The subject of acne is a rather complicated one. You see, most of us probably believe that acne is caused by an infected sebum gland under the skin. While this is not wrong, it is also not the entire story.
Acne really begins in the gut. An imbalanced or “leaky” gut manifests itself in all kinds of fun ways, acne being one of them. So don’t assume that your pimples are just a result of oily skin, overuse of pore clogging products, or a less than stellar skin care routine.
You can do your own research on how acne starts in the gut if you so choose. I do have a great post on the worst foods for your skin that you might enjoy. I would like to focus this post on how coconut oil for acne and how it might help those suffering from the occasional pimple to full blown cystic acne.
At the end of the day, a pimple (whatever the root cause) is an inflamed oil gland. Sometimes it is just a small, red bump. Other times it is resembles something out of a horror movie. If you can see a pimple, you can bet that it is officially a bacterial infection at that point.
Let’s talk coconut oil for acne
Coconut oil contains large amounts of lauric acid which is well known for being anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral. These antiseptic essential fatty acids found in coconut oil may help prevent and eliminate bacterial infections when taken orally or applied directly to the skin.
What’s interesting is that for the past few years, nanobombs have been all the rage for those who suffer from acne. A nanobomb is basically lauric acid in a gold wrapped nanoparticle delivery system. The science behind this suggests that the gold wrapped nanoparticle allows the lauric acid to be delivered to the acne causing bacteria as opposed to just wandering aimlessly.
These nanobombs aren’t cheap though. From what I can discern, applying coconut oil directly to acne prone skin is just as effective as a nanobomb. Additionally, taking coconut oil orally will help address an underlying gut issue that is playing a role in the acne. My vote is coconut oil for acne, straight up!
Coconut oil is also a well-known cooling oil, which is great for hot, inflamed skin (which is what a lot of acne prone skin is). Your skin may not feel hot, but in Eastern medicine, acne prone skin has the property of too much “heat” or “warmth.” So using an oil that cools skin down is a good thing.
Another plus for using coconut oil for acne is that is mimics your skin’s natural oils and should not clog your pores. It is also very high in vitamin E which promotes healthy skin.
So how would someone go about using coconut oil for acne prevention and getting rid of pimples?
So glad you asked!
The first thing you want to do is open your pores so that they will be more receptive to the oil. You can do this by taking a hot bath or a steamy hot shower. You may also do this by covering your face with a hot washcloth. (Not too hot! No burns please!)
After your pores are wide awake, rub the coconut oil directly onto the acne affected skin. You may use either 100% coconut oil or you can mix it with some sea salt or raw sugar, which will act as a mild abrasive and help to remove dead skin cells from the skin. Once you have applied the coconut oil to your skin, cover it with a damp washcloth and allow the skin to soak up the oil for 5 to 15 minutes. Then take a second warm washcloth and gently wipe the face in downward strokes until most of the oil is removed. Gentle is the key here.
Need something more than just coconut oil? Here is a face wash recipe that can be used in place of plain coconut oil or in addition to it.
Coconut Oil Face Wash
Coconut Oil Face Wash
Did you know that you can use coconut oil for acne? It is great for acne prevention. This powerful coconut oil face wash will kiss blemishes goodbye for good!
Materials
- 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
- 3 tablespoons aloe vera juice
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon carrot seed oil (optional)
- 3 tablespoons liquid castile soap
- 3 drops each of 3 three of the following essential oils (all good for oily skin/acne) - bergamot, cypress, eucalyptus, geranium, grapefruit, jasmine, juniper, lemon, lemongrass, orange, patchouli, petitgrain, sandalwood, tea tree, or ylang ylang.
Tools
- Wooden Spatula (like this one)
- Glass Jar (these are my favorites)
Instructions
- Blend the ingredients together using a small spatula – NOT WOOD since it will absorb the essential oils.
- Pour the mixture into a jar or bottle with a secure lid.
- Keeps for a long time so you can actually make a huge batch if you like it.
I love a good face mask. Do you? Here is a recipe for one that is particularly good for acne prone skin. This one is a non-coconut oil recipe. I have to mix it up a little!
Acne Face Mask
Ingredients
- 1 tomato, ripe, chopped
- 1teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon old fashioned rolled oats (these are the ones I use)
Directions
- Blend everything until just combined.
- Apply to the skin, making sure the mixture is thick enough to stay on the blemished areas. If necessary add a little more oatmeal to thicken the mask.
- Scrub it off with a washcloth dipped in warm water.
Have you used coconut oil for acne? Share in the comments! And don’t forget to check out my post on all the other great uses for coconut oil.
