We love a natural skin moisturizer. When it comes to skincare let’s face it; things are very expensive. So if there is a way for our skin to get some much needed moisture from an oil we likely already have in the kitchen, we are down. But with so much advice out there, how do you know the truth from a myth? What works and what doesn’t? We did the research so you don’t have to. 

Not All Oils Are Created Equal When it Comes to Skincare

The trend of putting coconut and avocado oil on your face for moisturizer isn’t new. This has been popular for quite some time, mostly because of the cost efficiency. However one has some major benefits while the other should be avoided. Spoiler alert.. It’s best to stay away from coconut oil when it comes to your face. Avocado oil, however, can be really beneficial. 

The Truth About Coconut Oil; Why it’s Bad for Your Face

Coconut oil has saturated fats which form a barrier on the skin. At first glance this might seem like a good thing, but it actually makes it difficult for your pores to breathe and detoxify, resulting in increased inflammation and acne.

The alkalinity of coconut oil is too high for your dermis, and if you have sensitive skin, you might experience the same reaction to harsh detergents and soaps as their base is also alkaline. This high pH level disturbs the natural barrier of the skin, resulting in increased redness and irritation. s a fact that using coconut oil on your face can actually do more harm than good, especially if you have a skin condition.

We don’t want to hate coconut oil entirely, it’s actually great for other areas of the skin. Just keep it away from the face. Do put it on elbows and knees that need some extra moisture.

Benefits of Avocado Oil

Now for the positive. We absolutely love avocado oil for the face. What’s so great about this popular fattening fruit? Well, for one it’s packed with  antioxidants and Vitamin E, which work to hydrate and nourish the skin. Let’s look at what it can do.

• Avocado oil replenishes lipids missing from your skin
• It contains Ascorbic acid, otherwise known as vitamin C, and has antioxidative properties that guard against free radicals.
• It’s soothing: Avocado oil has been demonstrated to be a miraculous oil for treating and calming skin troubles such as eczema, acne and psoriasis. Its anti-inflammatory properties help in reducing the inflammation, irritation and distress of the skin, while improving its health to a softer and smoother balance without blocking pores.
• It’s got anti-aging properties, promoting the proliferation of skin cells and augmenting the production of collagen.

Choose Wisely

It may come as a surprise, but coconut oil is just not a suitable moisturizer for facial skin. Even though beauty bloggers and celebrities have been praising it for years, they’re wrong. Coconut oil is not the best choice for those looking to moisturize their faces. Avocado oil, however, is an excellent choice because of its antioxidant properties. Make the right choice and grab the avocado oil next time you’re looking for a little extra hydration from the pantry.