When I learned that coconut oil can help with acne and clear skin, I was super excited. Nourishing your skin with coconut oil is just so simple and quite cheap. Here’s what I learned about how to use coconut oil for acne.
Coconut oil for acne was at the top of my list of posts to write about for getting clear skin.
Here’s why:
While I don’t agree with outright food worship, I have to admit that coconut oil deserves a lot of the attention it gets.
When it comes to promoting clear, healthy skin, coconut oil is definitely just what the doctor (dermatologist?) should be ordering.
(This is my favorite coconut oil to use.)
You can use coconut oil for acne in two primary ways:
How to Use Coconut Oil for Acne
1. In Your Body
Coconut oil is brimming with medium chain fatty acids like lauric acid and caprylic acid which are metabolized into potent antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agents in the body.
Why are these fats important?
They work to fight some of the underlying causes of acne such as candida overgrowth, autoimmunity and inflammation.
Recently I’ve been considering the times I’ve had exceptionally clear skin during the past few years, and one factor that keeps popping up is that whenever I had really clear skin I was also eating a lot of coconut oil at the time.
I’m still not sure whether or not eating more coconut oil is a determining factor in my acne, but it’s certainly worth experimenting with.
And so I’ve renewed my commitment to eat at least three tablespoons of coconut oil every day, the minimum amount recommended by Bruce Fife in The Coconut Oil Miracle, as well as Mary Enig and Sally Fallon in Eat Fat, Lose Fat.
2. On Your Body
I know what you’re thinking: Coconut oil on your skin? Won’t it make you break out?!?
…At one point in time I too was terrified of putting anything oily on my skin. Using coconut oil for acne sounded ludicrous.
I figured that acne is caused by oil so the best thing to do is kill it with dryness.
Well, you know what’s worse than acne?
Acne and dry skin at the same time! (And let me tell you it’s no picnic trying to apply makeup to dry, flaky skin.)
My exploration in the world of real food and natural living led me to realize that oil is not your skin’s enemy. After reading what Kat James had to say in her book The Truth About Beauty, I was struck by the realization that I had been stripping my skin of everything it needed to protect and replenish itself.
I was punishing my skin for having acne, and it was most definitely backfiring on me.
Here’s what I do instead:
So I’ve tried to use gentler methods for cleansing, toning and moisturizing my face. Coconut oil is a regular part of my regimen. And believe me, my skin is oh so grateful.
Why is coconut oil good for your skin?
The same antibacterial and antifungal properties in coconut oil that work wonders in your body can do the same on your skin as well. It is far more gentle than chemical antibacterial agents and yet surprisingly effective for many people.
Because it consists primarily of short and medium-chain fatty acids, coconut oil is also absorbed easily through the skin and provides moisture without leaving your skin feeling greasy. The lauric acid especially can have a positive effect on acne (from this study).
Tip: If you are left feeling like an oil slick after applying coconut oil, consider scaling back on the amount you use. A very small amount goes a long way. I get much better results working a small amount into my skin rather than slathering it on too liberally.
There is always a jar of coconut oil in my bathroom now (I use it for oil pulling too).
I don’t personally use it on my face every single day, but whenever my skin feels the need, I reach for my jar of coconut oil without hesitation. It has yet to produce anything but positive benefits for my skin.
I also like to add essential oils to my coconut oil to promote healthy skin. Lavender, orange, and the special Purification blend from Young Living are some of my favorites. Learn where I shop for therapeutic essential oils online.
Do you use coconut oil for acne? How has it benefited your body and your skin? Share your thoughts and tips below in the comments!
Looking for a great coconut to use? This is my favorite.
More of our best posts:
- Refined vs. Unrefined Coconut Oil
- 40+ Coconut Oil Skincare Recipes
- Coconut Oil for Weight Loss
- Coconut Oil Fudge
- Easy Coconut Oil Body Butter Recipe
- Craving Peanut Butter? Here’s Why
Gruichl says
Is there a brand you like best? I just purchased Garden Of Life brand and I do like it. Wondering if it’s a premium brand. Thanks. People think I’m nuts the way I talk about how I use coconut oil so much, but I keep promoting it anyway! I am working up to the 3-4 Tablespoons per day. Would love that fudge recipe if you’ll share it!!
