Does Coconut Oil Darken The Skin? Myth or Fact?

“Lather on a thick layer of coconut oil, and your skin shall be fine!” Is this statement true or false? For generations, coconut oil has been a part of natural beauty remedies; while some swear by coconut oil for its various beauty-related benefits, others do not agree. In this blog, you will learn about coconut oil and whether or not it darkens your skin. Keep scrolling to find out more!

What Is Coconut Oil?

Essentially, coconut oil is made using the flesh of coconuts, and it contains saturated fats. Moreover, it is used in cooking and cosmetic products.

Benefits Of Coconut Oil:

The following are ten benefits of coconut oil for your skin;

1. Reduces dandruff and frizz; moreover, it hydrates your hair,
   
2. Hydrates and moisturises your skin,
   
3. Acts as a makeup remover,
   
4. Slowly eliminates wrinkles and softens the skin,
   
5. Heals damaged skin,
   
6. It fades dark spots and gives you an even skin tone all over,
   
7. Combats skin infections.

Can Coconut Oil be Used As A SunScreen?

A study by the American Academy of Dermatology suggests that you should consider using sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher because it blocks 97 percent of the sun’s rays. However, only around 20% of the sun’s damaging rays are obstructed by coconut oil. Skin cancers such as melanoma can be prevented if you regularly and correctly use your sunscreen. Do note that just coconut oil isn't sufficient and shouldn't be used as a sunblock. Manufacturers usually blend coconut oil with other components/ingredients to provide effective and broad UVA/UVB protection.  

What Are Other Alternatives To Coconut Oil?

Other alternatives to coconut oil include:

1. Virgin Oil
2. Shea Butter
3. Argan Oil,
4. Hemp Seed Oil
5. Marula Oil

Any Side Effects Of Coconut Oil On Skin?

There aren’t any significant side effects of using coconut oil for normal to dry skin types, however, if you have oily skin, you are more likely to experience:

1. Blackheads and whiteheads, especially if you keep the oil overnight.
2. Acne breakouts, coconut oil can clog pores and, therefore, lead to more breakouts.

So, Does Coconut Oil Darken The Skin?

There is no one correct answer to this question as there is no scientific evidence regarding this. It’s simply experience-based. However, it is observed that South Americans and Southeast Asians are more likely to change skin colour due to oils.

Furthermore, coconut oil does not darken lips. In fact, it helps in nourishing and moisturising. But it’s advisable to avoid applying just coconut oil when going out in the sun. That can darken the skin. Lastly, coconut oil promotes hair growth too! So, what are you waiting for? Try out coconut oil and benefit from its excellent properties today.