Last reviewed and updated: October 17, 2026
When you think of anti-aging oils, do you think of a topical oil added on the skin? One from the beauty aisle or skin-care section?
Today, we’re looking at anti-aging oils from the inside out AND the outside in.
But, how can cooking oils from your kitchen possibly be anti-aging? Well, the healthy fats in anti-aging oils affect the whole body, and the skin in many beneficial ways (1).
Aging is a time-dependent and progressive decline in many parts of the body and physiological function of organs, including the skin. At a cellular level, aging is associated with many cellular changes: genomic instability, telomere attrition, deregulated nutrient sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, and more.
But, you can stay healthy and naturally slow many aging processes. For example, you can stop the natural decline of muscle by simply building muscle. You can stop the natural hardening of arteries by exercising and keeping arteries flexible. You can provide neuroprotection to your brain with a Keto Zone diet.
And, you can use oils to naturally reduce the effects of aging.
Top 4 Keto Zone Anti-Aging Oils
1. Olive Oil
Olive oil, specifically oleic acid, targets all these attributes of aging. Incredibly, more than 200 different chemical compounds have been detected in olive oil such as sterols, carotenoids, triterpenic alcohols, and phenolic compounds.
In addition to oleic acid, olive oil’s other minor nutrients, like vitamin E and polyphenols, can alter and improve gene expression, pathways, and more (2).
In olive oil-consuming countries, these anti-aging attributes may help eliminate aging-associated diseases, improve health, and increase longevity (3).
In studies, olive oil has been shown to be a potent wound healer, improving skin condition, fighting against bacteria, fighting free radicals in the skin, and reducing inflammation inside the skin layers (4, 5).
The best olive oil available is grown in Greece. This is because Greek olive oil is high in antioxidant polyphenols, which scavenge free-radicals and prevent oxidation of the delicate monounsaturated fatty acids found in olive oil. You want to always look for 100% organic cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil for maximum freshness.
When you can, choose a 100% organic, high polyphenol extra virgin olive oil.
Olive oil is an effective Anti-Aging Oil, slowing aging via whole-body health, reduced inflammation, gene alteration, and topical skin healing.
2. Coconut and MCT Oils
Coconut oil, and isolated MCT oils, both have anti-aging properties. They:
Reduce Inflammation
MCTs can reduce inflammation in the body. In 2014, 30 adults with high cholesterol and inflammation consumed MCTs for 30 days. When retested, scientists found significant reductions in LDL, increases in HDL, and reductions in C-reactive protein (a marker for inflammation) (6).
Improved Brain Health and Focus
Our brains age, too. Your body is able to produce more ketones efficiently when you consume coconut and MCT oils.
Researchers have found that ketones are usable fuel for the brain in those with Alzheimer’s disease, similar to young healthy brains. (8). In Alzheimer’s disease, there is an impairment in the use of glucose by the brain. Utilizing ketones in the brain, rather than glucose, may result in memory improvements and brain function (7).
Weight Loss and Improved Blood Sugars
Amazingly, MCTs can promote weight loss and improved body mass index (BMI) – another great anti-ager!
How? First, they improve satiety. You won’t feel too hungry, even while trying to lose weight (9, 10). Secondly, they are digested and used by cells for energy, rather than stored.
Next, they improve blood sugars and decrease insulin output, thereby improving health and fat metabolism (11).
In fact, MCTs can help reduce the risk of diabetes by:
- Decreasing insulin resistance
- Providing an alternate energy source to carbohydrates
- Preserving beta-cell health (decline in these cells contributes to diabetes)
- Promoting weight loss
In one recent study, scientists concluded that MCT oils provided benefit to beta cells in both mice and humans. One key to combating diabetes is improving the health of these cells (12).
Add Vitality and Athletic Performance
If you’re looking for a fuel that increases energy, MCTs are one such fuel. Once delivered to the liver from the intestines, MCTs increase energy output in the mitochondria.
Mitochondria are the energy producers in cells (13).
When recreational athletes consumed MCTs in a recent study, they experienced lower lactate levels during moderate and intense workouts than they did with other fats. This may lead to improved endurance and performance (8). Other researchers found that MCTs reduce high-temperature exercise performance issues and improve overall performance (14).
Effective Topical Skin Treatment
Coconut oil is well-known as a topical skin ointment. Lauric acid (higher in coconut oil than MCT oil) has specifically been shown to be an effective and safe moisturizer, dermatitis fighter, skin barrier improver, wound healer, and compound that increases collagen synthesis (15, 16, 17. What’s more, coconut oil application after sun exposure demonstrates protection from UV radiation (18).
3. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is an impressive anti-aging oil and has abundant nutrients to nourish the skin from the inside and out. Mostly, it does this with its carotenoids and vitamin E.