Elizabeth Walling says
I’ve personally tried several brands and I’ll admit most are decent products. Garden of Life seems to be a quality brand. I also like Nutiva, and Wilderness Family Naturals in particular takes great care in providing a high quality coconut oil.
Elizabeth Walling says
And here’s the fudge recipe: https://livingthenourishedlife.com/2010/09/tropical-traditions-coconut-oil-and.html
MommaScriv says
I have used coconut oil for about a year now as an all over body moisturizer when I get out of the shower, and started using it a couple of weeks ago on my face after my shower and at night before bed. I am so surprised by the results, my face has such a healthy glow, it’s smoother,and my skin tone has really evened out! I have combination skin, so I was skeptical it would make my skin better, but it did. Telling everyone I can!
Elizabeth Walling says
Great testimonial–keep spreading the word! 🙂
Sunny says
After reading this post a few weeks ago, I started using CO to remove my makeup at the end of the day. After all my years of avoiding oil on my oily skin, it was a real shift in thinking for me. But it’s been great – no increase in acne or oil, and my skin seems happy with it.
Elizabeth Walling says
That’s great! I am amazed at how well coconut oil removes make up. It’s funny how many chemcial-laden make up removers there are on the market, when something so simple works so effectively.
Mcfought82 says
I love coconut oil! I usually eat several teaspoons/day. Usually melted in herbal teas (I picked that up from Eat Fat Lose Fat and haven’t stopped) I eat lots of fat, hardly work out, have a desk job and maintain a size 4/6. Recently I had a lipid profile done and my blood work was fantastic! However, I was flagged as “high” for my HDL which was 80. (Interestingly enough, my HDL had always been too low before). Anyways, I will still continue eating lots of coconut oil, but in your opinion, is that number too high?
Elizabeth Walling says
I’ve always felt that if your diet and lifestyle are healthy, then the numbers aren’t as much of a concern. In fact, I recently wrote an article about a study that showed women with high cholesterol live longer: http://www.naturalnews.com/033975_high_cholesterol_heart_attacks.html
Of course, I’m not a doctor, but I feel the cholesterol scare is really blown out of proportion. It’s not that the numbers are meaningless, but they should always be viewed in context.
Robin Achen-Waugh says
I use extra finely ground coconut on my face as an exfoliater. I buy macaroon shredded coconut in bulk then use a coffee grinder to grind it up. Then when I’m in the shower I take a teaspoon or so, add some hot water to it to form a paste and use it to scrub my face. It leaves behind a very thin layer of coconut oil which in the summer is all the moisturizer I need. (in the winter I use a tiny bit of pure coconut oil on the parts that are extra dry)
I stumbled across this idea when I had a terrible out break of peri-oral dermatitis combined with cyctic acne on my chin. My skin is beautifully clear now and my acne is greatly reduced since now my sebum glands don’t have to work overtime to try to keep my skin hydrated. The best thing is it’s super CHEAP!
Elizabeth Walling says
Wow, that’s a great testimonial! I never thought of using shredded coconut. Thanks for sharing, Robin.
san says
This is sooo interesting! I love using coconut oil in my hair (it literally makes a huge difference! 🙂 ) but I never thought using it on my face! I will try 🙂
Gail says
Where do you buy cocout oil?
Elizabeth Walling says
I personally buy it in bulk from the stores on my resources page: http://villagegreennetwork.com/marketplace/fats-oils-coconut-products?affid=123297\” target=\”_blank\”
AnneMarie says
How do you use it in your hair? (In place of conditioner?) Also, do you think it would work for colored hair 😉
Mary says
Like you, I had a problem with putting oil on my face. It really doesn’t bother me anymore. I am 60 and I still have blackheads but I also have dry skin. I don’t have blackheads anymore and my skin is so soft. I use coconut oil for so many things-cooking, toothpaste (along with other ingredients) body lotion, etc. DON’T be afraid.
Robin says
I used Trader Joe’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil and it really clogged my pores. It doesn’t say on the jar if it is cold or expeller pressed, so I am wondering if that is the problem. Has anyone else tried that brand on their face?
