In the past, we’ve talked about a whole host of uses for coconut oil – as a beauty aid, in cooking and general health benefits – but it can even be used to treat specific skin conditions, such as keratosis pilaris (KP). If you’re not familiar with the scientific name, it is also colloquially referred to as ‘chicken skin’, and is characterised by rough, raised bumps on the skin which are often a pink/red colour on light skin, and brown bumps on darker skin. It appears most frequently on your back, outer arms, thighs and face, but can occur almost anywhere on the body. Keratosis pilaris is incredibly common and affects somewhere between 30-50% of adults, and 50-80% of adolescents (which is also the stage of life when it most frequently develops). It is more common in women than men and is passed down genetically, but despite all of this, it is entirely harmless.

Many people, however, wish to treat KP for entirely cosmetic reasons, and this is where coconut oil comes in. There are many different proposed treatments for the condition, but as a completely natural solution, applying coconut oil directly to the affected area commonly comes out on top. This is due to the high levels of lauric acid preventing an excessive build up of keratin in hair follicles, which causes the bumps to develop in the first place. As well as this, coconut oil (particularly virgin or extra virgin coconut oil) has anti-inflammatory properties, which should reduce the redness of the bumps as well as generally moisturising the skin if it’s dry.

Ma Devlin’s coconut oil is ideal for treating common skin conditions such as keratosis pilaris and other similar ailments. Browse our online shop today and buy with the confidence of knowing that you are getting the highest quality extra virgin coconut oil available.