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  • Coconut oil is good for dry skin types that require a heavy moisturizer.
  • Coconut oil is also good if you have eczema or rosacea since it can reduce skin redness and inflammation.
  • Coconut oil is not good for oily or acne-prone skin since it can clog pores and cause breakouts.
  • Visit Insider's Health Reference library for more advice.

    • People now use coconut oil in everything from food to skincare products. While coconut oil has benefits such as moisturizing and reducing inflammation, it can also clog pores. Some people with a tree nut allergy can have an allergic reaction to coconuts, so they should be wary of using coconut oil.

    Before you start lathering coconut oil over your skin, here's what you need to know about coconut oil's potential effects.

    What is coconut oil?

    There are two primary types of coconut oil: virgin and refined.

    "Virgin coconut oil is made from fresh coconuts, and it is typically higher in content in polyphenols and antioxidants," says Michele Green, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist in New York City. "Refined coconut oil is made from dried coconut meat. Refined coconut oil goes through more processing steps, including machine pressing to obtain the oil." In some instances, bleaching and chemical solvents are added to refined coconut oil.

    Coconut oil can also be labeled as cold-pressed when produced without heat. "This type may be richer in nutrients," says Green. Thanks to greater amounts of polyphenols and antioxidants, as well as its limited processing, virgin coconut oil, especially when cold-pressed, is a better choice for use on the skin.

    While coconut oil can provide dermatological benefits, it may not be right for everyone. We've broken down the benefits and detriments of using coconut oil on your skin and how to decide if it's right for you.

    Coconut oil is moisturizing

    Applying coconut oil to your skin can help retain...

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