You can use it as a body balm, moisturizing hair treatment, inexpensive eye makeup remover.
But many sources claim coconut oil can treat acne and erase acne marks. Is it really that amazing?
Lauric acid has natural antimicrobial properties. Studies have shown that lauric acid can kill propionibacteria acnes, the main bacteria responsible for causing acne.
Some research has been done on whether lauric acid might be used as an acne treatment. Although initial results look promising, it’s still a way off.
To work, the lauric acid has to get into the pore where it will do the job. In order to do this, the lauric acid must be put in a vehicle (something to deliver the fatty acid) to where it needs to be.
This is where sources claiming coconut oil can kill acne-causing bacteria are missing the mark. Although coconut oil does have fatty acids with antimicrobial properties, the oil itself isn’t potent enough to have an effect on acne.
Acne isn’t solely caused by p.acnes bacteria anyway. You also need a treatment that will keep pores from becoming clogged in the first place.
In simple terms: coconut oil can clog your pores. If you are prone to acne breakouts, regularly applying this oil to your face (or anywhere else you get pimples) may be doing more harm than good.
Those dark marks left after pimples heal are called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation generally fades, all by itself, over time.
So, if you’ve been religiously rubbing coconut oil onto those marks, it may seem like the coconut oil is fading them. In all actuality, the marks would have faded all on their own.
Pitted or raised acne scars won’t change a lick with coconut oil. Those types of scars need pro treatments to really improve.
Instead, you’ll want to try over-the-counter acne treatments first. The most effective OTC products contain benzoyl peroxide.
If OTC products don’t give you the results you’re looking for after eight to 12 weeks, a prescription medication is the next best step. Your dermatologist or family physician can help you make an effective acne-busting plan.
