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How to Get Rid of Wrinkles Using Coconut Oil: A Comprehensive Guide
Coconut oil helps delay the signs of skin aging by keeping the skin hydrated. Learn how to get rid of wrinkles using coconut oil and its many benefits
Most of us wish to have radiant skin and start fretting the moment we see a wrinkle on our face or body. Wrinkles are a sign of aging, and many of us dream of looking young and gorgeous forever. This is the reason why people get anxious about wrinkles, and start using different commercial products and home remedies to get rid of them. It is okay to feel a little stressed out, but do not get overwhelmed. While we cannot completely stop them, we sure can try home remedies to reduce them. Coconut oil is an effective remedy for wrinkles — it’s packed with antioxidants and fatty acids that promote skin health.
Our contributor Dr. Yelena Deshko says, “Fatty acids such as Omega-3 have anti-inflammatory properties. Research suggests that Omega3 fats help protect skin cells against sun-induced inflammation and help control how the body responds to stressors such as ultraviolet radiation. (1).”
You can use coconut oil as a toner, face serum, or face packs to combat wrinkles. Read on to learn more about what causes wrinkles and how to get rid of wrinkles using coconut oil.
What Are the Main Causes of Wrinkles?
Wrinkles, those little lines and creases etched into our skin, are an inevitable part of the aging process. But what exactly causes them? There is no single reason for wrinkles. Our contributor Dr. Yelena Deshko says, “The major causes of wrinkles are natural aging, genetics, sun exposure, smoking, and repeated facial expressions.” A combination of various factors like age, UV rays, pollution, smoking, etc. results in the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Below are the various causes of wrinkles:
1. Age
One of the biggest culprits behind wrinkles is time itself. As we age, our skin also ages and starts losing its elasticity. Reduced production of natural oils results in making our skin dry, thereby making it appear more wrinkled. With age, the fat in the deeper layers of our skin starts to diminish, thereby causing loose, and saggy skin. This leads to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles (1). In addition, various intrinsic
2. Exposure to Sunlight
Exposure to sunlight is another major contributor to wrinkles. Collagen and elastin fibers help keep our skin firm and soft. UV rays damage the skin's collagen and elastin fibers, causing damage to the skin. This can result in sagging of the skin, wrinkles, and discoloration (2).
3. Smoking
Smoking is yet another vital factor in wrinkle formation. Smoking speeds up the skin aging process and causes collagen and elastin fibers to break down. This, in turn, leads to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, particularly around the mouth (3).
4. Facial expressions
You may not believe it, but the truth is that facial expressions can also cause wrinkles. Repeated facial expressions, like frowning, squinting, or smiling, can cause the formation of fine lines (4).
5. Environmental factors
Environmental factors also play a part in forming wrinkles and fine lines. Pollution and harsh weather conditions can damage the skin, resulting in the formation of wrinkles. UV radiation can take a toll on the skin, leaving it dry, damaged, and more prone to wrinkles (5).
We cannot stop wrinkles from appearing on our skin, but we can take steps to protect our skin and embrace the changes that come with age. Now, let us find out how to use coconut oil for aging skin.
How to Get Rid of Wrinkles Using Coconut Oil: 6 Home Remedies to Try
For centuries, coconut oil has been known for its various benefits for our skin. It works as a moisturizer and provides much-needed hydration to the skin, keeping it soft and supple. Dry skin is more prone to wrinkles, so it’s important to use coconut oil and keep your skin nourished (6).
UVB radiation plays a crucial role in causing skin aging — coconut oil protects the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays, and delays the signs of aging (7). Being rich in antioxidants, coconut oil also helps neutralize any free radicals and improve the symptoms of fine lines and wrinkles (8).
There are various ways to use coconut oil for wrinkles — let's find out how to get rid of wrinkles using coconut oil.
1. Coconut Oil And Castor Oil
Castor oil is a viscous oil that is high in vitamin E and fatty acids. Vitamin E keeps the skin protected from UV damage and delays the signs of photoaging (9). Mix 2 drops of castor oil with 6 to 8 drops of virgin coconut oil. Gently apply this to your face and leave it overnight. Wash it off the next morning.
