Coconut oil has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties, due to which this emollient oil can destroy the acne causing microbes, present on the skin. It can also cleanse the skin pores from dirt and grim, to control acne breakouts. Read on to find out more information on coconut oil for acne treatment.
Coconut oil is the oil extracted from the kernel of the matured coconut. It has been used for hundreds of years for cooking food. However, many are not aware of the fact that this oil has some unique medicinal and cosmetic uses as well. Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer, that can be used for softening and nourishing the skin and hair. It can be used as a remedy for acne, which is one of the most common skin problems, especially for the teenagers. Coconut oil has shown impressive results for curing acne. But, before going into the details of coconut oil for acne cure, let's have a look at what causes acne.

What Causes Acne

Our skin has numerous sebaceous glands, which are responsible for producing sebum or oil, that lubricates the skin and keeps it moist and soft. However, the tiny skin pores can get clogged, if an excessive amount of sebum or oil is secreted by the overactive sebaceous glands. An over production of sebum, on the other hand, can be triggered by several factors including hormonal changes, high level of stress, certain allergens, diet, especially a diet that contains excess of harmful fats, and less of the important nutrients. When the skin pores get clogged, the oil cannot leave the skin through the pores, which in turn causes dirt and bacteria present on the skin to get trapped inside the pores. The result is infection, inflammation and redness or in other words, development of acne. Know more about the causes of acne.

Coconut Oil and Acne

The most common confusion regarding the use of coconut oil for acne treatment, is that acne is basically a problem of the oily skin and hence, one should stay away from any skin care product, that is oily. But, coconut oil can be used on acne prone skin. The reason being its antimicrobial properties, and vitamin E content. This oil contains two important fatty acids, known as lauric acid and capric acid, both of which have antimicrobial properties. On human skin, these two fatty acids are converted into monolaurin and monocaprin, by some harmless bacteria present on the skin. These substances help to protect the skin from acne and other infections, by destroying the harmful bacteria and microbes.

The other important component of coconut oil, i.e. vitamin E is a well known nutrient, required for healthy skin and hair. This vital vitamin can regulate the sebum production, and unclog the skin pores to prevent the breakouts of acne and pimples. Coconut oil is light and it can be easily absorbed by the skin. It can penetrate the deeper skin layers and thereby, nourish the skin. By unclogging the skin pores, it helps to cleanse them from dirt and grim. Apart from curing and preventing acne, one can also use coconut oil for acne scars and blemishes. Coconut oil has a cooling effect, due to which it can soothe any kind of skin inflammation as well as skin rash. Read more on coconut oil for skin and coconut oil for face.

How to Use Coconut Oil for Acne

To apply coconut oil for acne, first of all you have to clean your skin thoroughly with a gentle cleanser. This will open up the skin pores, so that coconut oil can easily penetrate your skin and nourish it. Generally, organic or virgin coconut oil is considered more beneficial than the ordinary coconut oil. After cleaning your skin properly, apply a thin coat of the oil on your face and then gently massage it. Now, leave the oil on the skin for about 15 to 20 minutes, so that it can be absorbed by your skin. Then wash the face again to remove the excess oil from the skin. Using coconut oil in this way, can help to unclog and cleanse the pores, and eliminate the waste products from the skin. This in turn, can control acne breakouts and diminish the scars and blemishes left behind by acne and pimples.