Coconut oil comes from the nut (fruit) of the coconut palm. It contains medium-chain fatty acids, including capric acid, caprylic acid, and lauric acid.About 52% to 85% of coconut oil is made up of specific saturated fats, called medium-chain fatty acids. It has a moisturizing effect when applied to the skin.People commonly use coconut oil for eczema and growth in premature infants. It's also used for psoriasis, obesity, breast cancer, heart disease, MS, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these useOne of the starring roles coconut oil can play in your skincare routine is that of a moisturizer, thanks to it being rich in medium-chain fatty acids—most notably, lauric acid, which has some serious antibacterial and antimicrobial skills, and linoleic acid, a rockstar hydrator.
Coconut oil's emollient properties can be beneficial to repairing the skin's barrier function (the outermost layer of skin that defends your body against environmental threats), making it an especially helpful addition to your skincare routine if you have dry, sensitive skin or atopic dermatitis.
Besides being super hydrating, coconut oil has the ability to act as a protective layer that sits on top of the skin and locks in moisture, while also preventing transepidermal water loss (where water passes through the skin and evaporates into the air).
This protective layer helps repair cracks in the outer layers of the skin more efficiently, making it harder for harmful bacteria—such as Staphylococcus, a bacteria commonly found on the skin—to invade and cause an infection
Coconut oil also contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that, when combined with its hydrating and emollient effects, have the potential to accelerate wound healing.