Topical Use of Coconut Oil

In the May 2014 issue of the Natural Medicine Journal, authors Elmore, Nance, Singleton, and Lorenz review studies on the topical use of coconut oil.  Components of coconut oil (lauric, caprylic, and capric acid) have anti-microbial activity and coconut oil can be used topically to treat/address skin infections.    Topical coconut oil was found to be effective in reducing staph aureus colonization of atopic dermatitis/eczema lesions, in reducing the level of the main bacteria that contributes to acne, and in reducing candida/yeast infections.  For the most part, coconut oil is hypoallergenic and well tolerated, topically, by most people and is a good oil to consider for skin health support.  It is best to buy certified organic extra virgin coconut oil and I prefer to buy all fat rich foods in glass containers to prevent any plastic based toxins from transferring from the container into the oil/food.