Scars can cause many insecurities, but fading them can improve the skin's overall appearance.
The fatty acids in coconut oil work like antioxidants and because of the moisture, it helps fade the appearance of scars. The Vitamin E it contains stimulates cell turnover rate, which results in collagen build-up for healing purposes. If applied, your skin becomes stronger and improves texture as well. Skin damage can be prevented by applying coconut oil. Not only that but it is also thought to reverse already damaged skin.
How to Use Coconut Oil to Fade Scars
The recommended coconut oil to use is “cold-pressed virgin coconut oil or “VCO”
Apply it 3-4 times a day. Put a small amount on the scar, and massage it for 5 mins, after 10 mins, you can either leave it on or wash it off with warm water. (only use on scars that are fully healed)
Try avoiding exposure to the sun, though it's best to apply and leave on overnight.
Your diet can also help speed up the process of fading scars with coconut oil. Its recommended to drink plenty of water and eat organic foods.
If you have a very severe scar, advanced treatment may be required, so it’s best to seek professional help first before trying at-home remedies.
Keep in mind that older scars won’t vanish completely but their appearance can be reduced if applied daily.
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How Does Coconut Oil Help Remove Scars?
You already know that vitamin E is beneficial, but there are many therapeutic uses to utilizing coconut oil on your skin. Capric, caprylic, and lauric acids are present in coconut oil. They contain disinfectant properties and antibacterial agents to fight against the bacteria in scars. In addition to that, medium-chain fatty acids will keep the skin supple and moisturized. These fatty acids can improve the healing process to increase collagen production. You can use coconut oil to prevent new scars from forming, protecting against environmental damage.
Research About Coconut Oil’s Effects on Scarring
Scarring on the skin is complex, and treating it can be challenging. If you want to use coconut oil for your scars, you should look at the research. Let's look at a few things you should know about using coconut oil to treat scars.
Acne Scars
After a breakout, there is a chance that acne scars can develop. The collagen fibers surrounding the pores will break down. Rolling scars, boxcars, and ice pick scars are the most common types associated with acne. Coconut oil can help boost collagen levels and repair the skin. Some people will place the coconut oil over dark spots after an acne breakout. One of the key ingredients in coconut oil is vitamin E. Lauric acid is another ingredient. It is known to reduce Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) which can occur in cases of inflammatory acne. Using it for acne scars can prevent future lesions and scarring that occur after an outbreak.
Stretch Marks
Stretch marks can be unsightly. They happen when the middle layer of the skin stretches at a fast rate, and it can be the result of weight gain or pregnancy. Once stretch marks develop, they can be challenging to treat. Over time, the stretch marks will fade in color, becoming less noticeable. Coconut oil can help soothe the skin and help repair those stretch marks.
Surgical Scars
If your skin has been wounded, scar tissues can form while the new skin is being developed. Surgery is one of the causes of these scars. Most people will reach for vitamin E products to help reduce any wounds. However, coconut oil is another good product. A 2010 animal study showed that coconut oil helped improve the wound site by increasing collagen production.
Contracture Scars
After a traumatic injury, you might have contracture scars. Not only is a scar visible, but the areas can be painful as well. Scar contractures are often treated with skin grafting. After a traumatic injury, you may want to use coconut oil to help heal.
Benefits of Using Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is extracted from dried coconut flakes or raw coconuts. This oil can benefit many skin types, including normal to dry skin. Those fatty acids will help to hydrate and protect the skin. One reason that many people use coconut oil is that it contains lauric acid and linoleic acid. Lauric acid does have antibacterial properties, while linoleic acid can retain skin moisture. If you have dry skin because of the scars, coconut oil can soften hydrate, and soften your skin, making it look refreshed.
Coconut oil will help to bolster your skin's protective barrier layer. When you apply it to the skin, it will keep the skin supple and hydrated as it traps the moisture inside the layer of skin. Coconut oil is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties in relieving chafed, irritated skin.
You already know that coconut oil can increase collagen production. When there is additional collagen in the skin, it will have better elasticity and maintain firmness. Along with helping in the scar healing process, coconut oil can eliminate the formation of wrinkles and fine lines.
According to beauty bloggers, coconut oil can help to lighten dark patches. By adding lemon juice, you could be able to enhance this effect on your skin. Remember that there is no definite research on coconut oil and the reduction of dark patches, so use caution.
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Are There Any Side Effects?
Like any type of skincare ingredient, using coconut oil can cause a few adverse reactions. Before you apply the oil to your skin, make sure to perform a skin patch test. You can see whether you will negatively react to the coconut oil. As you may have guessed, if you are allergic to coconut, you should not use this product on your skin. Those allergic to hazelnuts or walnuts could have an allergic sensitivity to concur oil. If that applies to you, speak to your dermatologist before using coconut oil on your scars.
For those with oily skin, you may want to use caution with coconut oil. Coconut oil is comedogenic, meaning it can clog up pores. Some individuals have found that coconut oil can clear breakout, while others have found it too heavy for everyday use. The heaviness of the oil might contribute to acne breakout. Those affected by oily skin and have problems with pimples, whiteheads, and breakouts might want to choose another product.
For those with a weakened immune system or who use long-term antibiotics, reconsider using coconut oil for your scars. The oil might clog your pores, creating a breeding ground for bacterial or fungal infections.
Pityrosporum folliculitis is also called Malassezia folliculitis. This skin condition is a type of fungal acne that can cause painful breakout on the skin.
When To See Your Dermatologist
Coconut oil is a natural product, but it is a powerful skincare tool in your beauty care routine. Before you use coconut oil on the skin, you will want to check with your dermatologist.
If you use this product, always keep an eye on your skin and watch for any unusual symptoms. In the case of irritation, discontinue use. For the most part, coconut oil is beneficial for many people, and they never experience any issues with its usage. When you follow all of the directions, you should see the benefits of this product.