Everyone, at some point in their life, experiences skin problems. Maybe you have very sensitive skin and tend to break out easily, are worried about wrinkles, or maybe you have acne that just doesn’t seem to go away. Have you tried everything there is on the market just to end up disappointed? Luckily for you, I have found the most amazing remedy for acne prone and sensitive skin!
When it comes to coconut oil, everyone knows that it is a healthy alternative that is commonly used in the kitchen. However, what most people don’t know is that coconut oil is also a versatile and natural beauty product! Using coconut oil is an all-natural way to eliminate many skin problems, including acne and helping to prevent the signs of aging. Now, when you think about skincare, I’m sure the last thing that comes to your mind is rubbing edible plant grease all over your face. Nevertheless, countless studies have demonstrated that coconut oil’s antibacterial and antifungal properties make it an excellent moisturizer for the skin.
What Causes Acne?
Even though everyone has experienced acne, not everyone knows the root causes of it. One of the causes of acne is the raging hormonal changes that teenagers undergo. However, what most people don’t know is that acne is actually caused by an infection in the openings of sebum glands, which are the glands on the skin that secrete various oils to keep it moist and prevent it from drying up and cracking. At some point these glands can become clogged by bacteria, and the resulting obstruction in sebum secretion is followed by inflammation, redness, swelling, and pain.
A lot of people resort to common, over-the-counter acne treatments. This is because they don’t know that these treatments are packed with harmful ingredients that strip skin of its natural moisture. I’m sure that at some point you’ve noticed that your skin is horribly dry, I know I have! I would apply acne cream and my skin would shrink up right underneath it. Before I discovered coconut oil, my skin was crying for moisture!
Why is Coconut Oil a Natural Acne Treatment?
Before you reach for that vat of coconut oil to rub all over your face, let’s take a look at exactly what coconut oil is.
Coconuts are made up of milk, meat, juice, and oil. All of these properties can make an entire coconut a complete meal on its own. You won’t be able to find the oil simply by cracking it open though, coconut oil is actually a refined product. Once coconuts are harvested from the coconut palm tree, the oil is extracted from the meat. The only true, unrefined coconut oil you can find would be the oil that is still in the meat of the coconut.
RELATED STORY:
Coconut oil is largely made up of saturated fats with a high amount of medium chain fatty acids. To be more precise, a good percentage of the fatty acids found in coconut oil are lauric and capric acids. These acids are actually great at protecting your skin from infections by replacing and protecting the acidic layer on the skin. Coconut oil also contains vitamin E, which ensures proper functioning of the sebum glands and clears blockages. This means that it treats the actual root cause of acne, and not just the problems that lead to it. Lastly, coconut oil is full of anti-inflammatory properties which reduce inflammation from already present acne.
Tea Tree Oil and Lavender Oil
RELATED STORY:
While tea tree oil is very strong, lavender is quite mild and is well suited for sensitive skin. The main benefits of lavender oil to treat acne derive from its ability to calm nerves and soothe damaged skin. In 2003, the Journal of Clinical Oncology published medical research that verified the soothing effects of lavender oil. Because acne can be caused by stress, reducing tension can help moderate your breakouts. Lavender oil can even help with the skin damage resulting from acne and accelerate the healing of scars.
Still wondering if coconut oil is good for you? Try this recipe as part of your everyday beauty routine and find out for yourself!
Coconut Oil Acne and Blemish Remedy
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of Coconut Oil
- 5-6 drops of essential oil (optional but recommended)
Instructions:
- On the lowest heat setting, melt your coconut oil in a saucepan. This is a very quick process, so don’t go anywhere!
- As soon as your coconut oil is melted, take it off the stove. Add 5 or 6 drops of oil, I recommend tea tree or lavender oil.
- Mix well and pour the liquid into a mason jar. Let it cool!
Once it is ready to use, rub some on your face and wash off with warm water. For this natural skin treatment to work, make sure to use it twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. You can even use coconut oil for face washing! It will get rid of dead skin cells and helps to promote natural moisture levels without excess oil production. Store your coconut oil treatment in a cool, dry place.
Coconut Oil Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizer
The skin around the eyes is especially fragile compared to the rest of your face. It’s important to pay attention to what is being used on the eyes and to make sure that it is being applied very gently to avoid damage. This homemade cream will do the job in a healthy way:
Ingredients:
- 3 capsules of Vitamin E
- 1 tbsp. Coconut Oil (Chill so that it isn’t completely liquid)
*Follow ratios to make more cream, depending on need.
Instructions:
Pop the capsules with a knife, and squeeze them into a container with your coconut oil. Stir and allow to sit overnight, away from any heat source.
What are your favorite home remedies for beautiful skin?
