Coconut oil is oil from mature coconuts. It has been used for food for hundreds of years, but many people are not aware it can be used externally to fight acne and other skin conditions, such as eczema.
How coconut oil treats acne?
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The idea that applying oil on the skin could help acne sounds absurd at first - most people with acne want to have less oil on their skin.
But it takes more than excess sebum to cause acne, and that helps to explain how coconut oil can help with acne.
To get acne you need two things: blocked pores and inflammation. It's inflammation that turns blocked pores into red and angry pimples. You get inflammation when your immune system attacks the bacteria residing in blocked skin pores.
Coconut oil helps to prevent inflammation, and hence it can also prevent acne.
The magic is in two fatty acids, lauric acid and capric acid. On the human skin these are converted into anti-bacterial and anti-viral substances. To put it simply. Coconut oil kills the acne causing bacteria on the skin. And with the bacteria gone there's nothing for your immune system to react to. This means less inflammation and less acne.
Coconut is also rich in vitamin E, which is a well-known skin nutrient. Vitamin E helps to soothe inflammation and repair skin damage.
So it does the same thing all those expensive skin creams claim to do.
How to use coconut oil for acne
Here's how to use coconut oil for acne:
- Using your preferred cleanser clean your skin thoroughly. Don't skip this step as it can lead to more acne!
- Steam your face by putting a towel over your head and leaning over a bowl of hot water.
- Massage a small amount of coconut oil on your face.
- Wring out a facecloth in hot water and drape it over your face. This allows the oil to go deep into the skin.
- Wait for a minute or two and and wipe your face clean.
Using coconut oil this way also helps to get rid of acne scars.
Goodness from the inside out
The goodness of coconut oil is not limited to external use. It's also a great friend in the kitchen. Coconut (and its oil) not only tasted good, but it can help acne and your overall health.
It helps your body to fight Candida and yeast infections (both of which are linked to acne). It soothes chronic inflammation and helps to prevent blood sugar spikes. Chronic inflammation and blood sugar swings are the main factors behind adult acne.
Warning, not suitable for everyone
Though many acne victims swear by coconut oil, it's not for everyone. In some cases it can make your acne worse.
It seems that coconut oil can stimulate the skin glands to produce more sebum. This can cause more acne for some people, and especially if your skin pores are blocked. That's why it's important to clean your face thoroughly before applying the oil.
Unfortunately there's no way to know in advance how your skin reacts. So starts slowly and see what happens.
Not an end all and be all acne treatment
Coconut oil is by no means a be all and end all acne treatment. Please keep in mind that acne is an internal problem. Blocked pores and pimples are just a symptom of deeper issues (such as blood sugar swings and chronic inflammation).
To get over adult acne permanently one has to take a holistic approach that takes into account your diet, lifestyle and emotional health (stress).
Coconut oil will not solve the root cause of acne. But it can help to keep your acne under control while you correct the underlying problems.
Coconut Oil For Acne
"Give Me 10 Minutes, And I'll Erase The Mystery From Acne"
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Seppo Puusa is the author of the best selling acne book Clear for Life: Lifestyle for health, happiness and clear skin. He was tormented by acne for almost 20 years. After 8 years of learning about natural health and healing he discovered the simple and obvious solution to acne. Ever since he has dedicated to sharing his experience with other acne victims.