Coconut oil comes in various kinds. Virgin coconut oil, RBD coconut oil, fractionated coconut oil, liquid coconut oil and hydrogenated coconut oil. Out of these coconut oils, we need to pick one that works best for your acne.
Hydrogenated Coconut Oil
Screening through the types, hydrogenated coconut oil is definitely out of the equation. Hydrogenation will change the natural characteristics, and hence, the overall benefits of coconut oil.
Which means, if the natural coconut oil does not clog pores, hydrogenated coconut oil will clog pores. This can make your acne worse.
Liquid Coconut Oil
Next, liquid coconut oil. Though it’s created for everyday cooking, its pure contents of MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) render it quite a good (not best) fit for acne treatment.
Because MCTs are small in size, they can penetrate your skin well to aid in acne treatment.
Yes, you can use every edible type of coconut oil for skin care as well. It’s not some bizarre ideas. I eat and topically use the same types of coconut oil every single day.
Fractionated Coconut Oil
Fractionated coconut oil? This one is made for external, not for consumption. But that does not make it best for acne.
This is because it only contains two types of MCTs – caprylic and capric acids. Unlike liquid coconut oil that has three types, one of which is lauric acid. Lauric acid is a powerful antimicrobial for keeping acne bacteria in check.
RBD Coconut Oil
Most brands would not label their coconut oil as “RBD” (refined, bleached and deodorized). You would most likely see them label it as simply “refined”.
This refined coconut oil has a stronger set of antimicrobial properties – caproic, caprylic, capric, lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, arachidic acids etc. Each compound can handle different strains of bacteria, fungi and viruses.
Using RBD coconut oil on skin will not only help you fight acne, but also help to keep your skin better protected against various other germs. It is the second best coconut oil for acne treatment.
Virgin Coconut Oil
Normally, I would advise people to use only RBD coconut oil for acne if they cannot accept the natural coconut scent that virgin coconut oil gives off.
Otherwise, virgin coconut oil is best for acne, in my opinion. Why is that so?
A deodorized coconut oil like the RBD would have some of its antioxidative phytonutrients removed during the refining process. Antioxidants are good for skin. If we can have more of them on our skin, why not?
Virgin coconut oil is more complete in its retention of acne-fighting and skin care properties since it has gone through minimal processing.
The downside of treating acne with virgin coconut oil is that it does not penetrate your skin as fast as RBD since it’s a bit heavier.
What Brand of Virgin Coconut Oil is Best for Acne?
There are so many brands out there I couldn’t have tried them all. So, you’ll have to try your luck.
But a tip here for you is that you should try to choose one that is packed in glass jar. I have tested that coconut oil in general has a pH 5 value. This means it is slightly acidic.
Even in BPA-free plastic container you cannot guarantee that no chemicals will leach into the oil. So, getting coconut oil in glass jar is definitely safer and better for your acne treatment and skin care.
Last but not least, read the label carefully. Make sure they bottle the oil in a facility that does not deal with food or substance you’re allergic to.
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