Elizabeth Walling says
I haven’t tried Trader Joe’s brand. I am not sure if cold vs. expeller pressed would make a difference, but that’s a possibility.
Penelope says
Trader Joe’s is cold pressed.
Nicol says
I’m interested in how you eat the coconut oil. Do you put it in something or do you take a spoon and eat it out of the jar. I want to add coconut oil to my diet and trying to figure the best way.
Crystal Penfield-Stock says
Nicol, I use it for everything. Spoonful out of the jar, baking, sauteing. There is no Wrong way to use it. The downfall with it is that it has a low smoking point, so while cooking with it lower heat is better. Hope this helps.
Lisa says
Nicole, look up bullet proof coffee. I froth it in my coffee with my stevia and cream.
greenglorious says
absolutely transformed the back of my arms. went to the dermatologist for years only to be told that my keratosis pilaris was something i would just have to live with. whatever. coconut oil fixed it. but, if i’m on vacation or similar and don’t have my magic oil, the bumps do come back. fortunately the oil banishes them once i get back to my regimen.
MichellesCraftBasket says
Do you rub it onto your arms, or is the value in eating it? I have bumps, too and I HATE them! Would love to get rid of them… I’ve had this jar of coconut oil sitting in my aromatherapy stash for a while now. Ran across this blog, “whipped” up a batch of whipped coconut oil (LOL) and am now thinking about how I can make this my “everything” like everyone else!
Rian says
You can just rub it on your arms. I love using homemade coconut oil sugar scrubs on my arms. I think it helped with my keratosis greatly.
Chris V says
I am so thankful I caught this comment!!! Three of my kids have keratosis and I am so thrilled to try this out on them! I love coconut oil on my skin as well, but haven’t tried it on my face yet. I do use Burt’s Bees on my face but I am thinking of giving coconut oil a try…. it is certainly much cheaper than $15 for less than 250 mls of burt’s bees product!!!
Thanks again.
Dig777 says
I’m 73 and live in the high desert of Southern California. over the last two years I have purposely lost 110 lbs to combat type two diabetes. The side effects are loose, baggy skin and dryness. I went from 29% body fat to 9% and feel like the energizer bunny. Do you think that coconut oil would help my dry skin and elasticity? I really want tight skin.
Elizabeth Walling says
Coconut oil can certainly help improve skin tone. What you describe is common after extensive weight loss, most likely because of the effect of dieting on thyroid and stress hormones. Restoring these to normal levels can also help with skin elasticity and resilience. Check out Ray Peat’s work (Danny Roddy has a great blog about it). Pregnenelone may be especially helpful for anyone over 40.
Milla says
I do use oil on my face – I use a special blend from Dr Alkaitis, but I wouldn’t put Coconut oil on my face, simply because lauric acid is a known comedogen. It’s very healthy to eat, but it can clog your pores if applied topically!
Elizabeth Walling says
That’s good to know. I know a lot of people who love using coconut oil on their face, but I do hear the occasional person say it causes them to breakout. This may be why. Thanks for sharing!
Amber says
I tried making this today but to no avail! After beating it for 10 minutes with a hand mixer I tried throwing it in the blender for another 10 – just to be left with oil. 🙁
At least for now that shouldn’t be too much of an issue – I’m in Arizona and my bedroom is regularly around 80+ degrees. But still, the fluffiness of yours looks so much nicer! I’m looking forward to trying this on my hormone-caused acne.
Elizabeth Walling says
If you’re trying to make the whipped coconut oil, then the heat in Arizona is the culprit if it won’t whip up. Unfortunately as many of my readers have discovered, melted coconut oil just won’t whip! I made mine in late winter when my house was still on the cool side, which I believe is why it turned out so well.
