It may be that coconut oil can do this, too, potentially reducing how intensely microorganisms like bacteria can irritate your skin (or how likely you may be to get an infection from said bacteria), he says. Numerous studies have shown that lauric acid, which accounts for nearly half of the fatty acids in coconut oil, has been shown to kill off the strain of bacteria linked to acne (8, 16). Twenty people in the coconut oil group had Staphylococcus aureus on their skin, a bacteria that can cause a painful and serious skin infection, while 12 people in the olive oil group did. Another test-tube study showed that lauric acid can kill off Propionibacterium acnes, a type of bacteria that leads to the development of inflammatory acne (8). That scratching can lead to tender, extra-irritated skin, and maybe even make you vulnerable to infection if you create any open wounds that may act as portals to pathogens. Look for eczema-friendly products that are specifically meant to moisturize your skin. Instead, continue using whatever your derm has deemed the best treatment for your eczema, then introduce coconut oil into the mix slowly and with patience. Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids, which are a form of saturated fat. While research shows coconut oil can benefit skin health, applying it to the skin may not be ideal for everyone. It can create an itchy rash and may be caused by deodorant ingredients, such as…, Although often a sign of natural aging, sunken cheeks could be the result of other factors, including illness, diet, or personal habits. Blue Magic shampoo and conditioners are formulated to be safe for daily use, if desired. It helps prevent the uncomfortable skin chafing that many cyclists…. Can Powdered Vitamin C Improve the Health of Your Facial Skin? Oils fall into the occlusive and emollient categories, meaning they will sit on top of your skin and work to prevent moisture from escaping, hence Dr. Lio’s statement that coconut oil seems to have moisturizing properties. All rights reserved. More research is necessary to solidify this connection. Acne is an inflammatory condition, and many of the medications used to treat it work by targeting and reducing inflammation (15). But that doesn’t mean you should toss all the treatments your dermatologist gave you in favor of the stuff. If you’re prone to acne or have very oily skin, try adding a few drops to your normal moisturizer instead to amp up hydration without adding too much extra oil. If your hair tends to be dry, you may want to try changing your hair care routine. A 2009 animal study found that virgin coconut oil improved antioxidant status and increased ability to neutralize disease-causing free radicals, compared to refined coconut oil (28). Not only does most of the existing research focus specifically on the effects of virgin coconut oil, but there’s also evidence that it may have added health benefits. Does Coconut Oil Actually Work Any Magic on Eczema? Since eczema comes down to a problem with the top layer of skin, it makes sense that people might try to combat it by slathering something like coconut oil over the affected areas. Finally, if you’re acne-prone, you should probably take a pass on coconut oil. Chronic inflammation is a major component of many different types of skin disorders, including psoriasis, contact dermatitis and eczema (11). Furthermore, capric acid is another medium-chain fatty acid found in coconut oil, although to a lesser extent. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. That said, there is some research that shows coconut oil may be able to calm eczema in some cases. Consider patch testing by applying a bit of coconut oil to your inner arm for a week or so to gauge your skin’s reaction before you lube up on larger swaths of your body. As for the claims that coconut oil is straight-up an excellent moisturizer for eczema, it’s a little more complicated than that. Can Avocados Improve the Health of Your Skin? In one study, researchers applied virgin coconut oil to the inflamed ears of rats. What Causes Sunken Cheeks and Can They Be Treated? Along with lauric acid, capric acid has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Still, these studies are small and really just a start. Although the health benefits of eating coconut oil are well-studied, research on its effects on the skin is mostly limited to animal or test-tube studies. Also, heads up: Even if you’re fully on the coconut oil bandwagon, it can be a mess to apply. Coconut oil is a type of fat that has been touted for its health-promoting properties. In both studies, researchers excluded participants who had used steroids or antibiotics within the two weeks before the trials began, and they also instructed the participants not to use any other medications or creams for their eczema during the study periods. Ad Choices. (Uh, oil, as it were?). At room temperature it’s solid, but when heated it can soften or even melt. As a result, you can experience inflammation that causes eczema symptoms like serious dryness and itching, along with red or brown patches that are most likely to show up on your hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, and inside the bends of your elbows and knees, the Mayo Clinic says. In fact, test-tube and animal studies have shown that lauric acid is more effective than benzoyl peroxide at preventing the growth of acne-causing bacteria (16). Twenty people in the coconut oil group had Staphylococcus aureus on their skin, a bacteria that can cause a painful and serious skin infection, while 12 people in the olive oil group did. If you have oily or highly sensitive skin, make sure to start slowly to assess your tolerance, and consult with a dermatologist if you have any concerns. The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil have antimicrobial properties that can help protect against harmful microorganisms.. Interestingly, coconut oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Another study found similar results, showing that coconut oil led to a 68% decrease in eczema severity, making it significantly more effective than mineral oil in the treatment of eczema (20). The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil have antimicrobial properties that can help protect against harmful microorganisms. Another test-tube study demonstrated the anti-fungal effects of capric acid, showing that it was able to inhibit the growth of certain types of fungi (10). (So, from here on out, when we say “eczema,” that’s what we mean.) People with eczema are more likely than others to have them, so rubbing coconut oil onto your skin when you have eczema could just be setting yourself up for an allergic reaction, Dr. Ogunleye says. One animal study looked at how coconut oil applied to the skin affected wound healing in rats. Remember, when you have eczema, your skin can’t properly protect you from bacteria—so coconut oil’s potential to reduce harmful bacteria may come in handy. Furthermore, the antibacterial properties of the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil could also help reduce acne. Some plant-based products, like tea tree oil, are thought to tamp down on certain microbes that can cause skin issues, Dr. Lio says. Everybody loves Coconut oil. It’s comedogenic, which means it could block your pores and cause a breakout, Gary Goldenberg, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, tells SELF. One study tested the antibacterial properties of 30 types of fatty acids against 20 different strains of bacteria. A 2013 animal study fed rats different types of oil, including coconut oil, olive oil and sunflower oil. Can this delicious-smelling liquid actually improve it? EWG scientists reviewed Blue Magic Coconut Oil Hair Conditioner for safety according to the methodology outlined in our Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. That’s why we roped in some experts for the real story on coconut oil and eczema. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. According to some experts, coconut oil could help you in the above endeavors, though not enough to replace conventional treatment methods. However, Dr. Lio says, “These [studies] suggest that coconut oil has both moisturizing properties and some antibacterial properties, both of which appear to be helpful in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.”. That said, if you have oily or highly sensitive skin, consider adding coconut oil to your diet instead to take advantage of its benefits. If you’re prone to acne or have very oily skin, try adding a few drops to your normal moisturizer instead to amp up hydration without adding too much extra oil. Keeping your skin hydrated can help preserve its function as a barrier to keep out bacteria, promote the healing of scars and maintain overall skin integrity (21, 22, 23). Like lauric acid, capric acid has been shown to have potent antimicrobial properties. Coconut oil can be an effective moisturizer and aid in the treatment of dry skin and eczema. For example, those who have oily skin may want to avoid doing so, as it may block pores and cause blackheads. But there was another interesting finding, too. The mechanism behind why coconut oil could possibly help tame eczema isn’t completely understood. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. When I bought it and realize this I not too pleased because you have to warm it before putting it into your hair or it will kind of sit on top. Coconut oil can be produced through dry or wet processing. Or does using coconut oil for this purpose not really hold scientific water? Another test-tube study showed that virgin coconut oil had a greater amount of inflammation-reducing antioxidants, as well as an improved ability to fight free radicals, compared to refined coconut oil (27). Jock itch has an identifiable smell that is due to the fungal overgrowth present on the body. 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