Coconut oil has beneficial medium chain fatty acids like lauric acid and capric acid which fight against acne-causing bacteria. The anti-inflammatory property of the oil also helps reduce the swelling and redness linked with acne. Coconut oil also enhances the lipid layer in the skin which serves as a protection against external pollutants. It can also maintain the skin’s pH balance. Apply a thin layer on the skin and wipe off after 30 mins.<\/p>\n
Most of you may have struggled with acne and acne scars. It might have caused you so much trouble that you don\u2019t miss a chance to know about a home remedy. Without further ado, let\u2019s tell you that coconut oil is one of the best cures for acne and the scars associated with it.<\/p>\n
Various factors contribute to the formation of an acne. It can be hereditary or genetic. But a major factor is an increase in the androgen or male hormones like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). These hormones cause sebaceous glands to make more sebum, which is an oily or waxy matter.<\/p>\n
The excess sebum and dead skin cells clog the hair follicles and bacteria thrive here, causing the immune system to trigger an inflammatory reaction against the bacteria. This is what causes acne.<\/p>\n
Wondering how an oil can fight this oily secretion? The contents of coconut oil are antimicrobial and antibacterial, making it effective against acne. Here a few factors that make coconut oil beneficial.<\/p>\n
Lauric acid, which is a medium chain fatty acid, constitutes 48% of coconut oil. Other fatty acids like myristic acid, capric acid, caprylic acid, and caproic acid are also present in it. They provide the antimicrobial properties to coconut oil, enabling the removal of acne-causing bacteria and fungi from the skin. According to a research study, both capric acid and lauric acid can act against Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne outbreak.<\/p>\n
This is another factor that makes coconut oil beneficial. The anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing properties of virgin coconut oil have been proved in a research. The anti-inflammatory benefits of lauric acid and capric acid prevent redness and swelling of the skin that come with acne. Apart from that, the oil has collagen-building nutrients that can provide anti-aging benefits, protecting your face from scars and wrinkles.<\/p>\n
Coconut oil is as effective as mineral oil when used as a moisturizer. It improves skin hydration and increases the lipid levels in your skin. Thus, the lipid layers function better as a barrier to the skin, protecting it from external environment. This will, in turn, keep away infections. Impurities will stop blocking your skin pores, preventing the formation of acne. Also, supporting the natural pH balance of the skin, coconut oil helps you keep your skin healthy.<\/p>\n
Research studies have proved that virgin coconut oil has a beneficial role in improving the antioxidant status.8 The antioxidant capacity in virgin coconut oil could be due to phenolic compounds. 9 How does it help the skin? Well, the antioxidant action of coconut oil prevents the oxidation of lipids, which may impair skin functions. By removing free radicals, the skin will be able to produce new cells and get rid of dead skin cells. This results in a skin free from scars and age spots.<\/p>\n
There are two basic forms of coconut oil:<\/p>\n
Massage a thin layer of coconut oil gently on your skin. It can be used in combination with other natural ingredients like turmeric, aloe vera, honey, and lemon. If it is too oily for you, wipe it with a clean cloth after 30 minutes. As toxins are expelled from the skin, at first you may experience a round of acne breakouts. But, it will improve in a few weeks.<\/p>\n
If you want to use coconut oil with other ingredients, here are two such recipes:<\/p>\n
Combine \u00bd cup of coconut virgin oil, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of yogurt, \u00bd teaspoon of turmeric powder, and a few drops of lavender oil. Apply it daily on your face. Honey and turmeric powder have antibacterial properties. And lactic acid in yogurt dissolves dead skin.<\/p>\n
Combine 1 cup of organic coconut oil, 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Apply on your face once every other day. Use it daily for oily skin. Store it in an airtight jar in a cool, dark place for up to 2 weeks.<\/p>\n
For people with very oily skin, coconut oil is not a good option. It may make acne worse for them. They should rather use orange peel for acne.<\/p>\n
Consuming too much coconut oil may loosen the bowels. However, it can be used as a remedy for your constipation.<\/p>\n
Do you have troubles with allergies? Then, it is better to test yourself before you start using coconut oil. Apply a little coconut oil on your forearm. Wait for a day. If you are allergic, your skin may turn red or swell up.<\/p>\n
Coconut is a low-allergy-risk food. Even though rare, food allergy symptoms associated with coconut allergy are skin reactions, swelling, nausea, stomach pain, and wheezing.<\/p>\n
If you are allergic, ingesting coconut oil can affect your respiratory system. Coconut-derived products can cause contact dermatitis, a skin rash caused by contact. This may leave your skin itchy and inflamed.<\/p>\n
The Food and Drug Administration has recognized coconut as a tree nut. If you are allergic to tree nuts, talk to your doctor before you use coconut oil.<\/p>\n
Instead of ingesting coconut oil alone, consume it along with other foods. This will help your body to get used to coconut products. Thus, the side effects will be reduced.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Coconut oil has beneficial medium chain fatty acids like lauric acid and capric acid which fight against acne-causing bacteria. The … <\/p>\n