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If you get sucked into beauty Tok, chances are you’ve seen at least a few videos praising the benefits of coconut oil. People say it can help with vaginal health, make hair stronger, whiten teeth and even be used as a shaving cream. One of the more popular applications on the social media platform: Using it to address wrinkles.
But can the cooking ingredient really help with fine lines? To find out, we turned to two dermatologists. Find out what they had to say below.
Firstly: No topical treatment can completely eradicate wrinkles, though there are some products that can lessen their appearance over time and others that work temporarily to smooth them. Coconut oil falls in the latter category. “It can temporarily improve skin hydration and give the appearance of smoother skin, but it does not target the deeper causes of wrinkles such as collagen loss or sun damage,” says Dr. Noah Gratch, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS in New York. “Some people also enjoy the glow it gives the skin.”
That said, the hydration benefits are real. “Coconut oil has been shown in some studies to help restore the skin barrier and reduce inflammation,” says Dr. Viktoryia Kazlosukaya, a board-certified dermatologist and the owner of Dermatology Circle in New York. “Because of this, it may contribute to a smoother skin appearance and could potentially help with the appearance of fine lines. However, I wouldn’t rely on coconut oil alone — there are other ingredients with much stronger evidence when it comes to addressing signs of aging.”
Before trying coconut oil for wrinkles, make sure you’re a good candidate. “People with acne-prone or oily skin should generally avoid coconut oil because it can clog pores and worsen breakouts,” says Gratch. “Those with very sensitive skin or a history of contact allergies may also experience irritation.” Finally, Gratch says that individuals with rosacea may also find that coconut oil worsens redness or irritation.
If you don’t fall into any of these categories, here’s how you can try it at home. “Cold-pressed, unrefined coconut oil is the best choice if you’re going the DIY route,” says Kazlosukaya. You should be able to find this at your local grocery store or online. You can use it after cleansing your face, in place of your moisturizer. “You can also use it as the first step in a double cleanse to remove makeup — simply warm a small amount between your fingers, massage it onto your face, then rinse and follow with your usual cleanser,” adds Kazlosukaya.
If you don’t go the DIY route, there are a number of skin care products formulated with coconut oil you can try — and it may be an even better option. “I recommend using products from trusted skin care brands that incorporate coconut oil in formulations specifically designed for facial use,” says Kazlosukaya. “This helps ensure better absorption, stability, and safety.” Below, we gathered hydrating skin care products that have coconut oil or coconut milk, which experts tell us can be equally hydrating. To narrow down the list, we focused on options that have at least a 4-star average rating from thousands of reviews.
This hydrating facial mist combines coconut oil with vitamin B5 to nourish and hydrate the skin, according to the brand. You can be use it before and after you apply makeup to keep skin looking dewy, though keep in mind it has a coconut scent, if you’re someone who doesn’t love fragranced produts. This mist has a 4.6-star average rating from over 4,725 reviews on Amazon.
A face moisturizer for less than $10 is always nice. This one combines coconut water with hyaluronic acid and papaya enzymes to really hydrate skin, according to the brand. The formula is also hypoallergenic and free from sulfates and parabens, making it good for those with sensitive skin. This moisturizer has a 4.4-star average rating from over 7,010 reviews on Amazon.
A cleansing oil washes away dirt and grime while also leaving skin moisturized. This one, which has a 4.5-star average rating from more than 4,547 reviews on Amazon, combines Argan and coconut oil to hydrate skin and leave it feeling smoother without any excess residue, according to the brand. It has a 4.5-star average rating from over 4,547 reviews on Amazon.
I’ve been using this moisturizer every night for the past month and have noticed a serious improvement in how supple and dewy my skin looks. It has coconut milk, ceramides and hyaluronic acid in it, and a little goes a long way. I find it to be a little too thick for morning use and prefer to apply it at night.
This moisturizer has both coconut oil and coconut water, along with a natural retinol alternative to plump skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines, according to the brand. It has a very thick consistency, which can help super dry skin, but if you want something more lightweight, you can emulsify it with a drop or two of water to thin it out, according to Eminence
Both of our experts agree that if you want long-term results when it comes to lessening the appearance of wrinkles, coconut oil may not be the best solution. “Ingredients such as retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants like vitamin C have proven benefits for reducing wrinkles and improving skin texture,” says Gratch. “And daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is the most effective way to prevent further wrinkle formation.”
There are also a number of in-office treatments you can consider — including microneedling, laser resurfacing and chemical peels. “These options have clinical evidence supporting their ability to improve collagen production and reduce fine lines,” says Gratch. “A dermatologist can help customize a treatment plan and may recommend procedures like Botox for even greater wrinkle reduction.”
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Noah Gratch is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS in New York
- Dr. Viktoryia Kazlosukaya is a board-certified dermatologist and the owner of Dermatology Circle in New York
Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed two experts about the potential benefits of coconut oil.
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