When people hear the word “coconut,” images of tropical vacations, sandals, and maybe an umbrella come to mind. But what some people don’t know is that coconuts are actually a source of valuable oil! Specifically, their oil is called coconut oil. It’s been widely known for its high concentration of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). These MCTs are found in abundance in coconut oil. In fact, it has more than 10 times more MCTs than olive oil! That’s why many health insiders call coconut oil one of the healthiest oils you can ingest. For example, it has anti-cold properties which makes it great for your insides as well as your skin.
Does Coconut Oil Darken The Skin?
Coconut oil doesn’t usually cause skin darkening, although some people do experience a temporary increase in the production of melanin. This is because fatty acids can interact with sunlight to create Vitamin D, which can then darken the skin.
Coconut Oil Darkens The Skin:
1. Coconut oil is saturated fat.
Saturated fats are considered to be the most dangerous type of fat. They’re made up of carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms. Some saturated fats are solid at room temperature, while others are liquid. All saturated fats have one or more double bonds between their carbon atoms. This makes them have a high melting point, which means they’re solid at room temperature and can only be turned into liquid when heated above their melting point (around 140°F).
2. Coconut oil is also called lauric acid
This is the main reason why coconut oil darkens the skin! Lauric acid has a strong smell that’s similar to that of old cheese or raw meat and it’s also found in breast milk (lactose). The good news is that this smell isn’t harmful to your health in any way. In fact, it’s been proven that it’s actually good for you! The bad news is that it does have some side effects when consumed in large amounts, such as an upset stomach and diarrhea. But don’t worry; these side effects are only temporary!
3. Lauric acid has five carbon atoms instead of six
This might be why coconut oil darkens the skin! Lauric acid has five carbon atoms instead of six like other saturated fats do, which means its molecules can’t join together easily with each other as they do with other fats like olive oil and butterfat (butter). So when molecules of lauric acid are broken down into smaller pieces in the body, the resulting smaller fat molecules (called free fatty acids) are more likely to be absorbed.
4. Coconut oil is also a source of cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that’s found in the blood and body tissues of animals. It’s used to make hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids, which are necessary for digestion. Your body needs cholesterol in small amounts, but too much can be dangerous for your health. High levels of cholesterol lead to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), heart attacks, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.
5. Coconut oil has no effect on your blood sugar levels
In fact, coconut oil has been shown to have an anti-diabetic effect by lowering blood sugar levels! This means that it helps prevent diabetes and its complications like heart disease and kidney failure!
6 . Coconut oil is also a source of fiber
Coconut oil actually contains quite a bit of fiber! In fact, one tablespoon contains roughly 7 grams or 10 percent of your recommended daily fiber intake (based on a 2,000-calorie diet). This makes it great for people with digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn’s disease because it helps keep you regular! Furthermore, as mentioned above, coconut oil is also rich in MCTs which help promote weight loss and reduce cravings for unhealthy foods like high-calorie junk food!
How Does Coconut Oil Darken The Skin?
1. The oil is actually a mixture of three fatty acids
Coconut oil is made up of a mixture of three fatty acids. These are lauric acid, caprylic acid, and capric acid. Lauric acid makes up about 45 percent of the oil. Caprylic acid makes up 35 percent and capric acid 15 percent.
2. Lauric Acid has been shown to be effective in treating acne
In fact, lauric acid plays a key role in the skin’s barrier function. When this barrier function becomes compromised, bacteria can more easily invade the skin causing acne!
3. Coconut oil can also be effective for treating psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes red, itchy patches on the skin. The condition is thought to be due to an overproduction of skin cells called keratinocytes. This overproduction of keratinocytes leads to a buildup of excess skin cells and oil called sebum. Over time, this excess sebum causes the skin to become thickened and scaly. Coconut oil has been shown to have strong anti-inflammatory effects. By reducing the redness and swelling associated with psoriasis, coconut oil can help reduce the severity of symptoms!
4. Coconut oil doesn’t clog pores
Coconut oil doesn’t clog pores as conventional moisturizers do. In fact, it’s high in antioxidants which help protect against free radicals in the body! In fact, research has shown that daily use of coconut oil may prevent certain types of cancers like prostate cancer and breast cancer by preventing free radicals from damaging DNA in cells!
The Truth About Coconut Oil Darkening Skin
Does Coconut Oil Make Your Skin Break Out?
No, coconut oil doesn’t make your skin break out or cause acne. In fact, coconut oil has been shown to reduce the amount of sebum produced in the skin. This is why some people find that coconut oil can help reduce acne!
Does Coconut Oil Make Your Hair Fall Out?
No, coconut oil doesn’t make your hair fall out! The truth is that coconut oil is actually a very powerful nourishing moisturizer. It’s high in fatty acids and antioxidants which help condition and repair damaged hair. Coconut oil also contains lauric acid which helps promote healthy scalp function and promote hair growth!
Does Coconut Oil Cause Acne?
No, not at all! In fact, many people have found that using coconut oil daily can help treat their acne! The reason why this happens is that coconut oil contains lauric acid which has many antibacterial properties. When you use it on your skin regularly it can help prevent bacteria from causing acne.
Does Coconut Oil Cause Acne Scars?
As mentioned above, there are many studies showing that daily use of coconut oil can decrease the severity of acne scars. It’s thought that this occurs because the lauric acid in coconut oil helps rebuild collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. These fibers are what make up the connective tissue of our skin which makes up scars when they’re damaged or broken down due to inflammation. When these fibers are repaired with laur
The Benefits Of Coconut Oil
1. Coconut Oil Conditions Dry Skin
Coconut Oil Conditions Dry Skin: When applied to the dry skin of the face it acts as a gentle exfoliant that can gently slough away dead skin cells, unclog pores, improve elasticity, keep your skin clear of blemishes, etc… You can use it as part of your daily routine or as needed to cleanse without irritation.
2. Coconut oil contains lauric acid which has many anti-bacterial properties
Coconut oil contains lauric acid which has many anti-bacterial properties. This is why some people find that coconut oil can help prevent acne! When you use it on your skin regularly it can help prevent bacteria from causing acne.
3. Coconut oil is a powerful antioxidant
Coconut oil contains many powerful antioxidants. It’s high in saturated fats and lauric acid which help promote healthy skin function. These antioxidants help to reduce the damage caused by free radicals.
4. Coconut oil is a great moisturizer for hair
Coconut oil is a great moisturizer for your hair! It’s high in saturated fats and lauric acid which help condition and repair damaged hair. Coconut oil also contains lauric acid which helps promote healthy scalp function and promote hair growth!
5. Coconut oil makes an excellent natural cleanser
Coconut oil makes an excellent natural cleanser! It’s high in saturated fats and lauric acid which help remove dirt, grime, and makeup from your skin naturally!
Conclusion
Coconut oil is a great source of saturated fat. It is also a very useful moisturizer for your body. It can be used as a body lotion, hair conditioner, and even deodorant. The amount of coconut oil you should consume will depend on your personal health requirements. Keep in mind that consuming too much of this fat will lead to weight gain and unhealthy body composition. However, when consumed in moderation, coconut oil is a great dietary resource that can help you get the most out of life.
