Premature infants have immature skin that is highly susceptible to impaired skin integrity due to excessive transepidermal water loss, the use of medical devices, unstable humidity, and repeated nursing procedures. One nonpharmacological intervention that can be used to maintain skin moisture in premature infants is the topical application of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO). The
purpose of this case study was to describe the implementation of VCO application in a premature infant with the nursing diagnosis of risk for impaired skin integrity.

The study employed a nursing care process approach involving one premature infant at risk for impaired skin integrity. The nursing process included assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. The intervention was
conducted over nine days, from March 26 to April 5, 2026, in the Perinatology Unit of RSU 'Aisyiyah Ponorogo. Data were collected through observation, physical examination, and nursing documentation. Topical VCO was applied to the infant's skin twice daily, in the morning and afternoon after bathing, starting from birth until hospital discharge.

The results showed that following the implementation of VCO application, the infant's skin moisture improved, with no signs of erythema or skin breakdown observed. In addition, the risk of impaired skin integrity was minimized. The use of VCO also helped maintain adequate skin hydration during the infant's stay in the incubator.

In conclusion, the implementation of VCO as a natural moisturizer may serve as a supportive nursing intervention to prevent the risk of impaired skin integrity in premature infants receiving care in the perinatology unit. The use of
VCO is recommended as a non-pharmacological nursing intervention in the routine care of premature infants.

Keywords: premature infant, VCO, skin integrity, natural moisturizer.