Coconut oil has exploded in the
beauty market this year and while you probably have some friends that swear by
the stuff for moisture, smell, etc. - it is a no no for acne sufferers.
With the popularity of coconut oil, many people have preached that this creamy oil can clear acne among all it’s other uses. Unfortunately this claim is not true. The thought behind coconut oil and clearing acne is that coconut oil contains acids with antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial properties that help kill yeast and parasites. This boosts your immune system to fight infections. In theory, this fight against infections would also fight against acne breakouts.
We know, it would be such a simple
fix if coconut oil did help acne sufferers, but this theory is flawed because
of the molecule in coconut oil. It is a very small molecule and it will CLOG
your pores.
Simple as that - PLEASE BE AWARE - coconut oil is going to
clog your pores, it is highly comedogenic. We have seen clients who have used
the oil before coming into the clinic with increased breakouts where they
slathered straight coconut oil or products containing the oil on their skin.
You need to stay away from any
form of this stuff if you are acne prone! This includes shampoos, lotions, makeup products, etc. Do not use coconut masks for your hair and
stay away from “off the shelf” products
that contain the oil.
We suggest you consult our list of
pore clogging ingredients before buying any type of beauty product from
the store and never let the hype of coconut oil touch your skin.
Below, we have listed some popular
hair products that contain coconut oil. Please notice that coconut oil is in
all types of hair products- including masques, mists, leave in conditioners,
etc. As an acne sufferer you are required to check all ingredients in all of
your products, even if they are the same brand.
Pureology
Precious Oil Softening Hair Masque
The Pureology
Precious Oil Softening Hair Masque is not safe for acne prone skin because the
masque uses coconut oil to repair fading hair color and generally dry hair.
This product is a great example of changes in product ingredients throughout the
same brand. Pureology does have acne
safe shampoo and conditioner that many acne sufferers use daily. If you would
have just assumed that this hair masque was safe because it was made by
Pureology, you would have encountered breakouts within a few uses. Always check the ingredients, even on products
you have used before.
John Masters Organics Citrus & Neroli Detangler
Coconut oil is one of 17 organic ingredients in this leave-in conditioner that detangles, hydrates, and strengthens hair. But will not be a friend to anyone who suffers from acne.
Carol's Daughter Monoi Oil
Sacred Strengthening Serum
The headlining “up and coming” new oil called monoi oil, comes from an exotic mixture of Coconut oil and flowers. Not a hair oil
I would recommend if you’re acne prone.
Kiehl's Amino
Acid Conditioner
Kiehl’s is a well
known brand that works wonders on most skin and hair, but this conditioner will
not work to keep acne sufferers safe from breakouts. This hydrating and
lightweight conditioner contains coconut
oil and will cause breakouts around the scalp.
Aveda’s Sun Care Soins Soleil
This water
resistant spray contains coconut oil,
palm oil and shea butter. Again, not
safe for acne prone skin even though it’s a hair care product.
If you want to clear your acne, you need to use the correct products for your skin as well as your hair. SkintherapySkincare and Acne Clinic of Salt Lake City can put you on the right path towards clear skin find us at UtahAcneClinic.com and on Instagram at Skintherapyacneclinic.
