The effects of virgin coconut oil on the biophysical properties of human skin-A pilot study

Chanida Ungaksornpairote; Arisa Kaewkes; Angkana Sathaworawong; Rungsima Wanitphakdeedecha; Woraphong Manuskiatti

Authors

Chanida Ungaksornpairote DEPARTMENT OF DERMATOLOGY, FACULTY OF MEDICINE SIRIRAJ HOSPITAL, MAHIDOL UNIVERSITY, BANGKOK, THAILAND
Arisa Kaewkes DEPARTMENT OF DERMATOLOGY, FACULTY OF MEDICINE SIRIRAJ HOSPITAL, MAHIDOL UNIVERSITY, BANGKOK, THAILAND
Angkana Sathaworawong DEPARTMENT OF DERMATOLOGY, FACULTY OF MEDICINE SIRIRAJ HOSPITAL, MAHIDOL UNIVERSITY, BANGKOK, THAILAND.
Rungsima Wanitphakdeedecha DEPARTMENT OF DERMATOLOGY, FACULTY OF MEDICINE SIRIRAJ HOSPITAL, MAHIDOL UNIVERSITY, BANGKOK, THAILAND
Woraphong Manuskiatti DEPARTMENT OF DERMATOLOGY, FACULTY OF MEDICINE SIRIRAJ HOSPITAL, MAHIDOL UNIVERSITY, BANGKOK, THAILAND

Keywords:

Virgin coconut oil, Biophysical properties

Abstract

Background: Virgin coconut oil (VCO), a naturally extracted oil from the coconut flesh, has been claimed its properties in enhancing skin hydration and decreasing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in atopic dermatitis patients. However, none of the studies have proved the effects of VCO on the biophysical properties in normal human skin.

Objectives: To study the effects and side effects of VCO on the biophysical properties in normal human skin.

Materials and Methods: A pilot study was conducted in 30 volunteers, who had normal skin hydration and between the ages of 35 and 65. All subjects were instructed to apply two applications of 1 ml. and 2 ml. of VCO to the whole face and abdomen respectively, twice daily for 1 month. The clinical evaluations were obtained at baseline, 1 month at finishing the application and 2 months after stopping the VCO. Changes in biophysical properties were evaluated as theprimary outcomes via measuring the parameters of skin hydration, TEWL, sebum and skin texture. Adverse events and patient satisfaction were also recorded.

Results: At one month of using the product, there were statistically significant increase in skin hydration (p=0.022 and p=0.003 at face and abdomen, respectively) and sebum (p=0.015 and p<0.001 at face and abdomen, respectively) when comparing to the baseline. The photos taken from UVA-light video camera also showed a significant improvement of the skin texture. Facial acne was reported in 50% of the volunteers. None of the volunteers had any allergic reactions to the VCO and 17 subjects (56.6%) were satisfied with the results.

Conclusion: VCO is one of the natural moisturizing agents that can improve skin hydration, sebum production and skin texture. However, the risk of developing acne can occur when applied to the face.

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