Is Coconut Oil Better For Your Skin Than Lotion

Coconut oil is easily absorbed into the skin and is known to have many health benefits, including those from vitamins E and K, as well as its antifungal and antibacterial properties. Along with cocoa butter, coconut oil is likely to cause breakouts. "In general, coconut oil is a great option for almost everybody, except if you have oily skin and you're acne prone, I would not use it on the face," Katta says. In astudy published in the journalDermatitis, researchers found coconut oil was better than olive oil at moisturizing skin when used in a carrier. Remember to look for cold-pressed, unrefined coconut oil for your face or skin care.

The key to your softest-ever neck down skin is leaning into the "lotion sandwich" method, which involves layering lotion on top of oil. In this situation, consider coconut oil the metaphorical lunch meat. Many people have olive oil, coconut oil, or sunflower seed oil in their kitchen cabinet. But can the same oils you cook with be applied to your face? Katta confirms that organic and unrefined products are your best bet. Natural oils, such as coconut oil, shea butter oil, and olive oil, have been used for skin care and hair care for centuries.

Generation after generation have touted them for various moisturizing, protective, and antibacterial qualities. By now, we all know how great oils and lotions are at keeping the skin smooth and hydrated, playing a vital role in any body care routine. But with all the options on the market in both categories, you may have a hard time deciding whether a body oil or body lotion is the better option.

After all, both skin care products promise soft, hydrated skin, so what's the difference, right? Well, you can skip the Google search because we're here to share some helpful information. Read on to find out if body oil is better than lotion, so you can decide which product to add to your daily skin care routine.

Extracted from the seeds of wild rose bushes, rose hip seed oil has seen a surge in popularity and is increasingly found in facial skincare products that tout moisturizing, anti-aging benefits. On the other hand, though essential oils, such as tea tree, argan, and lemon oil, are also increasingly common ingredients in skincare products, they are more likely to produce allergic reactions than olive and coconut oil, Katta says. "Tea tree oil has developed a reputation for being a great sort of antibacterial, antifungal ingredient. It does have those properties, but you really have to use it very carefully," she says. In general, skincare oils help the skin's lipid barrier retain moisture. Right after hopping out of the shower, be sure to apply a body oil to help seal in moisture.

Body oils formulated with plant-based skin care ingredients like jojoba, sunflower seed, and avocado are great for locking in moisture because these natural ingredients are similar to the ones found in our skin. These oils are then able to absorb quickly and help repair the skin's moisture barrier, which will help your skin stay hydrated. For best results, apply your moisturizer as soon as you get out of the shower to help keep skin hydrated. "Applying a layer of oil to skin after bathing will slow trans-epidermal water loss," says Valorie Treloar, a holistic dermatologist in Newton, Massachusetts.

She adds that virgin forms of both coconut oil and shea butter contain more antioxidants, which can help protect against damaging UV rays and air pollution as well. So if you're really amped up about dipping your body in coconut oil, make sure to apply it over a layer of moisturizer to make it most effective. Despite the antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of coconut oil, however, it's not the greatest acne-fighter. "Coconut oil is fairly comedogenic, meaning it can clog pores and contribute to acne," says King. That said, Dr. Katta advises making sure your regimen is suitable for your skin — especially your face.

For instance, she says, if your skin is prone to acne, consider using natural oils to moisturize only your body, and talk to your dermatologist before putting any new oils on your face. Skin type, whether dry, oily, combination, or sensitive, can play a major role in how skin-care products can affect your skin, according to anarticle published in May–June 2016 in theIndian Journal of Dermatology. Because coconut oil is fairly comedogenic, many dermatologists actually don't recommend it for use on the face — especially if you have naturally blemish-prone skin — but the body is fair game.

That moisture-bestowing goodness leads to all sorts of complexion perks, from helping on the anti-aging front and fighting certain bacteria on the skin (it's antimicrobial). "Due to the high percentage of lauric acid, which has antimicrobial and soothing effects on the skin, research also suggests that it may even be good at fighting bacteria," says Tami Blake, founder and esthetician at Free+True. This is why some people find it helpful when dealing with acne.

