Best Way To Use Coconut Oil For Rosacea: Benefits and Risks

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I. Benefits
II. Uses
III. Precautions

Rosacea is a common skin condition that many people don't know what it is or that they have it. It is characterized by facial redness, swollen red bumps that look like pimples, enlarged nose, hot and tender skin. These symptoms make people mistake rosacea with acne or just sensitive skin, which leads them to not care for their skin correctly. Although anyone can have this skin condition, women tend to have a higher chance of getting it, especially women with fair skin. This chronic skin disease requires consistent care to be controlled successfully. Scientists haven't yet discovered the cause and cure of it, but fortunately, some treatments can reduce its symptoms. One of those treatments is coconut oil. This oil can treat many beauty issues and is also one of the best foods for skin care. You will find out more below, the benefits of coconut oil for rosacea and the guide on how to use it to calm rosacea symptoms at home.

There is no science-based evidence for the following homemade recipes. The recipes we've focused on are traditional home remedies, so always consult your doctor and check out your health condition regularly to know if a remedy is working for you.

Top 5 Ways Of Using Coconut Oil For Rosacea: Benefits, Uses, And Risks

I. Benefits Of Coconut Oil For Rosacea Skin

Coconut oil or copra oil is derived from fresh coconuts’ meat. It's a widely available ingredient that is natural and free of harsh chemicals. According to a 2017 article of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, topical application of coconut oil has anti-inflammatory and barrier repair effects, which are useful to treat the signs of rosacea^[1]. Listed below are some of the benefits of coconut oil as a rosacea treatment:

1. Moisturize The Skin

The fundamental reason for using coconut oil for rosacea skin is due to its moisturizing property. Coconut oil is an occlusive moisturizer, packed with medium-chain fatty acids, which helps lock the moisture inside your skin at the same time helping it feel silky smooth. It also gently removes dead skin cells which leaves your skin softer. Typical rosacea skin is usually flaky and irritated and therefore, coconut oil can calm the situation.

2. Provide Nutrients And Protect Skin From Toxins

Coconut oil is rich in nutrients that are good for the skin such as vitamin E, vitamin A, and various antioxidants, all of which work together to help shield the skin from external damages such as UV rays from the sun. As stated by a 2018 article of the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, exposure to impurification in the air may make the signs of rosacea more visible – this phenomenon is called oxidative stress^[2]. Coconut oil can help reserve this problem by aiding in the regeneration process of the skin cells.

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3. Reduce Bumps And Swelling

Coconut oil contains several valuable acids such as lauric acid, capric acid, ferulic acid, and caprylic acid. They have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-microbial effects that fight off pimples, bumpiness and soothe out irritated skin. Coconut oil is also said to be effective in reducing swelling^[3]. Particularly in people with rosacea's cases, coconut oil will effectively diminish puffiness under your eyes, nose, and cheeks.

4. Reduce The Severity Of Rosacea

A knowledge that is only commonly known between dermatologists is that there have always been microscopic eight-legged mites living on your face called Demodex folliculorum – Demodex mites for short. They are usually not harmful. However, a study has shown that these mites are a factor in the development of rosacea and contribute to its severity^[4]. Demodex mites feast on the oil from your skin, yeast as well as damaged skin. You can never get rid of all the mites. Still, since coconut oil has anti-fungal properties, it helps lower the amount of yeast the Demodex mites eat, hence depress their population.

II. How To Use Coconut Oil For Rosacea

It is always best to check with your dermatologists first before using any kind of treatment on your face.
When choosing what type of coconut oil to purchase, make sure you choose high-quality virgin coconut oil, preferably cold-pressed. If you buy coconut oil with added ingredients such as essential oil, it could further irritate your skin. Cold-pressed oil is processed at lower temperatures than expeller-pressed oil or refined oil. It doesn't alter the properties of the oil, and fewer nutrients are lost in the process.
Before trying to use your coconut oil, remember to do a patch test on your wrist or neck, and wait 15 minutes to see if you have any allergic reaction to the oil. After that, if there is no reaction, you can safely use the coconut oil by applying it topically or consume it internally.
It's normal for your coconut oil to be solid at room temperature. Just scoop an adequate amount out of the container and warm it up by rubbing it between your palms. This also makes the oil easier to absorb into your skin. Be sure to wash your hands clean with hand soap before rubbing.
To apply coconut oil topically, start by washing your face with a mild facial cleanser for sensitive skin. Then, pat your face lightly with a dry cotton towel to get rid of the excess water. Next, gently massage the coconut oil all over your face for 5 minutes, then wash it off with lukewarm water.
Another way you can use coconut oil is to make a facial mask of 1 tablespoon coconut oil and 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel. Mix them well together, apply evenly to your face, and wash it off with warm water after 10 to 15 minutes.
You can also apply coconut oil to your face at night and leave it on overnight as a replacement for your regular moisturizer. Or whenever your skin feels dry throughout the day, apply a bit of coconut oil on the dry areas.
Occasionally, you can cook with a moderate amount of coconut oil to be healthier from the inside.

III. Precautions

Coconut oil may seem natural and safe for everyone to use. However, there are some risks and warnings you should keep in mind.

Do not use coconut oil if you are allergic to coconut.
The signs of an allergic reaction are redness, itchiness, and red spots.
Impure oil can cause more irritation.
Preserve your oil well at a dry place with a constant temperature.
Coconut oil can be comedogenic. Consequently, if your skin is prone to whiteheads or blackheads, it can cause acne when applied an abundant amount on the skin at once.
Stop using the oil if your rosacea got worse and seek professional care.
Too much coconut oil internal consumption is not advised since it contains lots of saturated fats, which increase the likelihood of heart disease and weight gain.

In conclusion, coconut oil can ease the inflammation and swelling symptoms of rosacea. It's your go-to remedy to fight this chronic disease. Coconut oil might not work for everybody. It might not work for you, but there are other remedies you can know more about on our website. Do you know other benefits of coconut oil for rosacea treatment? Let us know by leaving your comments in the comment box below.

All content provided are for informational & educational purposes. We recommend you consult a healthcare professional to determine which method is appropriate for you.

Read more: How To Get Rid Of Sebaceous Cysts Naturally. This article was medically reviewed/fact checked by Dr. Perpetua Neo (DClinPsy, UCL; MPhil, Cambridge).