Using Virgin Coconut Oil on Dry Skin

Thinking about using virgin coconut oil on dry skin?

Are you wondering if this natural oil can really moisturize and soften?

Here's an interesting study proving virgin coconut oil makes an excellent skin moisturizer.

Makati, Philippines - Researchers compared virgin coconut oil and mineral oil to determine which is an effective and safe moisturizer for Xerosis.

This controlled study was performed on 34 patients with mild to moderate Xerosis.

What's Xerosis?

Xerosis is the medical term for 'dry skin' and it's a very common condition. Typical treatment is skin lotions made to moisturize and improve the look and feel the skin.

Patients were instructed to apply virgin coconut oil or mineral oil to their legs, twice a day for 2 weeks. The study was double-blind, so neither the participants nor researchers knew what lotion was being used.

Researchers measured:

• Skin moisture
• Amount of water loss on skin
• Acidity levels of skin (pH of skin)
• Amount of dryness, roughness and scaling on skin

Researchers discovered virgin coconut oil was comparable to mineral oil as an effective skin moisturizer.

• Both oils showed improvement in skin hydration and skin lipid levels.
• No change in level of water loss or pH of skin.
• The use of virgin coconut oil lead to better skin improvement.
• Participants using virgin coconut oil found it reduced skin dryness, roughness and scaling better than mineral oil.

Based on this study, it appears you can use virgin coconut oil as a dry skin cure. This natural oil can moisturize your skin and help reduce dryness, roughness and scaling.

I've used it myself and found it really moisturizes my skin. I would use only 'virgin' coconut oil and apply a small amount to my skin after showering. I got best results when applying the oil while my skin was still damp. You might find your skin will feel a little 'greasy' for a few minutes, and then your skin will absorb the oils.

You can also use virgin coconut oil as a natural hair conditioner and moisturizer. This is one of the best ways to deep condition dry damaged hair. And speaking from experience, this method really works! Try it yourself and see what kind of results you get.

How you can avoid getting dry skin:

• Avoid using soaps that cause dry skin. Natural, organic soaps with botanical oils are probably the best kind of soap for your skin. These offer natural cleansing without drying and stripping out your skin oils.
• Don't take long and frequent hot baths or showers. Feels good, but these can also dry out your skin.
• Environments with low humidity can dry your skin.
• Exposure to cold temperatures (cold temperatures have lower humidity).
• Side effect of some medications.
• Not getting enough water in your diet.
• Being exposured to hot and windy environments.

Using lotions and creams with natural emollients can help soften the skin and treat the symptoms of dry skin. They help lessen water loss by reducing scaling and flaking of the outer skin layers. It's important to apply the moisturizer right after taking a shower or bath, while your skin is still moist.

People in tropical countries have used coconut oil as a dry skin cure for decades. This study shows coconut oil is just as effective, if not more effective, than mineral oil for treating scaly dry skin.

Looking for another all-natural product that's proven to improve your skin tone, increase moisture levels & treat dry skin? Emu oil has been used by the Aborigines of Australia for hundreds of years as a dry skin cure and is now gaining popularity as a natural skin care product.

Research References: