Coconut Oil for Keratosis Pilaris: How People Get Results with This Popular Remedy

Keratosis pilaris is stubborn. It shows up as embarrassing red bumps on arms and legs, which occur because the hair follicles aren’t shedding properly and get clogged with a protein called keratin.

But testimonials online show over and over that people who use virgin coconut oil the right way are solving their keratosis pilaris within as little as a week.

Coconut oil used correctly can achieve so much:

• Soothes inflammation
• Reduces redness
• Moisturizes
• Sanitizes with anti-bacterial properties

How does it do all that?

These benefits are thanks to the lauric acid in the oil. Used topically, these unique fatty acids are easily absorbed for deep moisture. And their anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial properties pack a punch. That’s also why coconut oil’s benefits work inside and out: Even people who eat virgin coconut oil or take coconut oil softgels often report improved, glowing skin. It also doesn’t feel greasy like a heavier oil. Coconut oil absorbs fast into the skin in a silky way, leaving you soft, moisturized, and smelling downright delicious.

Want to solve your keratosis pilaris? Try these tips!

Keratosis Pilaris Treatment Plan: 5 Important Tips

Here are five tips you can start using now to nix a keratosis pilaris problem:

1. Exfoliate – If your hair follicles don’t shed, they build up into unsightly red bumps. Use a natural loofah to lather up your virgin coconut oil in the shower. You can also use a coconut oil scrub. Sugar scrubs are perfect, because sugar is a natural glycolic acid (which dermatologists prescribe for KP). Put sugar and coconut oil together, and boom! You exfoliate and heal at once. (Try: Pure Fiji Spa Coconut Sugar Rub; SUYISUER Natural Loofah.)
2. Moisturize – After your shower, apply a small amount of coconut oil to damp skin and rub it in. Wipe away any excess if needed. You can also try the coconut oil body butter and lotion recipes below.
   
3. Eat right – Stay away from trans fats! They are commonly in hydrogenated oils and margarine. Virgin coconut oil has none, and is a great replacement for unhealthy fats. Also, check for allergies to gluten, wheat or dairy, as food allergies can play a role in skin conditions like KP. Foods low on the glycemic index (less refined carbs, basically) are also related to improvement of KP. (Try: Nutiva Virgin Coconut Oil.)
   
4. Take Supplements – An omega-3 deficiency can worsen KP. Take omega-3 or fish oil supplements if indicated for you, in addition to supplementing with unrefined, virgin coconut oil. You can eat coconut oil by the tablespoon (1-3, depending on weight and how long you’ve been taking it). Or, just take organic coconut oil in softgels like these to avoid the taste of plain oil, which some don’t like. (Try: Nutiva Coconut Oil; Organic Coconut Oil Softgels; Dr. Tobias Triple Strength Omega-3s Fish Oil)
   
5. Avoid harsh chemicals – Avoid soap and lotion ingredients like sodium lauryl sulphate, petroleum, artificial fragrance, mineral oil, parabens, and dimethicone. Even some coconut oil products that claim to be natural can have some of these, so check labels. A good castile or coconut oil soap is preferable. (Try Dr. Bronner Pure Castile Soap, Hemp Almond;  Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Liquid Soap; or Nubian Heritage Coconut & Papaya Soap.)

Keep reading for DIY coconut oil beauty recipes. Or get a complete keratosis pilaris-busting plan with Banish My Bumps.

Coconut Oil DIY Beauty Recipes:

If you love the prospect of coconut oil’s benefits for your skin, yet still want something a little more luxurious than just your jar of coconut oil in the shower, try whipping up one of these three skin-enhancing beauty recipes!

• Coconut Oil Sugar Scrub: Mix one part white granulated sugar, one part brown sugar, and two parts extra virgin coconut oil. Consider adding a spoonful of vanilla extract or honey for additional moisture-sealing properties.
• Whipped Coconut Oil Body Butter: Use a mixer, food processor, or wire whisk to whip your coconut oil into a luxurious, fluffy body butter. For this to work, the oil needs to be solid and cool — too much warmth plus the mixer’s friction can make the oil liquid. Still not sure? Try popping your coconut oil in the freezer or fridge for several minutes before whipping it. If you want, you can add one part shea butter or cocoa butter for every two parts coconut oil, a spoonful of liquid vitamin E, and a few drops of essential oil.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Coconut Oil Lotion: Mix one part apple cider vinegar and one part coconut oil and add a small bit of honey (or another emulsifier) to blend. Apply to affected area of skin.

More skin recipes in greater detail can be found on our coconut oil salt scrub recipes page.

Coconut Oil Products for Keratosis Pilaris Treatment

If you want to save time, these products have fantastic natural ingredients.

Nubian Heritage Coconut & Papaya Soap – Coconut Oil is moisturizing (aka, an emollient), and vanilla is a humectant that helps retain the moisturizing benefits of the coconut. I love this natural soap brand so much, by the way. Everything smells good enough to eat! Seriously, it’s like heaven.

Pure Fiji Spa Coconut Sugar Rub – This spa scrub is made from high-quality virgin coconut oil, nut extracts, and natural sugar cane to buff skin and unclog pores. Other coconut scrubs I’ve seen for sale use salt, which I don’t think is as ideal as sugar for treating Keratosis Pilaris and red bumpy skin. Plus, this is made with cold-pressed, unrefined coconut oil, not the typically refined kind in other bath products. For a similar product with a lower price, see the next entry.

Nutiva Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil