Christy Goes Cuckoo for Coconuts

I've heard a lot of buzz online and among my social circles about the benefits of coconut and argan oil.  However, the biggest buzz is around coconut oil.  People are claiming that coconut oil is an excellent cleanser, moisturizer, acne cure...and yes, even SUNSCREEN!  I have the biggest issue with that last one!  Even thinking that an oil should be used as a SUNSCREEN is down right dangerous!  Shame on those who use the words "coconut oil" and "SPF" in the same sentence!

Although there is a TON of TALK surrounding coconut oil, there is very little clinical evidence that backs up any of these claims.  In fact, most of this information is based on the personal testimonies of bloggers.  They are not scientists, doctors, nurses, or trained skin care professionals.  Their claims are not based on clinical trials or scientific studies.   So, going with very little hard evidence backing these claims, I quit my Jan Marini Skin Care Management System (which is medically validated) and went cuckoo for coconut oil!

I  used organic fractionated coconut oil as a cleanser and organic 100% pure Moroccan argan oil as my moisturizer for one week.  I went with argan oil as my moisturizer, because it feels less greasy than the coconut oil.  Not wanting to increase my risk of skin cancer, I did forego using coconut oil as sun protection.  I used a mineral powder sun screen that carries the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation.

I broke out under my chin the very next morning!  Within just TWO days, I had about eight lesions including a big PAINFULLY deep acne cyst on my forehead.  For those who struggle with break outs, my pictures below my not seem shocking.  But you need to understand that I've been on AMAZING skin care for about two years now and this NEVER happens!  I may get one spot that pops up during my "lady cycle" once a month.  However, it's usually very superficial and gone within a day or two.

 

Despite wanting to stop my experiment with these oils after the first day, I stuck it out for the whole week.  The coconut oil "cleanser" didn't cleanse my skin at all.  It did emulsify my makeup, which made it easier for my washcloth to do the real work of cleansing by removing the grime.  However, my skin was never really clean.  I could feel the film of dirty oil stuck to my skin even after I washed it with water.  Remember when oil emulsifies, the "dirt" is now mixed in with the oil.  So, as long as that oily film remains on my face, so does the dirt.  The skin is never really cleansed of impurities. 

 

My skin not only felt dirty, it also felt either super greasy or really dry the entire week.  The argan oil is less greasy than coconut oil, but it's greasy nonetheless.  The grease slick would wear off throughout the day leaving my skin feeling dry and unprotected. 

 

Based on my personal experience and as a skin care professional, I would NOT recommend these oils  for skin care purposes.

 

Coconut oil does not cut it as a cleanser.

 

Coconut and argan oils do not

provide adequate daily hydration.

 

OILS ARE NOT SUN PROTECTION!!!

 

Oils are not exfoliators. 

 

Oils do not clear out the

follicle in order to prevent acne.

 

Oils do not create an oxygen rich environment

within the follicle killing P. acnes bacteria.

 

However, some* OILS make FABULOUS salad dressing!

 

I understand that people want natural skin care solutions.  However, there are a lot of things in this world that are natural (like lead, arsenic and UV radiation), but that doesn't mean you should expose you skin to it!  And "cheap & natural" skin care doesn't equate "high quality & clinically effective" skin care. 

 

If you are looking for skin care solutions that WORK, book a FREE skin consultation with one of our highly trained licensed estheticians!

 

 

*not all oils are edible.