommendation in some countries.

Hydration. Coconut oil helps bolster your skin's protective barrier layer, trapping moisture inside and keeping skin supple and hydrated.

Reduces inflammation. Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for irritated, chafed skin.

Increases collagen production. The lauric acid content in coconut oil has a beneficial effect on collagen production. Collagen helps skin maintain firmness and elasticity. Helping skin maintain and produce collagen might eliminate the formation of some fine lines and wrinkles.

Lighten dark patches. According to beauty bloggers like DIY Remedies, coconut oil can lighten skin, and may help reduce the appearance of dark spots or uneven skin tone. Adding lemon juice may enhance this effect.

Are there any side effects?

Using coconut oil as an overnight treatment may not be right for everyone. Anecdotal evidence is mixed on coconut oil's benefits for oily or acne-prone skin.

Coconut oil is comedogenic, meaning that it can clog pores. While some people find that coconut oil helps clear their breakouts, making skin look brighter and feel softer, others find coconut oil too heavy to use as an overnight treatment.

Since coconut oil can clog pores, it may contribute to acne breakouts in some people. If you have oily skin, coconut oil might cause blackheads, pimples, or whiteheads to form on your face if left on overnight.

If you're allergic to coconuts, you should not use coconut oil on your face. Some people who are allergic to walnuts or hazelnuts may also have an allergic sensitivity to coconut oil and should not use it.

The conclusion is :

Using coconut oil as an overnight moisturizer can be beneficial for people with very dry, chafed, or flaky skin. Coconut oil can clog pores and is not an appropriate overnight treatment for everyone.

On the plus side, it's easy and relatively inexpensive to use. However, if you're allergic to coconuts, don't use coconut oil on your face.