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What is coconut oil?
The coconut tree is glorious – all its parts can be used to make things, and the meat and milk are used to create coconut oil, which can be used in cooking, cosmetics, and to treat a variety of issues. The oil is created by sun-drying the flesh of the fruit and then pressing it. Coconut oil has a distinct coconut aroma, but is relatively colorless and highly viscous.
What is it best for?
Coconut oil can be used as a great base for many skincare products, but it has beneficial properties on its own. Coconut oil is an excellent hydrating ingredient when used topically, and it has been shown to reduce inflammation and redness. This makes coconut oil beneficial for those suffering from acne or eczema. It is readily absorbed by the skin, making it one of few oils that don’t feel, well...oily.
Coconut oil is also a great ingredient to protect your skin and hair from environmental elements, as it is an excellent source of antioxidants that protect the skin from damage from free radicals.
Coconut oil is also touted to smooth uneven skin and to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by improving the elasticity of skin, making it great for anti-aging skincare products.
What is the drawback?
Coconut oil is highly comedogenic, which means it can clog pores and lead to acne in people with oily skin. It can also cause blackheads, pimples, and whiteheads if left on the skin for too long.
If you’re not sure whether coconut oil is the right ingredient for your particular skin type and concerns, take our Skin Quiz!
Acne is a condition that occurs when certain pores in your face and torso are clogged up with an oil called sebum. Sebum comes from glands in your skin and hair follicles that would normally protect the skin and help with hair growth and be carried out of the pores in a natural exfoliation process. Acne occurs when the sebum stays clogged in the pores and hair follicles. Then our pores get inflamed with too much sebum and dead skin that doesn’t slough off properly. There are many types and causes of acne, from hormonal fluctuations to genetics to improper gland function.
Benzoyl peroxide is a topical agent for fighting bacteria and can be good for some type of acne. Jojoba oil and rosehip oil are also good for reducing inflammation, fighting bacteria, and keeping in moisture for healthier skin. Ingredients that help exfoliate dead skin cells and increase new skin cell production, such as Vitamin A/Retinol, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid, are good for treating acne as well.
The secret to winning the battle against acne is having the right regimen for your skin. Products that are too strong can be irritating and drying, causing your skin to overproduce oil, which leads to more acne. Picking the wrong active ingredients may have no effect. Using the right regimen for your acne type and skin tolerance can effectively clear acne while keeping your skin healthy and balanced.
Coconut oil may be effective for acne, but there are many other factors that may affect whether this ingredient would work on your skin or if there are better ingredients that may work for you. Take this skin quiz to find the best ingredients for your skin and build your skincare routine.
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