Here’s How You Can Use Coconut Oil For Acne On Your Skin

Before we get to the treatment, let's start off by understanding what causes acne on your skin. The pores on your skin produce sebum, which we commonly call 'oil'. This oil is necessary for your skin, however, too much of this can clog your pores and lead to the formation of acne-causing bacteria. The bacterial growth leads to acne and causes inflammation in your skin too. Besides sebum, hormonal changes, diet, stress, infection, accumulation of dead skin cells can also cause your pores to get clogged up that can lead to pimples, whiteheads, blackheads. So, there are many reasons for breakouts on your skin. Read on to know how coconut can help you sail through this.

Now, let's satisfy your curiosity about how exactly coconut oil helps with acne. The presence of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) like lauric acid, capric, caproic and caprylic medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil helps it kill acne-causing bacteria. More specifically, half the fatty acids found in this oil are the medium-chain acids that are antibacterial, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory in nature. Understand it this way - as compared to benzoyl peroxide, a well-known acne medication, lauric acid proves to be far more successful in killing the acne-causing bacteria on your skin. While also working to soothe your skin of any inflammation that is caused due to acne. The capric, caproic and caprylic medium-chain fatty acids, too help in treating your acne when applied directly to your skin. Furthermore, the presence of antioxidants like vitamin E helps keep your skin nourished and soft - making coconut oil a total package for your skin!

It's important to understand that not every remedy works for everyone. Coconut oil is highly comedogenic - which means it can clog your pores more easily - and hence is not suitable for every skin type, but that doesn't mean coconut oil isn't for you. You can use coconut oil for oil-cleansing or double-cleansing your face, even if you have acne-prone skin. People with very dry or very oily skin are likely to benefit from coconut oil the most. Since this oil is very hydrating, people with dry skin can turn to it without even thinking twice. However, it's usually people with oily skin that are skeptical about using coconut oil and rightly so, but using it smartly can take you a long way with this oil We'll try to explain how this works. When you have highly oily skin, you tend to lean towards astringent-rich skincare products to help your skin. This can actually harm your skin more than you think as the astringent removes the essential oil from your skin as well, leaving it to produce more sebum and make your face appear more oily. Due to the vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids and lauric acid in coconut oil, you can combat this situation if you use the oil in the right amount and correctly. Although we strongly suggest doing a patch test on your skin first, before making it a part of your skincare routine.

Now that you are sure that coconut oil isn't going to hammer your skin in any way, read up to know what's the right way to apply coconut oil to your skin and what all you need to keep in mind -

Make sure you choose pure, virgin and, if possible, organic coconut oil while treating your acne. Avoid using oils with additives as they will simply harm your skin and worsen your acne condition.

Besides making it simpler and easier to apply, using coconut oil in liquid form can make sure you don't use too much of the oil on your skin. This is super important if you have oily skin.

Coconut oil is excellent to remove makeup, you can remove even waterproof makeup with it. All you gotta do is massage the oil directly to your face, especially where you have applied makeup. Follow this up by washing your face with a gentle cleanser, this is what double-cleansing is all about. This makes sure your skin doesn't lose its essential oil and stays moisturised. It is a great way to use this oil for oily skin.

If you have very dry skin, then massage coconut oil directly on your clean skin as a moisturiser and leave it overnight. Pat out the excess oil with a towel to avoid clogging your pores. Also, don't try this if you have oily skin.

**A. **While coconut oil can help some people fight acne, leaving it overnight can clog your pores and lead to more breakouts. It works only if you have dry skin, so it is best to avoid leaving it on overnight if you have oily, normal or combination skin.

**A. **Although coconut oil moisturises and nourishes your skin to make it soft and smooth, it doesn't help reduce acne scars or hyperpigmentation.

**A. **Your skin does absorb coconut oil rather quickly. If you have sensitive or oily skin, this helps avoid adverse reactions. As for dry skin, this makes sure your skin becomes soft and hydrated.