Coconut Oil Pulling Benefits: How it Helps Skin Look Healthier

Oil pulling is the practice of swishing a tablespoon of edible oil in your mouth for up to 20 minutes, then simply spitting it out. The oil's fatty nature functions like a magnet, "pulling" and removing fat-soluble toxins and bacteria, which result in plaque and odor. That's all it is!

While sesame and sunflower oil are also traditional choices, unrefined virgin coconut oil is the most well-loved choice today because of its pleasant taste and great health benefits.

For instance, coconut oil is packed with lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid known for its proven antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. This makes it especially effective at combating bacteria that causes plaque and tooth decay.

The positive effects on the mouth indirectly translate to great benefits for your complexion, such as:

• Minimised Systemic Inflammation: Several chronic skin issues such as acne, eczema, and rosacea are connected to internal inflammation. By regularly getting rid of harmful oral bacteria and toxins before they enter the bloodstream, oil pulling minimises the body's overall inflammation, which results in reduced skin flare-ups and a more radiant complexion.

  "As someone who's into fitness, I see oil pulling as a small but powerful recovery ritual. It helps reduce inflammation in the mouth, which can actually reflect on your skin too. Less internal stress often shows up as a healthier glow," mentions Nyela Kapadia, fitness expert and co-founder of Intermittent Fasting Mindful Living. "I like doing it first thing in the morning before my workout, it sets a calm tone for the day and somehow even makes me more mindful about what I eat later."

• Supports the Gut-Skin Connection: Bacteria from the mouth travels to the digestive tract, contributing to gut imbalances. A healthy gut is important for clear skin. Oil pulling limits the bad bacteria, supporting a healthier gut and, in turn, much clearer skin.

• Boosts Lymphatic Drainage: The constant swishing stimulates and supports the lymphatic system in the head and neck, which helps to clear congestion that sometimes leads to puffiness or dullness.

• Balances Hormones and Stress: Incorporating a 15-20 minute mindful ritual into your morning routine functions as a gentle stress reliever. Additionally, lower stress means reduced cortisol levels, and lower cortisol is linked to a reduction in stress-induced breakouts.

Here are the top benefits of oil pulling with coconut oil specifically:

• Minimises Harmful Oral Bacteria: Coconut oil pulling significantly lowers levels of bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, a major cause of plaque and decay.
• Combats Bad Breath: It eliminates odor-causing bacteria and debris, leading to fresher breath.
• Gets Rid of Plaque: Studies suggest that it minimises plaque buildup and inflammation of the gums.

If you haven't done oil pulling before, follow this expert-approved guide to practice coconut oil pulling safely:

1. Always Measure the Oil:

Scoop out one tablespoon of unrefined virgin coconut oil. If the oil is solid, don't worry, it will quickly melt in your mouth.

2. Swish Gently:

Place the oil in your mouth. Begin gently swishing, pushing, and pulling the oil through your teeth and around your gums. Make sure that the oil covers every part of your mouth.

3. Swish Time:

Continue swishing for 15 to 20 minutes. Do not strain your jaw. You can use this time to shower, prepare breakfast, or even read.

4. Do Not Swallow:

The oil now contains all the bacteria and toxins you've pulled out, so don't make the mistake of swallowing it. This step is very important.

5. Spit Properly:

Spit out the milky, thin oil in the trash. Don't spit it into the sink or toilet, as the oil can solidify and clog pipes over time.

6. Rinse and Clean:

Rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water. Then, brush your teeth as you usually do.

For best results, coconut oil mouth pulling​ is best done first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, before drinking water or brushing your teeth. Try to practice oil pulling daily or at least 3-5 times a week to see benefits in oral health and skin clarity.

You can customise your oil pulling experience for targeted skin benefits such as:

• Turmeric Infusion: Before pulling, mix a small pinch of organic turmeric powder into your tablespoon of coconut oil. Turmeric consists of curcumin, which is highly anti-inflammatory, which boosts the anti-inflammatory benefit for your skin.
• Essential Oil Boost: Add one drop of organic essential oil like lemon or peppermint to the oil before swishing. Only use a single drop and ensure the oil is safe.

Here are some additional beginner-friendly tips to get you started with coconut oil pulling:

• Start Small: If 15-20 minutes seems way too long, start with just five minutes and slowly work your way up over several weeks and months.
• Don't Over-Swish: Gentle movement is important. Aggressive swishing will strain your jaw or cause the oil to foam way too quickly.
• Focus on the Nose: Breathe through your nose to avoid accidentally inhaling the oil.
• Distract Yourself: Oil pull while doing other routine tasks (such as getting dressed, making coffee, or checking email) to help the time pass faster.

While oil pulling is not a substitute for regular dental care such as brushing and flossing, it is a powerful addition to your routine that offers significant benefits for both your oral health and the clarity of your skin. If you have any additional questions or concerns regarding coconut oil pulling, it's best to consult a healthcare professional. They can offer your personalised advice on this topic.

Here are some frequently asked questions on coconut oil pulling answered by the experts:

A: If you swallow the oil accidentally, don't panic.A small amount swallowed is harmless, but avoid swallowing the majority of the coconut oil, as it contains the bacteria and toxins you are trying to get rid of.

A: While it doesn't chemically whiten teeth like bleaching agents, by reducing plaque buildup, it makes your teeth appear naturally brighter and cleaner.