"Those medium chain fatty acids have strong antibacterial effects that can help with inflammation." But that said, it may not be quite right for everyone with breakouts. Like we said, body oil is great for applying straight out of the shower, but if you're looking to give your skin a dose of hydration throughout the day, turn to lotion for your moisturizing needs. Try using the L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Manuka Honey All Over Balm - Face/Neck/Chest/Hands, which smells as great as it feels thanks to its honey-inspired fragrance. Formulated with nurturing oils, this moisturizer helps to soothe and soften the skin, leaving it with a healthy glow. If you have dull-looking skin, try incorporating a body oil into your skin care routine. Some oils are designed with a higher concentration of moisturizing ingredients, helping to give off a hydrated and glowy appearance.

So grab your favorite body oil and smooth it onto your legs and arms for that aforementioned natural-looking glow. "They're both emollients, so they're very good at moisturizing and smoothing skin," says Sarah King, a naturopath in Toronto. King has suffered from eczema and dry skin all her life, so she knows her way around all the oils, creams, and lotions on the market.

When it comes to coconut oil and shea butter, she says both are good options, but they do have some distinct differences. "I keep a jar of organic extra virgin coconut oil by the kitchen sink and put a little on after washing my hands to keep them soft and moist," says Dr. Low Dog. According to this study, it's rich in fatty acids and Vitamin E, which are both traits held in high regard in the beauty industry.

The industry often adds synthetic versions of these things to products to be able to market them as anti-aging and healing, but of course, the natural (non-synthetic) version is far superior. The coconut oil you put on your skin isn't quite the same as the stuff you use to cook with, so it's important to select the right product before slathering it all over your face. The less exposure to heat means that more antioxidants and nutrients are retained." This process tends to be flavorless and odorless, which is why it's better suited for your bathroom sink than your kitchen.

First of all, it's derived from coconuts and is the same as the thing you use to cook with, but in beauty products, it's used in different, varying ways. "There are many choices when it comes to coconut oil," says Suzanne Audley, an esthetician at Silver Mirror. Depending on your skin care type, coconut oil for skin can be a super useful addition to your routine.

From moisturizing to minimizing signs of aging to soothing irritated skin, it has a wealth of properties that can boost your results, naturally. But it really all depends on the type of coconut oil you're working with. Audley notes that fractionated coconut oil would be a better choice if you get acne because it doesn't solidify. "Fractionated coconut oil has had the long chain fatty acids removed, which keeps the oil in a liquid state—meaning it allows it to penetrate the skin more readily, making it less likely to clog pores," says Blake. "Just like anything else when it comes to our skin, we are all different," says Audley.

Is Coconut Oil More Moisturizing Than Lotion "Just because one thing works for one person does not mean it works for everyone. Everyone's skin responds to things differently." You know how you're often told to look for beauty products that are non-comedogenic? "On the comedogenic scale, coconut oil is a four on a one-to-five scale," says Audley. "So if you're prone to clogged pores, coconut oil use on the face may be an issue." Also, it tends to sit on top of your pores and back things up—it's heavy. "It's a heavier oil and can clog pores and cause blackheads, whiteheads, or even breakouts on those with combination, oily, or acne-prone skin," adds Wong. The natural all-star ingredient is actually anti-inflammatory, and is really good at helping with your skin's outer layer.

"Coconut oil is a natural anti-inflammatory, and full of fatty acids that help improve the skin barrier," says Dr. Nazarian. "It also melts into the skin easily with a little gentle rubbing, and it can feel cosmetically elegant. Because of this, it's earned a pretty impressive following of people who love to use it on their skin." Both body oils and body lotions can help nourish your skin, but lotions tend to offer other benefits, too. If you have acne-prone skin you can look for lightweight lotions formulated with ingredients that won't aggravate your skin. While oils help to replenish nutrients in the skin, lotions work to treat different skin care concerns ranging from dryness to itch relief.

They come in various forms and, according to the Mayo Clinic contain a higher percentage of water which makes them an ideal pick for those with sensitive or oily skin. Check out three of the best times to use a body lotion below. Unrefined, organic shea butter can also be combined with olive oil or coconut oil to create a smoother texture for application. When you think about the health benefits of coconut oil, the last thing that comes to mind is rubbing the edible plant grease all over your skin and hair.

But dermatologists, natural beauty devotees, and a growing body of scientific studies are starting to bring the plant's potential to light. She wanted me to review some skin care products from their shop. I was tired of using coconut oil for skin and being disappointed.

Little did I know that my face moisturizing routine as I knew it was about to be forever changed. Body oil actually isn't better than lotion, but that also doesn't mean lotion is better than body oil either. Both body care products are great for moisturizing your skin.

