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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!
A scar can form anywhere the skin is broken deeply enough to damage surrounding skin cells. With acne, most superficial blemishes will heal cleanly, leaving no visible evidence of prior breakouts. However, in the case of cystic acne, when a clogged pore leads to infection that travels deep into the dermis, ruptured cysts can break the follicle wall and cause the infection to damage surrounding skin cells. Collagen helps to repair the damage but leaves the skin more firm and tight than the rest of your skin. Some types of acne scarring leave a concave shape, called a pockmark. Contrary to some belief, not all acne scars are caused by picking or popping your blemishes. Some occur even if the acne is allowed to heal without picking.
To prevent sun damage from making acne scars more visible, it’s best to moisturize daily and wear sunscreen. Additionally, antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals that damage cells and speed up aging. Ingredients and nutrients like acai oil, alpha-lipoic acid, green tea extract, retinol/vitamin A, coenzyme Q10, caffeine, alpha-hydroxy acid and salicylic acid are all beneficial for preventing and reducing acne scarring. Jojoba oil is also good for reducing inflammation, fighting bacteria, and keeping in moisture for healthier skin.
Coconut oil may be effective for acne scars, 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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