Keratosis pilaris is also known as chicken skin. This is a condition when tiny bumps occur on the skin surface, making this surface rough and in some cases, red. Although this skin disorder is not life-threatening and tends to be harmless, keratosis pilaris causes discomfort and embarrassment for most people. Therefore, the market is flooded with various treatments offered as methods for eliminating these occurring tiny bumps resulted from clogged hair follicles. Despite the variety of modern treatments for keratosis pilaris, coconut oil remains one of the most preferred keratosis pilaris treatments.
How effective is coconut oil for keratosis pilaris
Coconut oil contains beneficial substances, which are effective for most skin disorders, including keratosis pilaris. Each of this compounds serves different functions that work hand-in-hand in promoting keratosis pilaris healing. Organic virgin coconut oil contains high level of lauric acid, which is really effective in breaking keratin buildups that cause clogged hair follicles. Keratin is a hard protein that protects the skin from harmful substances and infection.
However, this protein forms scaly plugs and thus, excess production of keratin might block the opening of hair follicles that occur as acne-like bumps on the affected skin surface. Lauric acid in coconut oil significantly regulate adequate production of keratin, so that clogged follicles can be reduced.
Coconut oil is also a strong antibacterial agent that does not only help reducing current infection during keratosis pilaris infection, but also prevent future recurrence
This oil also has anti-inflammatory property that reduces inflammation and redness that occur during the infestation. This potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil are beneficial in reducing acne-like bumps by inhibiting hair follicle inflammatory.
Moreover, coconut oil is also effective for improving keratosis pilaris condition as it sanitizes the skin. The oil is also enriched with moisturizing property that keep the infected area well-hydrated. With most skin disorders, proper moisturizing will not only speed up the healing, but also prevent future infestation.
How to treat keratosis pilaris with coconut oil
How coconut oil is going to heal your keratosis pilaris infection has been elaborated above. Your methods of using this oil, in addition, are going to determine its effectiveness on providing better condition to your affected skin.
1. Coconut oil as natural skin exfoliator
Gently exfoliating skin area that is affected by keratosis pilaris can improve resulted conditions. This skin disorder is triggered by clogged hair follicles by over-produced keratin as well as excessive dead skin cells. Therefore, skin exfoliation is crucial for the entire healing steps. Since your affected skin is considered as inflammation, gentle exfoliation with natural ingredient is recommended.
Exfoliating keratosis pilaris with coconut oil will improve the condition, as this natural oil is rich in antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which are required in reducing dead skin cell pile and hair follicle clogs
To use coconut oil as your skin exfoliator, add some drops to the mixture of one tablespoon of sugar and one teaspoon of raw honey. Use the formed paste to gently exfoliate the tiny bumps using circular massaging motions. Rinse the skin with warm water afterwards and repeat the treatment regularly.
2. Coconut oil as natural skin moisturizer
In addition to being a beneficial skin exfoliator, coconut oil is also a natural remedy that functions as natural moisturizer to the skin. It boosts collagen production, which is important for damaged skin cell regeneration. If you are suffering from keratosis pilaris, this coconut oil property is what you require, as well-hydrated skin will reduce the appearance of tiny bumps due to the breakout. It also reduces stinging or itching that may occur during the time.
To use coconut oil as a natural moisturizer during keratosis pilaris breakout, dab on a small amount of this oil onto your damp skin, focusing on the affected area. Leave the skin absorb sufficient amount of the elixir and wipe away any excess oil with clean tissue.
3. Coconut oil for skin massaging
Regular exfoliation and adequate skin moisturizing are going to improve skin with keratosis pilaris. As a result, you might not notice the affected area turn red; as the oil reduces inflammation and infection your skin is suffering from. However, along with these two main healing methods, there is another method that may promote healing to your affected area.
It is by using coconut oil as your natural massaging oil. Massaging the affected area in circular motion will promote sufficient blood pressure to the infection site, speeding up cell rejuvenation and regeneration, which is important for keratosis pilaris healing. Perform this treatment regularly until you see the redness and bumps subside.
4. Coconut oil as natural bathing oil
Along with unfiltered apple cider vinegar, coconut oil that is used as natural bath oil forms potent antibacterial and antimicrobial agent. This is advantageous to be used for your keratosis pilaris treatment, as it re-regulates keratin production and eventually reduce hair follicle buildups. To use this remedy, mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with 3-4 drops of coconut oil and add the solution into your warm bathing water. Use the water for bathing and soaking your body for 10 minutes before rinsing it entirely.
You can also add some honey to the vinegar-coconut oil mixture to make beneficial paste. Apply the paste all over the infected area, leave it for 15 minutes, and rinse it off with water. Do this regularly 2-3 times a week until your bumps are reduced.
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