In the past, most people avoided consuming coconut oil because of its high saturated fat content. They believed that it contributed to high cholesterol levels, clogged arteries, and heart disease.
However, recent research suggests that coconut oil contains healthy fatty acids that are easier for the body to burn. It also increases HDL (good" cholesterol) and improves cholesterol ratios.
Healthy fats
Apart from the above benefits, coconut oil promotes healthy skin and hair.
It's got a unique combination of essential fatty acids that penetrate and moisturize skin better than most ingredients can. Coconut oil also contains natural antioxidants that protect from environmental stressors and vitamins that moisturize, firm and brighten the skin.
Sounds like the perfect oil for your beauty regimen, right? However, coconut oil isn't for everyone. Oily skin generally doesn't agree with it.
If you've experienced breakouts after using this ingredient, you may have wondered why. We're giving you the answer and what you can do to avoid this nasty reoccurrence.
Does coconut oil cause acne breakouts?
Oily skin produces too much sebum (skin oil), leading to shininess, runny makeup, a thick, coarse texture, and occasional breakouts.
However, oily skin still requires moisture. If you fail to moisturize because you fear breakouts, your skin gets dry and irritated and produces even more oil to stay supple.
Could coconut oil be the miracle? It has properties that may cleanse and improve oily skin and clogged pores. Also, this natural oil can help balance your skin's sebum levels.
Some people with oily skin use the oil and get breakouts, while others rave about the results. Why is this the case?
Liquid coconut oil may work- or not
There are two forms of coconut oil- extra virgin and fractionated. Health professionals encourage people to use extra virgin coconut oil because it undergoes limited processing. This form tends to have more nutrients and antioxidants than oil that has been refined and deodorized.
EXTRA VIRGIN VS FRACTIONATED
Extra virgin coconut oil solidifies at room temperature. But in this form, it's too heavy for oily skin since it can clog pores and cause breakouts.
If your coconut oil is liquid at room temperature, this is the "fractionated" form of the oil that has had its long-chain fatty acids removed. It lacks some healthy fatty acids, but still contains vitamins, medium-chain fatty acids, and antioxidants.
Fractionated coconut oil works well as a carrier oil, absorbs quickly without clogging pores- perfect for oily skin.
Why your oily skin might disagree with fractionated coconut oil
Some people still have problems with fractionated coconut oil. Why?
• Their skin has dirt and debris clogging the pores. The solution is to exfoliate before moisturizing.
• They have large pores that are prone to clogging. Solution- mix the oil with other oils to give benefits to the skin minus the risks.
• Their skin doesn't agree with coconut oil.
Five carrier oils that work for oily skin
If you try the above solutions but still get breakouts, you might need to use another type of oil.
1. HAZELNUT
Hazelnut smoothes and tones skin, reduces the appearance of large pores and helps to absorb extra oil.
2. GRAPESEED
Grapeseed contains healthy antioxidants and vitamins. It's a light oil that hydrates without leaving you greasy and helps shrink the appearance of your pores.
3. SUNFLOWER SEED
This oil will tighten and firm your skin while protecting you from environmental stressors.
4. BLACK CUMIN SEED
Its cleansing properties make it perfect for oily skin. It also has vitamins and minerals that nourish your skin.
5. OLIVE
Olive oil is anti-aging due to its unique combination of antioxidants. It also has healing properties.
Hydration vs. Moisture
If your skin is dry and prone to clogged pores, it lacks moisture and needs a light cream or facial oil.
But if your skin produces lots of oil, you might not need to use a moisturizer regularly. The key is hydration.
WHY HYDRATE?
Hydration refers to the amount of water in your skin cells. When the skin is hydrated, it looks plump, with fewer fine lines or wrinkles.
How hydrated your skin is depends on how much water you drink, your skin's natural ability to hold water, and the climate where you live. Ingredients that provide hydration are different than those that moisturize. For some people with oily skin, hydrating might be adequate for your skin's daily needs.
With love,
The Sole Toscana Beauty Team