Avocado Carotenoids and Vitamin E Promote Eye Health and Reduced Inflammation
You may think carotenoids are only found in orange and red vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and tomatoes. But, avocados are a great source as well. In fact, they contain a spectacular array of carotenoids including:
- beta-carotene
- alpha-carotene
- lutein
- neochrome
- neoxanthin
- chrysanthemaxanthin
- beta-cryptoxanthin
- zeaxanthin
Carotenoids directly support eye health and brain health (19) as we age. And, they are highly anti-inflammatory.
Next, avocados are one of the best fruit sources of vitamin E, an essential vitamin that protects against many diseases and helps maintain overall health. Specifically, Vitamin E is an antioxidant that keeps the brain, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems young and healthy.
Avocado’s Glutathione for Youthful Cells
Avocados are a good source of glutathione. This super-antioxidant is produced by our own cells and sometimes found in foods. Glutathione promotes cellular health, anti-aging, overall good metabolism and cellular cleansing. A healthy Keto Zone lifestyle, with foods like avocados, can help you maintain glutathione levels throughout adulthood.
4. Omega-3 Oils
While you likely don’t want to smear fish oil all over your skin, no anti-aging oil list would be complete without omega-3 fats from fish and krill oil.
Omega-3 fats are strong dietary anti-inflammatories.
When consumed, especially in amounts that improve their ratio to omega-6s, they cause our bodies to protect against harmful inflammatory hormones and create more healthful anti-inflammatory hormones.
How does this slow aging? Omega-3s keep us youthful by:
- Improving heart health by reducing triglycerides, bad cholesterol, and cardiovascular inflammation. A healthy heart is a youthful one.
- Improving blood sugars. Balanced blood sugars mean less stiff arteries and healthier (younger) organs.
- Improving brain health. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are built into the membranes of brain cells and can influence cognitive decline, mood, and overall brain health.
- Increasing caloric burn and decreasing fat storage. Leaner, stronger bodies appear younger. Some studies suggest an increase in calorie output with approximately 2000 mg DHA/EPA per day (you’ll average 1000 mg per day by eating 12 oz. salmon per week, so consider supplementing another 1000 mg per day). Furthermore, since the fats make your cells more sensitive to insulin, they reduce fat storage.
You can easily get more omega-3s and antioxidants in your diet with Dr. Colbert’s Krill Oil.
Watch: Why High-Polyphenol Olive Oil Matters
In this short clip, Kyle and I explain why swapping butter for high-polyphenol olive oil helps calm inflammation and protect your gut, and what the long-lived people of Greece and the blue zone of Ikaria teach us.
Other Anti-Aging Foods and Habits
Want to read more about anti-aging nutrition and lifestyle? Check out these recent posts:
- 10 Top Anti-Aging Foods
- Top 10 Foods that Speed Up Aging
- 10 Free Anti-Aging Habits in 24 Hours, Part 1
- 10 Free Anti-Aging Habits in 24 Hours, Part 2
- 7 Steps to Healthy Aging
- Are You Aging Faster Because You Sit Too Much
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for anti-aging nutrition, healthy fats are your best friend. Olive oil, coconut and MCT oils, avocado oils, and omega-3 oils are 4 strong anti-aging oils. Use them in place of refined seed oils, pair them with colorful vegetables, regular exercise, and good sleep, and you give your body what it needs to age with strength and vitality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cooking oil for anti-aging?
Extra virgin olive oil has the strongest research behind it. It is rich in monounsaturated fat and polyphenols, and it is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, which is linked with healthy aging and longer life. Choose a cold-pressed, high-polyphenol oil in a dark bottle with a recent harvest date.
Can I put coconut oil or olive oil on my face?
Virgin coconut oil has good evidence as a gentle moisturizer and may help support the skin barrier, though it can clog pores in acne-prone skin. Some research found that applying straight olive oil can weaken the skin barrier in certain people, so olive oil is best enjoyed in your diet. Always patch test a small area first.
Is MCT oil the same as coconut oil?
No. Coconut oil contains medium-chain fats, but much of it is lauric acid, which behaves partly like a long-chain fat. MCT oil is concentrated caprylic and capric acids, which the liver turns into ketones quickly. Coconut oil is better for topical use and cooking, while MCT oil is better for a quick ketone boost.
Is avocado oil good for high-heat cooking?
Yes. Refined avocado oil has one of the highest smoke points of any cooking oil, so it holds up well for searing, roasting, and stir-frying. Unrefined avocado oil has a lower smoke point and more flavor, so it works best in dressings or at moderate heat.
How much omega-3 do I need for healthy aging?
There is no official daily requirement for EPA and DHA, but eating fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, or mackerel at least twice a week is a good foundation. Many people also take a fish or krill oil supplement. If you take a blood thinner or are scheduled for surgery, talk with your doctor before taking high doses.
References
- Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2017.
- Dreher ML, Davenport AJ. Hass avocado composition and potential health effects. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2013.
- Cunnane SC, et al. Can Ketones Help Rescue Brain Fuel Supply in Later Life? Implications for Cognitive Health during Aging and the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease. Front Mol Neurosci. 2016.
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin E: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Talk with your own doctor before changing your diet, starting a supplement, or changing any medication. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Related: Healthy Aging
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