As you can imagine, with different formulas, each has its own ideal uses. And instead of trying to pick one over the other, it's best to figure out when to use each one. Sometimes you'll want to reach for an oil and sometimes a lotion may be a better fit. Or you can layer one on top of the other, just like facial oil and moisturizer.

Look for cold-pressed, virgin coconut oil and shea butter. Other extraction techniques, especially those involving heat, can lead to quicker oxidation , damaged fats, or residual chemicals, notes Treloar. "I believe we should minimize exposure to pesticides, so organic is optimal," she adds. "I love them both," King says, but shea butter edges out coconut butter since it can work for managing all skin types and has superior moisturizing power.

However, King says you may actually benefit by using them both together since you get the combined anti-inflammatory power of shea butter and the antimicrobial property of coconut oil. Oily or combination skin — If your skin tends to overproduce oil, you may want to steer clear of using pure coconut oil on your face. It could potentially cause your skin to produce more oil or trigger breakouts. But keep in mind that if coconut oil is just an ingredient in one of your skin care products, it likely won't cause any issues; you can try it and see if it works for you.

Made from pressed raw almonds, almond oil is full of health benefits, such as vitamin E, zinc, proteins, and potassium. It has a lighter texture than olive oil and shea butter, which many find appealing to use on the face. But Katta says that sweet almond oil can result in allergic responses, so she recommends avoiding it if you have sensitive skin. Olive oil doesn't typically trigger allergic reactions, Katta says, but for the best results, be sure to opt for the extra-virgin variety. Olive oil contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, and some research, such as astudy published in October 2016 in the journalNanomaterials and Nanotechnology, offers scientific evidence of its potential as a moisturizer.

With its heavy consistency, it is a great choice for an all-body application, Katta says. You may even want to try an olive oil cleanser or bar of soap for a clean that won't dry out your skin. Coconut oil can also be used as a natural treatment option for those with eczema, a cluster of skin issues that lead to red, itchy, swollen patches of skin. One small study found that eczema patients who applied virgin coconut oil to the skin twice a day experienced a reduction in staph bacteria on the skin, dryness, abrasions, redness, and thickening of the skin due to scratching. Apply a light layer of virgin coconut oil to the affected area twice a day to help soothe eczema.

It's wonderfully moisturizing, great for the skin, inexpensive, and blissfully absent of chemicals you can't pronounce," says Dr. Low Dog. To make your own, she suggests melting ½ cup of coconut oil at a very low heat. If you have some on hand, add in five drops of your favorite essential oils or some pure vanilla extract for a scrub so fragrant you'll want to eat it.

Coconut oil's emollient properties can be beneficial to repairing the skin's barrier function , making it an especially helpful addition to your skincare routine if you have dry, sensitive skin or atopic dermatitis. Believe it or not, good, old-fashioned coconut oil offers the same lash-nourishing benefits as some of the fanciest over-the-counter products on the market. If you've got the right skin type, coconut oil can be great when used as a moisturizer.

"Coconut oil for normal to dry skin can be very hydrating," says Audley, who points out that the ingredient's occlusive nature traps moisture beneath the skin's surface to lock it all in. But this benefit is also why it's not good in other skin types. You may think that a body oil would be more hydrating than lotion, but that isn't always the case. Lotions tend to be formulated with water, which in turn helps your skin stay hydrated. In fact, lotions are usually a mix of oils and water, making them the best of both worlds for skin that's in need of moisture and hydration.

Yes, you can use coconut oil as a moisturizer depending on your skin type. It is comedogenic, meaning it can potentially clog pores, so if you have oily or combination skin it's best to avoid using pure coconut oil as a moisturizer. Coconut oil has many benefits for your face including helping to minimize the signs of aging, moisturizing, reducing temporary redness and smoothing skin's texture.

But it can potentially clog pores for those with combination or oily skin so for those folks pure coconut oil should be avoided. While there are plenty of hydrating eye creams on the market, coconut oil works in a pinch. If you're dealing with dry under-eyes—whether it be from colder weather, dehydration, or simply getting older—using a moisturizing eye cream can completely rejuvenate your complexion. Simply dab on a light layer of coconut oil to dry under-eyes to hydrate and protect the skin. It's best to do this before bed, as it may slide around underneath makeup.