Discovering The Truth: Does Coconut Oil Tighten Skin?

Are you on a quest for tighter, firm-looking skin?

You’re not alone.

As we age, many among us start to notice a loss of skin elasticity, sagging, and a decrease in overall firmness. These changes not only affect the way we look, but also affect the way we perceive ourselves.
It can be truly frustrating.

But could coconut oil be a solution?
It’s nearly impossible to miss the buzz around this tropical elixir in the skincare world, praised for its potential hydrating, antioxidant, and even soothing properties. In addition to the potential to lock in moisture, some people believe coconut oil can help tighten skin.
Is this really true, though, or is it just a myth?
It’s time to separate fiction from fact.

 

Why Your Skin Starts Looking Saggy

When your skin starts to look saggy and less tight or firm, it has a lot to do with something known as elasticity.
Skin elasticity is influenced by two major proteins in our body — collagen and elastin. They act as hidden springs, lending our skin the resilience to bounce back after stretching, maintaining its firmness and suppleness.

However, with each year, the natural aging process knocks on our door. Our skin’s ability to produce these fundamental proteins diminishes, setting the stage for the emergence of wrinkles, sagging skin, and a loss of plumpness. The challenge, then, is to boost our skin’s production of collagen and protect valuable elastin as we grow older, to preserve its elasticity.

In addition to collagen and elastin, your skin also contains oil glands that produce sebum, which keeps skin moisturized. Over time, these glands become less active, and your skin loses its ability to maintain proper hydration levels.

This can result in chronic dry skin or even chapped lips – which is where coconut oil’s moisture sealant properties come into play.
Although dry skin doesn’t directly accelerate aging, it can make signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles, look much more noticeable.
So, can coconut oil help with this skin-sagging problem? Let’s break down what science says about coconut oil and skin tightening.

The Chemical Makeup of Coconut Oil + Its Known Benefits

Coconut oil, rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, serves as a natural method to help seal in the skin’s moisture. In fact, a study published in the International Journal of Dermatology, found that people who used coconut oil on their skin had less dryness than those who used mineral oil as a moisturizer.

And it smells good, too!

One of the main components of coconut oil is a powerhouse blend of fatty acids, including:
  • Lauric acid
  • Caprylic acid
  • Palmitic acid
  • Myristic acid

These fatty acids offer a variety of skincare benefits, such as:

  • Antimicrobial properties – Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has powerful antimicrobial properties that can help kill bacteria and fungi on the skin.
  • Anti-inflammatory effects – The fatty acids in coconut oil boast anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness and irritation.
  • Emollient – Coconut oil gets its moisturizing effects from the fact that it acts as a seal on the skin, as its fatty acids help retain moisture and reduce dehydration. This means that it is best used in combination with other moisturizing ingredients, such as aloe vera, as it seals in these products when applied in the correct order.
  • Antioxidant – Rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols, coconut oil helps combat free radicals that contribute to speeding up the aging process by breaking down both collagen and elastin. When applied to the skin, the polyphenols present in coconut oil may also offer some degree of protection against these damaging UVB rays. However, it’s worth noting that coconut oil shouldn’t replace your daily SPF but instead act as an additional layer of defense.
By providing hydration and sealing in moisture, coconut oil may help improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin, giving it a healthier and more youthful appearance. However, it’s important to remember that while coconut oil may alleviate dryness, it doesn’t directly address the root causes of sagging skin, like the decline in collagen and elastin production.

 

Coconut Oil for Skin Tightening: The Verdict

So, the million-dollar question is – does coconut oil tighten the skin?
Here’s the short answer: Studies are inconclusive.
While coconut oil on its own is not the ultimate solution, it should never be underestimated. Coconut oil can still play a crucial supporting role. Rather than viewing it as the solo hero, think of coconut oil as a complementary partner in your skincare regimen, especially when combined with potent ingredients like Vitamin C.

One of the prime benefits of Vitamin C, for instance, is its ability to boost collagen production, enhancing skin’s overall firmness and thickness. This combination of Vitamin C and coconut oil can work together to hydrate, nourish, and protect your skin while combating signs of aging. Remember, each person’s experience with coconut oil can vary based on numerous factors such as genetics, environment, and lifestyle.


Unlock the Ultimate Skincare Experience

If you want to easily enjoy the nourishing properties of coconut oil combined with collagen-boosting vitamin C, look into the Age-Defying Dream Cream from Purity Woods!

This blend of 25 carefully chosen botanicals— including coconut oil and camu camu (super rich in vitamin C)— holds the secret to younger-looking, radiant skin, all wrapped up in a premium, 100% USDA-Certified Organic formula. It not only works to support your skin’s elasticity but also tackles an array of other aging signs, including saggy-looking skin, fine lines, wrinkles, and more.

Find out more about the Age-Defying Dream Cream here, and give your skin the full benefit of coconut oil, plus powerful antioxidant ingredients.

Get 10% Off Your First Order

when you sign up for our email list