Sources for this article include:
- Yang D, Pornpattananangkul D, Nakatsuji T, et al. The antimicrobial activity of liposomal lauric acids against Propionibacterium acnes. Biomaterials. 2009;30(30):6035–6040. doi:10.1016/j.biomaterials.2009.07.033 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2971096/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC444260/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19665786
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19387482
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24284257
Lea H @ Nourishing Treasures says
Great post. I LOVE coconut oil and am always fascinated by the many uses.
I look forward to your other posts on coconut oil!
The Crunchy Girls says
I love love love coconut oil (yep, it deserves love three times). I love it for my hair, my body, my food, by the spoonful… But, I have read where some people have negative reactions using coconut oil on the face…more breakouts, etc. Any thoughts on this?
Marie says
You must the virgin, refined coconut oil and do not put on too thick…a very small fingertip amount is more than enough to cover your whole face. Or I have also tried putting it on and after a few minutes wipe it off. It still does wonders…and again you still have to take care of yourself internally…..but I love using the coconut oil….it really works.
Marie says
I meant to say use the virgin, unrefined coconut oil…..
Christine Powell says
I had problem skin as a teen, and my sister suffered with acne, we found that most of the drying and oil fighting products on the market only made things worse as your skin fought to hydrate itself thereby making more and more oil. Soothing problem skin with oil works well, and coconut is wonderful. Other facets are a very healthy diet and plenty of water, as well as avoiding any hormone imbalance-ing medication such as the contraceptive pill. Everything gets worse before it gets better, so you should ride out the first break out and push through until the skin starts healing itself 🙂
The Crunchy Girls says
@Christine Powell
Thanks for sharing, Christine! I have cleared up my skin by changing my diet and product use. Natural products including oils and no more medications! But, I haven’t tried coconut oil on my face for fear I would break out again. I figured it was one of those things that might get worse before it improves 🙂 I appreciate your input.
Cheek Filler says
coconut oil for acnes Information is relevant and totally up to date. I am sure it will help the people and this blog will enhance their knowledge. Nice work.
Rodney Downsling says
Coconut oil is great! Whenever I see the smallest blackhead/pimple, I put on the coconut oil immediately and a couple days later, it’s gone! Can’t go wrong, also with the price of the coconut oil. The coconut oil I bought was called Memory Oil. I don’t know if anyone knows about it but I’ve heard from a couple people that this stuff is much cheaper than the more valued $20-$30 brand coconut oil. Btw the memory oil is $10 a bottle and the link is http://memoryoils.com/ Thank you!
Andrew Dawkins says
Okay this is the first time I have ever heard that coconut would be used for getting rid of acne. well I must admit that I have learn something new today. However here is my tip to get rid of acne:
Raw potato can be used as a acne treatment. Try this neat little trick to use as a acne treatment to clear up your face. Cut a raw potato in half and rub the flat end on to your face thanks for sharing.
mdu1120-skincarebeautytips.blogspot.com
Jenny says
At 28 years old, I’m in the worst acne breakout of my life 🙁 I googled “acne coconut oil” because from what I’ve read, that stuff fixes just about anything! Glad to have found this post and am off to try it right now, thanks for the info.
Rachel says
I was searching the benefits of coconut oil on acne because I was curious to see if anyone else had experienced positive results. I apply coconut oil on my face after a shower. I have been using it religiously for a month now and so far so good! My face has NO acne and looks better than it has in a few years! It appears that my fine lines are softened. My face is super soft and the color is amazing! I don’t need makeup anymore! My face stays moisturized all day. The smell and feel don’t bother me – but I am very laid back and I can see how others might not like it. Don’t be afraid – try it!
MaMaa says
Coconut oil is great.I can attest to that.I LOVE IT!
Olivia Lane says
i am absolutely going to try this. i am at war with my acne. thanks so much!
Jent says
I completely agree. I’m pregnant and have been getting some of the worst breakouts of my life. I was upset at not being able to use salicylic acid anymore. I had heard about the anti-* properties of coconut oil, and on a whim I put coconut oil on my bumps and pimples. Within a few hours to the next day they had shrunk completely. I learned, though, that it’s not good to put it on my t-zone, as it may exaggerate any blackheads I have there (then again, I would put so much oil on my face that it looked like it just got car waxed). Thanks for the gut info! Any idea if a good Indian/Greek pure yogurt will help cure gut diseases? Is it a flora issue?
kb says
what is a good brand to try?? there’s so many!
kb says
which brand should i try?
Jennifer Saleem says
@kb Go to my Products I Love page and you will find my three go-to coconut oils!
Anna Mitchell says
Thank you for this post. I have had acne since I was eleven and I’m now going into my late 20s, with milder acne, but still have it nonetheless. I saw organic virgin coconut oil on sale today & bought, knowing it was good for me, but wasn’t sure how to use it exactly. I came across this article and it has really helped. I can’t wait to start using this!