Cathy says
I have been using coconut oil for my face for the better part of a year on and off, and noticed a drastic improvement with redness. I don’t know that I have rosacea, but I am one of those who turns beet red at the drop of a hat & have a lot of noticeable capillaries thanks to genetics. I have never suffered from bad acne but have never grown out of it, either. At 37, I felt like I sure deserved a clear face for a change! Recently, however, I have taken this a step further. I now no longer “wash” my face with soap unless I have been gardening or am particular gritty from a day out in our extremely dry, windy weather or have been wearing makeup. I apply my coconut oil in the shower and basically apply it after I’ve “rinsed” my face with warm water. I then apply the coconut oil & massage it in. I feel that by applying it in the shower, the water helps the oil glide more easily and I find that you don’t have to use as much oil to cover your face. It also is less “greasy” looking after application. Prior to applying it “in” the shower, when I was applying it well after my shower, I would use witch hazel prior to, to provide this additional moisture & stretch the oil. I also add a few drops to my hand before I dispense my conditioner & work them together, then apply to my hair. I cannot do this daily as I have very fine hair which tends to ‘look’ greasy & heavy quite quickly, but 2-3 times a week. My hair is crazy soft even after a color!
Cathy says
I failed to mention that after having stopped washing my face on a regular basis that my skin is even more clear & healthier than ever. (Which was the purpose of my posting!) I am definitely a coconut oil fan!
Elizabeth Walling says
What a great testimonial, Cathy! I know quite a few folks who “wash” their faces with coconut oil and avoid soap most (or all) of the time. Coconut oil is also a fantastic make-up remover, so much better than the harsh cleansers sold for that purpose.
Ave says
I absolutely love coconut oil for my skin as well! Someone mentioned to me that I should try it to help clear up my acne and it worked. At first I was apprehensive to “grease” up my face, thinking it would be counterproductive, but I was happily wrong. Try it if you havent!
Angie says
It helped clear the bumps I got on my thighs and upper arms from keratosis pilaris. It helped control my candida overgrowth which was causing white patches on my tongue. Its just a wonderful product. It makes the best pancakes when you grease the griddle w some. Best body scrub as well, just mix some w sugar or salt. I love coconut oil and ensure I never run out by subscribing to it on Amazon. =D
Colleen says
Question– is it better to use the virgin coconut oil for skin use…or refined? thanks!
Elizabeth Walling says
It’s a personal preference, in my opinion. Some people prefer virgin because it is more “pure,” but essentially the fats are the same. If you choose a high quality refined coconut oil, then there isn’t too much to worry about as far as purity is concerned. If you like the smell of coconut, then go with virgin, but if not, you may prefer refined.
kateandre says
Refined vs. Unrefined…. which is better for your skin? which is better for your hair?
Elizabeth Walling says
Despite popular claims, there is not an enormous difference between the two. Use whichever you prefer (it basically comes down to whether or not you like the smell of coconut). I wrote a post about refined vs. unrefined coconut oil here: https://livingthenourishedlife.com/2012/08/refined-vs-unrefined-coconut-oil-3.html
sarah says
coconut oil LITTERALLY saved my hair. I apply the oil on my dry hair and put it in a bun and then go about doing what I have to do for a while. -the longer the better-. Then i simply wash it ONCE with a shampoo and leave my hair to dry naturally. I have never had more nourished, full of life looking hair. I have brasilian hair which means it’s extra thick and very curly and very very damaged from several straightenings. A lot of my hair actually broke from that and the oil saved the remaining of my mane (I started using the oil as a result of my hair issues)! All the very very expensive hair products never worked like the oil. It works so well for my very dry and atopy prone skin too, I use it to bake cakes…. also it’s so cheap i’s almost crazy it works so well! my personal tip is at night after removing the make up is to put some rose water, let it dry and then slather on the CO. NIght is the best to revive skin and make it look beautiful. Also a good alternative to using soap and water for your skin.
Elizabeth Walling says
I also love using coconut oil to remove makeup. I never use soap on my face now.
Traci Dean says
I have been using coconut oil on my face (almost daily-I suppose 4-5days a week); my face has not broken out, as I too was always afraid it would. In fact, it has cleared up tremendously. I am one of those people who rarely uses make-up anymore, and what make-up I do wear, I make my self & the coconut oil is a wonderful make-up/mascara remover. I use witch hazel or make my own rose water as an astringent/toner on alternate days (sometimes w/a little baking soda as an exfolient). My husband asks me what I’m doing because I look younger and healthier than is usually does. I love it. Thanks for the article!
Elizabeth Walling says
Awesome–you know if your husband noticed, you’re doing something right! 😉
M s says
Hi. How exactly are you using it? And what is your skin type? 🙂