Can You Use Coconut Oil for Acne?

Acne occurs on the face, neck, back, and other areas of the body in teenagers as well as adults.

It can be stubborn to get rid of and last anything from a few days to years, which can be quite distressing.

In looking for a long term solution to acne, coconut oil can be used in almost all cases by mixing the right amount of ingredients together.

People with acne are usually under the impression that they should avoid using oily products but this isn’t the case when it comes to natural oils.

Coconut oil has various restorative and regenerative purposes, which makes it useful for treating acne. 

Benefits of Coconut Oil for Acne Treatment

Coconut Oil Contains Antimicrobial Agents

Coconut oil contains capric acid and lauric acid, two potent antimicrobial agents.

These agents are also present in breast milk and are part of what protects newborns from infections. Applied to the skin, coconut oil forms a protective barrier.

Coconut Oil Softens Skin

The vitamin E content softens dry skin and helps maintain moisture.

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, which neutralizes free radicals that cause cell damage in the body.

Coconut Oil Balances Skin’s pH

Coconut oil also contains antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-fungal properties like caprylic acid, which aids in fighting infection and balancing the skin’s pH levels.

Coconut Oil is Easily Absorbed

Coconut oil is absorbed easily into the skin without leaving behind a greasy feeling, allowing it to work its wonders.

Coconut Oil Recipe for Acne

• Mix 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
• Add 3 drops of tea tree essential oil. Mix thoroughly.
• Wash your face then bend over a bowl of hot water to steam open your pores. This should take about 5 minutes.
• Once your pores are open, apply the coconut oil mix all over your face and neck. Massage in for a few minutes.
• Leave on for 10 mins then place a warm towel over your face for 3 minutes.
• Wipe the mask off with the warm towel afterward then rinse your face with lukewarm water.
• Once your skin is dry, moisture with a suitable product.

Art Naturals 100% Pure & Natural Aloe Vera Gel

Use this mix no more than 1 – 2 times a week in the evening as coconut oil comes in at 4 on the comedogenicity scale.

You can also consume coconut oil internally. Personally, I add it to my smoothies and use it to sauté spinach and a few other items.

Sometimes, I add it to hummus or pesto. How you add it to your diet is up to you. I also use it for oil pulling.

For more on best oils for skin, read 30 Non-Comedogenic Oils for Oily Skin. 

The Best Coconut Oil for Acne Treatment

I’ve written an article covering the best 7 brands of coconut oil for curly hair HERE.

They are all suitable for topical application as well but if I were to choose the best 3 brands, they would be:

Trader Joe’s Organic Coconut Oil

Carrington Farms Organic Coconut Oil

Viva Labs Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Overall, as long as the coconut oil is 100% organic/virgin/unrefined, it’s perfect for topical application.

While treating acne with coconut oil, it’s important to remember that you need to eliminate other things that might be aggravating your acne like a bad diet, smoking, unnecessary stress, etc.

If you have severe acne, you will probably also need to use coconut oil treatment in conjunction with other suitable natural treatments.

This will not work for every skin type but you can give it a try for 2 – 3 weeks before giving up on it.

Important to note there might be a slight increase in your acne in the beginning as your skin purges.

If you don’t fancy coconut oil on your skin, alternative skincare suggestions include watermelon oil, marula oil, and tamanu oil.