Fact Check: Can Drinking Coconut Water Once a Day Cure Acne?
An Instagram post claims that drinking coconut water once a day cures acne. The claim is False.
Claim
The Instagram user beauty.centres posted a claim highlighting the health benefits of drinking coconut water. The the post the user states, "Drinking coconut water once in a day for daily helps to get rid of frizzy hair naturally, reduce hair fall, cures acne, protects against skin infections and makes skin glowing and healthy."
Among other claims, the post claims that drinking coconut water cures acne.
The post has 26,516 likes and can be accessed here.
Fact Check
The claim is False. Coconut water is known for its health benefits and skincare properties, but there is no evidence or medical consensus supporting its ability to cure acne.
Health Benefits of Coconut Water
Coconut water, the translucent liquid found in young coconuts of the Cocos nucifera plant, is widely recognized as a naturally refreshing beverage. Especially popular in tropical regions due to its high potassium content, it is praised for its hydrating benefits. This natural drink contains bioactive enzymes like acid phosphatase, catalase, dehydrogenase, diastase, and peroxidase, which help support digestion. Additionally, it is a source of essential nutrients such as sugars, vitamin C, folic acid, free amino acids, auxin, pantothenic acid, and B vitamins (B1, B2, and B6). Along with these, coconut water provides key minerals including potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, making it beneficial for overall health.
What is Acne?
Acne is a widespread skin problem that affects more than 85% of teenagers and can significantly impact emotional health, causing low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal due to changes in appearance and feelings of embarrassment or shame.
It happens when sebaceous glands (oil glands) in the skin get clogged and bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes start to grow, leading to acne. Certain medications like corticosteroids, oral contraceptives, and chemicals such as dioxins can trigger acne, as can endocrine disorders like Cushing’s syndrome and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). Acne features include oily skin (seborrhea), blackheads, whiteheads, and inflamed lesions like pustules, papules, nodules, and cysts, typically on the face, chest, and back.
Can Acne be Cured?
Acne cannot be completely prevented or cured, but it can be effectively managed with appropriate treatment. Managing acne involves a personalized approach based on the severity of the condition, individual preferences, and response to previous treatments. For mild to moderate cases, topical treatments that reduce inflammation and prevent clogged pores are often effective. Severe cases may require advanced therapies such as oral antibiotics or hormonal therapies to address underlying causes. Maintaining a proper skincare routine with non-comedogenic products and gentle cleansing is essential to support treatment and prevent breakouts treatment efficacy.
Dr Shireen Furtado, Sr. Consultant - Medical & Cosmetic Dermatology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, spoke to Medical dialogues explaining whether hydration plays some role in managing acne, "Hydration orally, though not directly related to acne. Adequate water intake helps maintain skin elasticity and overall health, which can prevent the overproduction of sebum, a key contributor to acne development. When the skin is well-hydrated, it is better equipped to regulate oil production and maintain a balanced microbiome, both of which are essential for preventing clogged pores and subsequent breakouts. Hydration also supports the skin's barrier function, reducing inflammation and irritation that can arise from dryness, thereby decreasing the severity of acne lesions."
Can drinking coconut water once a day cure acne?
Coconut water offers several health benefits, as it contains bioactive enzymes like acid phosphatase and catalase that aid digestion, along with essential nutrients such as sugars, vitamin C, folic acid, free amino acids, and vitamins B1, B2, and B6. However, there is no scientific evidence that mentions the role of coconut water in curing acne, also there is no consensus within the medical fraternity that supports the claim that drinking coconut water daily cures acne.
A review article published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research mentioned that tender coconut water restores strength and elasticity to the skin and also reduces wrinkles and sagging of the skin. However, this study doesn't mention any role of coconut water in curing acne.
Similarly, another study published in the Journal of Functional Foods highlighted that fresh coconut water is abundant in kinetin, a cytokinin plant hormone, which can help delay ageing signs in human skin cells.
Yet another review published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research noted that coconut water, with its balanced electrolytes like sodium and potassium, helps restore electrolyte losses through the skin and urine. Cococin, a freeze-dried form of coconut water, has been used in dietary supplements and anti-ageing skincare.
All these studies highlight the role of coconut water in skincare and its anti-ageing properties. However, none of them mention coconut water as a cure for acne. Additionally, there is no consensus within the medical community supporting the claim that drinking coconut water can cure acne.
Dr Priyanka Kuri, Consultant- Dermatology, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, told Medical Dialogues, "Coconut water has many anti-microbial properties that help reduce inflammation caused by acne. There is no specific study that indicates that drinking coconut water once a day will heal acne, but it can surely be included in the skincare routine along with other ingredients to attain hydrated and glowing skin."
To this Dr Shireen Furtado, Sr. Consultant - Medical & Cosmetic Dermatology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, added, "Coconut water is rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which may contribute to overall skin health. Its hydrating properties can also play a role in maintaining skin moisture, potentially aiding in the prevention of acne exacerbated by dryness. However, while coconut water may offer some benefits, it is essential to recognize that acne is a complex condition influenced by various factors, including hormonal fluctuations, dietary habits, and individual skin types. While incorporating coconut water into one’s diet may support skin health due to its nutrient profile, it should not be viewed as a standalone solution."
Medical Dialogues Final Take
Coconut water is well-known for its health benefits, including aiding digestion and promoting skin health with its nutrients and enzymes. While it offers anti-ageing and skincare benefits, there is no evidence or consensus within the medical community to support claims that it can cure acne.
Hence the claim drinking coconut water once a day cures acne is False.
