By Kelsey Goodwin, OMSIII,Osteopathic Physician Candidate 2016
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| Coconut Oil can help with Acne and Eczema |
Coconut oil has become increasingly popular over the past few years. It is now considered a healthy addition to people’s diets as well as
other aspects of their lives. An interesting quality of coconut oil is its
benefits when applied to the skin.
The National Institute of Health conducted several studies based on the use of coconut oil for various skin conditions including atopic dermatitis (eczema) and acne.
The National Institute of Health conducted several studies based on the use of coconut oil for various skin conditions including atopic dermatitis (eczema) and acne.
Atopic dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin often manifesting as dry patches or itchy irritated skin. Eczema often flares up during the hot and humid summer months. Virgin coconut oil when applied to the dry and itchy areas of the skin has been shown to help. The NIH studies proved that topical application of virgin coconut oil to the skin of patient’s with eczema for eight weeks increased the skin’s ability to retain moisture and thus decreased skin inflammation and itchiness.
Acne is the most common skin disorder affecting
adolescents and young adults in the US. While having acne isn’t a serious risk
to one’s health, the self-esteem issues and psychological effects patients with
acne often have are significant. Acne is essentially caused by the combination
of 3 things: excess sebum/oil production by hair follicles, inflammation and
the presence of a bacteria called Propionibacterum acnes within hair follicles.
Research conducted by the NIH has shown that a component of virgin coconut oil,
lauric acid, decreases the number of Propionibacterium acnes colonies on the
skin and thereby reduces the inflammation that leads to acne. Application of virgin coconut oil to the affected
areas is a safe, natural alternative treatment for antibiotic therapy against acne.