Anna Mitchell says
Thank you for this post. I have had acne since I was 11 (it was really bad) and now in my late 20s, where it’s now milder, but still have it nonetheless. I bought organic virgin coconut oil today, since I knew it was good for me but wasn’t sure how to use it exactly. In my research, I came across your post and really appreciate your stance on coconut oil on acne. I can’t wait to try it tomorrow and hope the results are positive!
Misha Granado says
*boo hoo my previous comment did not post*
Hi Jennifer! Super excited to come across your blog. Thank you for the information about coconut use and acne. I had a few questions:
1. Are all coconut oils in ‘solid’ form? I know it melts quite easily, but the ‘commerial version’ I located at the grocery store is ‘solid’ like a lard.
2. Will this coconut receipe also address the hyper-pigmentation (I am a chocolate color woman *smile*) caused by blemishes?
Thanks! Until…Be Love!
Jennifer says
Hi Misha,
Sorry for the delay in replying! I was locked out of my comments for a few weeks as I made this move to my new website.
1. Coconut oil is only in solid form below temperatures of 76 degrees of so. Above that and it turns to liquid.
2. Yes – it will definitely benefit hyper-pigmentation. It worked well for my husband!
Anna says
Well it looks like nanobombs have ‘bombed’ 🙂 I have not seem them taking the acne world by storm and clearing every case of nodulo-cystic acne in their path.
They sound like a solution looking for a problem based on the idea of cancer research, and an expensive way of delivering exactly what you achieve with your recipe above. Excellent article 🙂
Michelle says
I made this face wash and love it, however it is a little too runny so most of it is likely going down the drain. Any suggestions on making it a little thicker? Also, aloe vera juice must be refrigerated once opened and has an expiration date on it…..if you are only using it for the face wash do you have to stick to those requirements?
Jennifer says
The face wash can thin out during warmer weather because the coconut oil melts. I have a problem with that as well. Add a wee bit more glycerine and reduce the castile soap by one tablespoon. Also, I don’t worry about the expiration on the Aloe Vera juice since I am only using it on my face. But do what feels right to you. And always give it the sniff test! If it stinks, don’t use it!
Kavitha says
Hi!
Started using Kalepo’s VCO, cold-pressed oil about a month ago.. Internally & in my face as described in your blog.. I have a few breakouts.. Any ideas on how long one should start seeing results? As in no more breakouts? Reading all the great things written about coconut oil.. I don ‘t want to give up in this!;)
Thanks!
Jennifer says
Everyone is different – probably not what you want to hear! It took me very little time to see improvement but it took my good friend several months. A lot depends on your overall diet and gut health as well. Stay with it because you WILL see improvement. On average, it should start to look noticeably different by the 8 week mark.
Kavitha says
Thank you so much for your feedback! I’m getting married in October & hope to have great skin by then.. I should have started earlier.. But I guess if things start to look bleak, I’ll turn to other sources!
Take care:)
Beth says
So happy congratulations on your wedding…since its october already.
Did the coconut oil work for your skin?
I’m interested in knowning before I start to use it.
Thanks!
Patty says
Quality articles or reviews is the main to interest the visitors to visit the web page, that’s what this site is providing.
Chastity says
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your boog
and in accession caital to assert that I acqure in fact enjoyed account your blog
posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I
achievement you access consistently rapidly.
mary says
I’m not obsessed, but I really like coconut. So I might see how it works for my acne. Thanks! You’re no help at all 🙂
Kevin says
thank you dear Jennifer for the great article, many people ask if coconut oil is really good for acne, the answer is very simple, it is a 100% natural element so giving it a try will never harm the skin even if it won’t cure all the acne.
how to get rid of cystic acne says
I always used to read article in news papers but now as I am a user of internet so from now I
am using net for posts, thanks to web.
more info says
Hello! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a collection of volunteers
and starting a new initiative in a community in the same
niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on.
You have done a wonderful job!
Chi Shi says
As a twenty-something with occasional breakouts and a preference for all natural beauty products, I highly recommend Citrus Clear. My combination skin — dry on my cheeks and chin and oily in my T-zone — usually forces me to switch between moisturizing and acne-drying wash every couple of weeks. With Citrus Clear, I use their Sensitive Face Wash and its all I need – JUST ONE PRODUCT! It gives me a deep pore cleanse without harsh chemicals stripping the natural oils on my dry spots.
deasia johnathan says
Thanks for this great article. It is very beneficial and helpful.
coconut oil for acne says
Agreed! Coconut oil has a lot of properties which make it effective for treating acne. First of all, it is an antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial and antioxidant.