2. Coconut Oil And Turmeric
Antioxidants protect the skin from free radical damage and delay the signs of photoaging (10). Turmeric is known to contain antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It may be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of skin aging (11). Mix 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder with 1 tablespoon of virgin coconut oil. Apply the paste to your wrinkles and leave it on for around 20 minutes. Wash it off with water.
3. Coconut Oil And Lemon Juice
Lemons contain a good amount of vitamin C, which helps improve the elasticity of the skin and reduce wrinkles (12). Take a tablespoon of virgin coconut oil and add a few drops of lemon juice to it. Gently massage your face with this mixture for a few minutes and leave it on for about 15 minutes. Wash it off with water.
4. Coconut Oil And Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E plays an important role in maintaining skin health. It hydrates the skin and helps prevent dryness that can cause fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin E also has the ability to fight harmful free radicals, contribute to the antioxidant defenses of the skin, and slow down the skin aging process (13). Mix 1/2 teaspoon of vitamin E oil with 6 drops of virgin coconut oil. Gently massage the mixture for a few minutes and keep it overnight.
5. Coconut Oil And Clove Oil
Cloves have eugenol, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Their antioxidant properties help promote skin elasticity, boost skin hydration, and reduce wrinkles (14). Mix 2 drops of clove essential oil with 6 to 8 drops of virgin coconut oil. Gently massage the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes and then wash your face with water.
6. Coconut Oil And Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) contains acetic acid and is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (15). These properties help keep the skin healthy and wrinkle-free (16). Dilute 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 1 tablespoon of water. Apply it to your face and let it dry. After this step, take a few drops of coconut oil into it and use it to massage your skin. Leave it overnight.
These were some of the best tips on how to get rid of wrinkles using coconut oil. Try these home remedies to bid farewell to the signs of skin aging.
What Are the Side Effects of Using Coconut Oil on Skin
There are not enough studies on the potential side effects of using coconut oil. Some people may experience a few side effects after using coconut oil for wrinkles. These could be:
- Redness
- Rashes
- Itchiness
- Burning
- Swelling
- Acne breakout
Always choose a high-quality, cold-pressed oil to avoid any side effects. Make sure to perform a patch test before applying anything of the above-suggested remedies on how to get rid of wrinkles using coconut oil to your skin to see if any adverse reactions occur. If that happens, stop using it immediately.
Conclusion
Wrinkles can be bothersome for a few people, but remember that they are part and parcel of our lives. If you wish to keep your skin spotless, use coconut oil and say goodbye to wrinkles and fine lines. Try our ultimate guide on how to get rid of wrinkles using coconut oil and get flawless skin. You can mix coconut oil with castor oil, lemon juice, turmeric, vitamin E, and clove oil for an added advantage. Just make sure to do a patch test before adding these remedies to your skincare routine.
Contributor: Dr. Yelena Deshko, ND, Board-certified naturopathic doctor and Founder of Lumèr - Timeless Health Clinic
Sources:
1. Skin anti-aging strategies
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583892/
2. Ultraviolet Radiation, Aging and the Skin: Prevention of Damage by Topical cAMP Manipulation
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4344124/
3. Tobacco smoke causes premature skin aging
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17951030/
4. New wrinkles on wrinkling: an 8-year longitudinal study on the progression of expression lines into persistent wrinkles
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20184587/
5. Environmental influences on skin aging and ethnic-specific manifestations
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583881/
6. In vitro anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of Virgin coconut oil
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6335493/
7. In vitro sun protection factor determination of herbal oils used in cosmetics
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3140123/
8. Anti-Aging Effects of a Serum Based on Coconut Oil Combined with Deer Antler Stem Cell Extract on a Mouse Model of Skin Aging
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8870445/
9. Vitamin E in dermatology
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4976416/
10. Antioxidants in dermatology*
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5514576/
11. Evidence of curcumin and curcumin analogue effects in skin diseases: A narrative review
12. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/9/8/866/htm
13. Bioactive Compounds for Skin Health: A Review
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7827176/
14. Clove attenuates UVB-induced photodamage and repairs skin barrier function in hairless mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30178790/
15. The effect of apple cider vinegar on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8243436/
16. Role of antioxidants in the skin: anti-aging effects
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20399614/
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