Several months ago, my son, then 14, started getting acne on his face. This is something that my husband is very passionate about and takes very seriously! You see, he also struggled with acne as a teenager. It wasn’t until he went into the Army Reserves and while at Basic Training, they sent him to a doctor for treatment, that he realized something could be done about it. They gave him a special face wash and some special prescription strength ointment cream (Benzoyl Peroxide) to help clear up his face. It worked like a charm!
Fast forward to our son having perpetual zits. We had him washing his face twice a day and nothing seemed to help. My husband decided that we must take him in to the doctor because he didn’t want him going through the same emotional trauma that he felt that he was subjected to all because he had pimples on his face. The doctor pretty much prescribed the same things that my husband had used. He used them, but they didn’t really seem to do much to help his face. Yes, it cleared up a little, but nothing significant.
Later, I got into a conversation with my mom about it. She told me about a friend of hers saying that they used coconut oil on her son’s face and it helped to keep his face clear. I then remembered reading about the same thing in a book as well. It seems so contrary to what you’re supposed to do. Put OIL on his face? I mean…isn’t it greasy enough already? Isn’t that why he is getting zits in the first place?
My mom gave us a little jar of coconut oil from her stash so we could try it out. Guess what?! It worked! What a relief! Now, we keep a little jar filled up in the bathroom for him to apply to his face each night after he washes it. His face has remained clear, aside from a small breakout here and there from his football helmet chin strap! I feel so much better not having him put harsh chemicals on his face and using something natural and good for him!
There are many other uses of coconut oil as well. Many people (including my wonderful mother) use it to cook with! If you’re interested in learning more about Coconut oil, consider purchasing the following book from Tropical Traditions. If you’re a first time customer to Tropical Traditions, you’d get the book for free with any order!
If you order by clicking on the link above and have never ordered from Tropical Traditions in the past, you will receive this free book on Virgin Coconut Oil, and I will receive a discount coupon for referring you.
Miah says
Hi, I have a pretty severe case of acne. I'm 12 and I'm a girl so you can imagine how stressful it is… when you apply it to your face do you keep it on for a certain amount of time, or do you just scrub it on and then wash it off?
Sidetracked Sarah says
My son always rubbed it in and then went to bed. He didn't take it off. Makes your skin so very soft, after a while of using it. I should add that after a while of playing football with the chin strap on his face, it started to not work as well after a while. We talked to a doctor and she highly recommended washing twice a day and then using witch hazel astringent on it after that. That seems to work when the coconut oil doesn't by itself.
Sidetracked Sarah says
So glad you stopped by Michelle! I hope it works just as well for you!
Cheryl V. says
Wow, for months I've been looking for a natural remedy for my daughter!!!
I use coconut oil for cooking, and take gel caps to help with energy and metabolism. My daughter gets bad breakouts yet never thought about coconut oil! I've been worried about side effects of the drugs the doctor wants to give her since she hasn't had pharmaceuticals, and I don't want to start now. I heard coconut oil can fight infection; maybe that's why it works so good…we were going to try it today!!!
Thanks Sarah!!
Sidetracked Sarah says
I know, I was the same way! Not wanting to put anything chemical on his face. My husband didn't feel the same way, but when I found an alternative that worked, we were both happy!
Coconut Oil says
I've read a lot about this recent study. The first time I saw it, I know that it can be true. It's because I've been using coconut oil as moisturizer and the effect is really good. My skin is smoother and softer than before. So I guess using it to treat acne is not something new. Coconut oil is indeed beneficial.
Jeri Lynn says
Thanks for this post. My son has a prescription acne cream, but it is very costly and not very effective. It clears the acne, but causes his skin to dry and peel. I cook with coconut oil, so I will have him give it a try.
Jalynn Patterson says
Sarah,
Is there any way you could go about telling us how to apply? We have used everything for my daughter. I have even shelled out several hundred for Proactiv. Nothing has worked.
thank you!
Jalynn
Sidetracked Sarah says
Hi Jalynn, I'm sorry for the delay in answering your comment! You just rub it into your skin. I hope it helps!
Sheri says
curios, do you apply it to your entire face or just the area where there is acne? Is acne the same thing as just getting the occasional pimple or zit? We are on the cusp of this teenage face care issue and I have no clue what to do as I don't want to use over the counter crappy stuff that has bad ingredients.
Sidetracked Sarah says
Hi Sheri. He puts it all over his face. I think acne is more like a bigger outbreak of zits that just won't go away, but I know it would work for the occasional zits as well. I hope it works for you when the time comes!
Dee Johnson says
Thank you for reminding me about this. I know I've heard of this, probably from my daughter-in-law, but I had forgotten about it. My 2 older sons are 13 and 15 and have acne on their faces and backs. It doesn't bother them (I homeschool), so they haven't done anything special for it. We will be trying this soon. Just curious, what does your son use to wash his face with? My daughter-in-law uses honey. Don't know if I can get my sons to try that. 😉 Thanks!
Sidetracked Sarah says
We just use over the counter facewash. I don't think I buy the same one each time. Just make sure their face is clean in some way. Honey? LOL Yeah, my son wouldn't be happy about that one, either. Too much sticky, lol.
laurie says
Oh, so trying this with my teen boy! Thanks for the tip!
Sidetracked Sarah says
You're welcome Laurie! Glad I could help!