As the beauty and wellness industry is leaning on natural ingredients more and more, the demand for all-natural products has spiked. Widely used by consumers from all spheres of life, coconut oil is touted as a magical elixir in the area of beauty and wellness. 

The reason? Well, with so many uses, benefits, and goodness trapped in this oil, coconut oil is well-known for its multifaceted uses and benefits. From whitening teeth to treating skin problems to cooking, there are countless uses of coconut oil. 

As a professional reviewer, I have been researching health and beauty products for years now. Throughout these years, I have seen coconut oil-based products being widely used and recommended by many users, experts, and beauty gurus. However, people are still skeptical about using oils for skincare. The reason is a most common belief that oils are heavy and end up clogging pores, especially when used on the face. 

Do you believe it too? Does coconut oil clog pores? Let me help you find the answers!

Table of Contents: 

• What is Coconut Oil? What Are Its Benefits?
• How Does Coconut Oil Benefit Skin?
• Does Coconut Oil Clog Pores?
• Conclusion 

What Is Coconut Oil? What Are Its Benefits?

Coconut oil is one of the most common ingredients found in every kitchen. Regardless of what you use the coconut oil for, I bet you have a can or jar of this oil on your kitchen shelf or in your pantry. The main reason why virgin coconut oil is so popular is the fact that it is very versatile and has countless benefits. 

Sure, coconut oil is good for cooking, but it is also beneficial for external uses on skin and hair. Let’s have a look at the common uses of coconut oil for skin:

• Used as a moisturizer;
• Used for protection against the UV rays;
• Used to treat chapped and dry lips;
• It makes a great natural deodorant;
• Used as a replacement for shaving cream, for a smoother and closer shave;
• Reduces skin inflammation;
• Soothes irritated skin and relieves the symptoms of skin conditions such as eczema;
• Used to treat infections; 
• Used as a carrier oil for essential oils;
• It helps heal wounds and fade scars.

With all these uses and benefits, you cannot neglect the goodness of coconut oil. It is an easy and effective remedy for many everyday problems we face with our skin and hair. It is composed of natural elements that help your skin feel better, and its healing properties are matchless. Before answering the question “does coconut oil clog your pores?” let’s see how coconut oil may benefit your skin. 

How Does Coconut Oil Benefit Skin?

Coconut oil is made up of fatty acids. The fatty acids like caprylic acid, myristic acid, lauric acid, linoleic acid, etc., present in coconut oil are known to nourish the skin and keep it healthy and hydrated. You can use coconut oil to reduce the symptoms of various skin problems such as dry and itchy skin, inflammation, burns, rashes, etc. 

The fatty acids in the oil help you achieve brighter, cleaner, and healthier skin. 

Coconut oil:

Hydrates the skin

Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer, which makes it suitable for dry skin. When applied to the skin, it forms a protective layer that locks in moisture. It makes your skin supple, soft, and hydrated. When the weather is cold and harsh for your skin, during the winter season, mixing some coconut oil with your daily moisturizer helps you give your skin that extra tender loving care it deserves. Coconut oil may also help heal cracked skin and chapped lips, as it can soften and gently remove dead skin cells. If you have dry skin, using coconut oil is a great option!

Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Inflammation on the skin is a common occurrence. It can be caused by various reasons, such as skin infections, dysfunction of the immune system, gut issues, allergic reactions, photosensitivity, injuries, etc. 

If inflammation occurs on your skin, applying coconut oil with help soothe it. The anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil make it one of the best natural remedies for chafed or irritated skin. Coconut oil contains fatty acids, such as lauric acid and capric acid, which are known to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Has Anti-Aging Benefits

When we talk about anti-aging or reversing aging signs on your skin, one thing that most experts suggest is collagen. It is a structural protein found in the connective tissues of our body, including the skin. Studies have proved that collagen helps improve the skin's hydration levels, elasticity, and firmness. 

The lauric acid present in coconut oil aids collagen production in the skin. Thus, it is known to have anti-aging benefits and to considerably reduce fine lines and wrinkles. 

Lightens Scars and Dark Spots 

Coconut oil also has properties that help lighten and brighten the skin. This is why it is advised to apply coconut oil on burn wounds as it helps fade the scars. When used on the skin, the oil helps reduce dark spots, dark patches, and wound scars. Thus, it helps achieve clearer and brighter skin. And, again, the lauric acid and capric acid in its composition also help reduce inflammation.

Does Coconut Oil Clog Pores?

We have discussed many benefits of coconut oil for the skin, but this question remains unanswered. Does coconut oil clog pores?

The answer is – probably. 

Well, hear me out here. Coconut oil is comedogenic, which means it may lead to clogging pores. However, it depends on how you use it on your skin and the type of coconut oils you are using. 

First, let’s discuss the type. Now, coconut oil is available in two forms – refined and unrefined. While the former is available in the markets at lower prices, the latter is a bit pricey. The reason is the method of extraction. Unrefined or virgin coconut oil is extracted through cold pressing, maintaining its purest form. When using coconut oil for the skin, especially the face, unrefined or virgin coconut oil is recommended, as it has far more benefits. 

Secondly, if you want to avoid clogged pores, do not use coconut oil as a moisturizer. Oils like coconut oil are heavy, and they do end up clogging the pores, resulting in blackheads. Instead, you can use coconut oil as a cleanser or makeup remover. This way, your skin can garner the benefits of coconut oil, and it won't clog the pores. Many beauty gurus have been practicing and preaching double cleansing to be added to your regular CTM (cleansing-toning-moisturizing) routine. Coconut oil makes the perfect oil cleanser and leaves your skin feeling soft and fresh by deeply removing all dirt and makeup. 

So, using the coconut oil correctly on your skin won't let it clog your pores, and you can only seek benefits from it! 

Conclusion

Coconut oil is one of the best natural remedies for our skin, hair, and overall health. Recommended by beauty gurus, lifestyle bloggers, and skin experts, coconut oil benefits your skin in many ways. But does coconut oil clog pores? Well, it doesn’t, if you use it the right way.