Coconut oil for acne treatment has made people wonder how the oil helps in fighting common skin disease. Because of the known health benefits of the wonder oil, people have been taking it internally and topically.
When oil and dead skin cells clog your skin pores, acne occurs. On the contrary, oil from cocos nucifera does wonder about skin outbreaks. So how does coconut oil help treat acne?
Coconut oil helps kill bacteria causing acne
The oil from the coconut fruit consists mostly of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA's), which has strong antimicrobial effects. Around 50 percent of its fatty acids are medium-chain lauric acid, which could kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses in our body.
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A study found that lauric acid could kill P. acnes, the bacteria that causes acne. One study revealed that lauric acid was more effective at killing acne bacteria than benzoyl peroxide, which is a famous acne treatment.
In one study, the research team combined lauric acid with retinoic acid, and results showed that they stopped the growth of the bacteria.
Apart from lauric acid, coconut oil also contains capric, caproic, and caprylic medium-chain fatty acids (FAs). These FAs are also proven to fight acne. But it will work only if the oil is applied directly to the area of the skin where acne is found.
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Moisturizes and helps with healing
Apart from stopping and fighting the bacteria that causes acne, coconut oil also helps keep your skin moisturized. Keeping your skin hydrated is one way to keep it healthy because it is the way to fight infection and to heal properly.
Based on research, coconut oil could help relieve skin of dryness. It fights off bacteria. Studies show that it works even better as a moisturizer than mineral oil.
The oil also aids in skin healing and prevents scarring. Researchers found that when they treated wounds of rats with the oil, there was less inflammation, and more collagen was produced.
See also: How to Get Rid of Acne Scars: 5 Home Remedies to Get Clear Skin
Not for oily skin
While eating the oil is not a problem for most people, applying it topically might not be suitable for people with oily skin. Although the coconut oil could treat acne, it could clog pores so people with oily skin could make acne worse for some.
While many studies prove its benefits to fighting acne, be cautious if you have oily skin. Consult with your dermatologist first before using coconut oil to treat your acne. If you want, you may take the coconut oil orally.
Be sure to choose organic, unrefined, virgin coconut oil to reap the maximum benefits.
