 Benefits of Coconut Oil as a Skin Moisturizer
Beneficial properties include moisturizer, emollient, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.
Author: Emily Patterson
Date Created: March 10, 2010
According to studies hosted on the National Library of Medicine web site, coconut oil is naturally anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and a better moisturizer than petroleum-based (mineral oil) lotions and creams - without the potential risks.
Now that it has been shown that products that contain mineral oil, such as Eucerin, Dermabase and Vanicream increase the risk of skin cancer, many people are looking for a new, safe, non-toxic moisturizer to control extremely dry skin, atopic dermatitis and eczema. The benefits of coconut oil as a skin moisturizer meet the need for this type of all-natural solution to over-dry skin and sensitive skin conditions.
Xerosis is a common skin condition characterized by dry, rough, scaly, and itchy skin which is associated with a defect in skin barrier function, and the condition is treated with moisturizers. In a randomized, double-blind study which was published in Dermatitis, in which coconut oil was compared with mineral oil, coconut oil was shown to be more effective than mineral oil at controlling mild to moderate xerosis without the risks associated with mineral oil.
Coconut oil has also been scientifically shown to reduce the symptoms of atopic dermatitis and to control the risk of infection with Staphylococcus aureus. Coconut oil has also been shown to be effective against a common fungal infection of the middle ear. However, the oil was heated and then cooled showing that heat has a beneficial effect on increasing the ability of coconut oil to control fungal infections.
The benefits of coconut oil as an effective, safe, non-toxic and inexpensive skin moisturizer go above and beyond simply moisturizing the skin. The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of simple coconut oil add even more protection against common skin conditions without the risks associated with chemicals and petroleum products such as mineral oil.
Coconut oil is available in the Sunflower Naturals online store. Recipes that use coconut oil as a main ingredient are available in Sunflower Naturals Non-Toxic Body Care.
Resources:
Agero AL, Verallo-Rowell VM , A randomized double-blind controlled trial comparing extra virgin coconut oil with mineral oil as a moisturizer for mild to moderate xerosis.", PubMed
Verallo-Rowell VM, Dillague KM, Syah-Tjundawan BS, Novel antibacterial and emollient effects of coconut and virgin olive oils in adult atopic dermatitis.", PubMed
Jain SK, Agrawal SC, Sporostatic effect of some oils against fungi causing otomycosis.", PubMed
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