Acne is one of the most prevalent skin conditions that affects up to 50 million people in the United States alone, reports the American Academy of Dermatology.
Teenagers are the most usual victims of acne, with a prevalence rate of up to 87 percent [1].
However, even younger children and adults can suffer from this skin.
It’s good to know that there are many natural remedies that can help combat acne.
One of these is coconut oil. There are enough clinical research on the positive effects of coconut oil against skin infection and other disorders.
This article reviews the efficacy and uses of coconut oil for acne treatment, plus an in-depth look at acne condition.
READ MORE: 14 Essential Oils for Acne That You Should Try
Why Use Coconut Oil for Acne Treatment
Coconut oil works in various ways in combating acne:
1. Fights off Bacteria
Lauric acid, a type of medium chain fatty acid (MCFA), is abundant in coconut oil.
This active compound is in fact a powerful antibacterial agent that can suppress the activities of pimple-causing Propionibacterium acnes [4].
In 2009, researchers from California, USA examined the bactericidal effects of oleic acid, palmitic acid and lauric acid on P. acnes [4].
Results reveal that among the three compounds, lauric acid had the “strongest bactericidal activity”, making it a suitable treatment for this skin condition [4].
It worked by fusing with the bacterial membranes and killing the bacteria almost instantaneously [4].
Another MCFA in coconut oil called capric acid has been found to have similar effects on P. acnes, as reported in a study published in the Journal of Dermatological Science [5].
Its effects, however, are not as profound as that of lauric acid [5].
2. Clears Blockage
Coconut oil is abundant in many vitamins, and one of these is vitamin E.
As you’ve probably heard, vitamin E is beneficial for the skin, warding off signs of premature aging by neutralizing free radical damage.
When it comes to acne, what it does is to ensure that the sebum glands are functioning optimally [6].
This way, blockage can be prevented [6].
As discussed earlier, obstruction in the oil glands is a precursor to acne.
READ MORE: 8 Vitamins for Acne Prone Skin That You Should Know
3. Reduces Inflammation
Infection with P. acnes leads to the stimulation of monocytes, which in turn trigger the production of pro-inflammatory mediators [7].
Simply put, bacterial infection leads to inflammation.
It’s important to control acne inflammation as this results in scarring, which can be difficult to get rid of [7].
Instead of relying on expensive skin treatments such as dermabrasion and chemical peels, it’s more cost-effective to use coconut oil.
A study featured in the Pharmaceutical Biology Journal confirms that coconut oil has moderate anti-inflammatory properties, and that it works on both acute and chronic cases of inflammation [8].
READ MORE: Coconut Oil for Herpes: How Effective?
How to Use Coconut Oil for Acne Treatment?
Use these methods for treating acne and alleviating its symptoms.
1. Use Coconut Oil with Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera contains many nutrients that can help boost skin health. It is also a strong antibacterial agent that can help neutralize pimple-causing microorganisms.
What You’ll Need:
- 5 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera juice
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
Recommended Directions:
- Combine aloe vera juice and coconut oil.
- Spread a thin layer of the mixture on your face.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Wipe it off.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Use this face mask two to three times a week.
READ MORE: 11+ Health Benefits of Aloe Vera Oil (Backed by Scientific Evidence)
2. Mix Coconut Oil with Essential Oils
Essential oils like tea tree oil and juniper oil are strong antibacterial agents. Lavender oil, meanwhile, can help soothe the skin.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 bowl of hot water
- 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
- 3 drops of tea tree oil
- 2 drops of lavender oil
- 2 drops of juniper oil
Recommended Directions:
- Cover your head with a towel.
- Lean closely to the bowl of hot water for five to 10 minutes to open up facial pores.
- Combine coconut oil and essential oils.
- Massage oil blend on your face.
- Soak a clean cloth into the hot water.
- Squeeze to get rid of excess water.
- Put this on your face for one to two minutes.
- Wipe off your face using the towel.
- Repeat remedy three times a week.
3. Use Coconut Oil with Baking Soda
Baking soda is an effective facial cleanser. It can also help maintain proper balance of flora on the skin.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
Recommended Directions:
- Form a paste using the two ingredients.
- Apply on the skin and rub gently for 10 minutes.
- Rinse with cool water.
- Do this technique daily until acne clears.
4. Use Coconut Oil with Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a natural exfoliant that can help get rid of dead skin cells, and at the same time, boost skin regeneration.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon of oatmeal
- 3 tablespoons of coconut oil
Recommended Directions:
- Mix coconut oil and oatmeal.
- Spread a thin layer on your skin.
- Massage gently for a few minutes.
- Wait for 20 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
- Follow remedy daily for two to three weeks.
5. Combine Coconut Oil with Turmeric
Inflammation is one of the most common symptoms of acne, which turmeric can help tone down.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
Recommended Directions:
- Add turmeric powder to coconut oil.
- Mix well.
- Slather a generous amount on your face and neck.
- Let it sit for 20 minutes.
- Wash it off with cool water.
- Pat it dry with a clean towel.
- Repeat procedure every other day for two weeks.
6. Use Coconut Oil and Honey
As a natural humectant, honey can help draw moisture from the atmosphere and keep it locked into the skin. This is one of the many ways it can help fight acne.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
Recommended Directions:
- Spot apply honey on your pimples.
- Let it sit for five to 10 minutes.
- Wipe it off with a cotton ball soaked in coconut oil.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Rinse it off with cool water.
- Use a clean towel to pat it dry.
- Do the same process everyday for three to four weeks or until acne clears.
An In-Depth Look at Acne
Acne refers to a skin disease that is caused mainly by obstruction in the hair follicles [1].
The small holes on the surface of your skin called pores are connected to the oil glands, which produce sebum, an oily substance [2].
The follicle is the link between the pores and the oil glands, and when this gets plugged with dead skin cells or oil, that’s when acne occurs [2].
Acne can appear anywhere on the body but it can usually be found on the face, chest, back, neck and shoulders [2].
This condition comes in different types, which include:
- Whiteheads and blackheads
- Papules
- Pustules
- Nodules
- Cysts
Apart from follicle plugging, a bacterial strain called Propionibacterium acnes is known to activate the onset of acne.
Experts also agree that the following factors can trigger a breakout:
- Surge in hormones, particularly among adolescents
- Certain medications, which contain lithium, corticosteroids and androgens
- Dietary choices such as foods rich in dairy and carbohydrates
- Increased stress levels
READ MORE: 13 Evidence-Based Remedies to Get Rid of Pimples
Bottom Line
Acne is not a serious medical problem.
But the skin condition may negatively affect your self-esteem and confidence.
Coconut oil which works well as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent against acne.
The home remedies discussed here require the use of other equally beneficial ingredients like honey, aloe vera, and essential oils.
Most of these are safe to use topically, but just make sure that you follow instructions carefully.
In the event of an allergic reaction, stop using the remedy immediately, and consult your dermatologist.
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