Benefits of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil for Skin Problems
Extra virgin coconut oil heals and protects the skin from the inside and out. Coconut oil has antioxidants that combat signs of aging and is anti-microbial and anti-bacterial. The oil has a relatively small molecular structure that is easily absorbed into the skin. Coconut oil has a rich, tropical scent and smooth, silky texture and is soothing, healing and nourishing for face and body. Does this Spark an idea?
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Properties
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The constituents in coconut oil are saturated fats such as capric acid, caprylic acid and lauric acid. It contains high amounts of vitamin E, antioxidants, proteins and triglycerides. Capric acid and lauric acid are both anti-microbial and anti-bacterial. The antioxidants combat the affects of aging by hindering the free radicals that contribute to the hardening of the connective tissues in the skin. The small molecular structure of coconut oil allows it to penetrate the skin easily while the proteins and vitamin E soothe and rejuvenate the skin.
Acne
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The skin naturally secretes oil through sebum glands that keep the skin from becoming dry and cracked. Acne occurs when the sebum glands are inhibited by bacterial infection. This leads to painful swelling and redness. The anti-bacterial properties of coconut oil, particularly from the lauric and capric acid, help diminish bacterial infections. This allows the sebum glands to function properly, avoiding acne outbreaks. The vitamin E in coconut oil helps to soothe the skin while the small molecular structure allows the oil to penetrate and moisturize.
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Dry Skin
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When skin is dry, it is vulnerable and prone to infection. The sebum glands secrete oil that helps to maintain the good bacteria while keeping the harmful bacteria at bay. Coconut oil has a similar mid-chain fatty acid structure and pH balance that affects the oils secreted by the skin. After showering using drying soaps, the skin is at a greater risk to infection and dryness because the natural oils have been washed away. Coconut oil can help to protect the skin by keeping the pH of the skin in balance while moisturizing and replenishing the skin's much-needed oils.
Infection
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Using coconut oil on the skin can help combat and prevent microbial and bacterial infections. Infections on the skin are painful and unsightly; from acne to bacterial and fungal infections, coconut oil can help heal skin. According to Bruce Fife, CN, ND, coconut oil can help fight conditions such as athlete's foot, fungus, ringworm and cuts. The same properties that combat infection on acne-prone skin extend to other skin infections as well.
Aging
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Young skin is elastic, strong and supple. Over time, free radicals harm the connective tissues in the skin. This leads to hardening and loss of elasticity, which contributes to signs of aging. Coconut oil penetrates the skin, providing antioxidants that combat free radicals. This strengthens the skin's connective tissues and leads to skin that is soft and elastic. The brown liver spots that occur with aging are a result of free radical damage in the body and the oxidation of polyunsaturated fats and proteins. The antioxidant properties in coconut oil can slow the emergence of brown spots by hindering such damaging free radicals.
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