Puxatawney Phil saw his shadow on February 2nd which means six more weeks of winter. Skiers, snowboarders, snowshoe enthusiasts, and ice climbers are thrilled. Those not so thrilled — those people NOT in the above populations and those slipping, chipping and digging out from the mounds of snow in the Boston area. Many parts of the United States are experiencing unusually cold temperatures this winter and lots of people are just plain “over it.” Whether you’re enjoying the winter months or not, we all experience the dry skin that comes with winter air and frigid temperatures.
Coconut oil is being touted as a super body and personal care product.
Why, you ask?
Coconut oil has many health benefits, and can be used in a variety of ways to reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals in health and beauty products.
Natural Coconut Oil:
- Is loaded with saturated fats, up to 90 percent in fact.
- Has been praised for it’s anti-aging properties.
- Retains the moisture content of the skin, keeping skin healthy.
- Contains fatty acids Capric, Caprylic and Lauric which provide strong disinfectant and antibacterial properties.
- Is rich in proteins promoting cellular health and tissue repair.
- Doesn’t become rancid, like many other skin creams.
“The combination of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-bacterial and hydrating properties make it truly unique,” says Dr. Whitney Bowe, MD, a dermatologist in Westchester and New York City.
How to Use Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil contains healthy fatty acids. such as: Capric, Caprylic and Lauric which provide strong disinfectant and antibacterial properties.
Experience #1 — Me, the Novice!
Apparently, a little goes a long way! I learned this the hard way.
Since I was accustomed to using other liquid oils (grapeseed, jojoba and almond) I jumped on the coconut oil bandwagon and purchased a jar that was liquid. The jar opening was narrow and I ended up with oil down the sink and wasted as it poured quickly around the cotton ball. It was messy. I didn’t know how much to put on and since my skin was super dry, I slathered it on like crazy. It was too much and my skin felt so greasy that I didn’t even want to put my clothes on. Not a good first experience.
Experience #2 — Success!
Coconut oil can be used in making healthy soaps, creams and moisturizers.
I loved the smell, the health virtues AND the all natural, non toxic aspect of coconut oil as a moisturizer. So, despite the minor initial setback, I decided to give it another go and am delighted to report that it’s a wonderful moisturizer and I’m experimenting more each week!
These were very helpful tips to follow in “experience #2!”
- Try to buy your oil in a jar with a broad opening, whether it’s solid or in liquid form.
- Take a SMALL amount and rub it into your palms and then onto your skin. You only need a small amount to protect your skin.
- Don’t feel the need to reapply like other lotions or creams, as it really lasts a long time.
- Try to use organic, extra virgin coconut oil vs. the refined oils. Refined coconut oil refers to coconut oil that has been bleached, heated and deodorized, damaging polyphenols which act as antioxidants. Virgin coconut oil is extracted from fresh coconut meat rather than dried.
*Refined oils have a higher smoking point so are recommended for cooking. (Healthy Eating)
Coconut oil is a great non toxic option for moisturizing dry skin.
Ten Skin-tastic Benefits of Coconut Oil!
- Helps reduce inflammation in skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis and aids in skin repair (Home Remedies for Life)
- Is an ideal alternative for lip gel and even it you ingest it, it’s non toxic
- Works wonders for cracked feet, rough elbows and knees
- Removes make-up gently without resorting to harsh chemicals
- Creates smoother, shinier and frizz-free hair
- Helps prevent stretch marks
- Acts as a natural SPF 4 sunscreen
- Gets rid of cradle cap on babies
- Can be used to make a natural “bug-off” lotion bar
- Can be used to make homemade soap, deodorant, shaving cream, conditioners, sunscreens, scrubs and more….
Speaking of homemade recipes, here are a few easy ones to try:
Whipped Coconut Body Butter ( from Café Mom )
Less than 10 minutes to make! Click here for a printable recipe card.
Homemade moisturizer (from Live Simply)
Fast AND easy! Click here for a printable recipe card.
Rosemary Mint Shaving Cream (from Shaina at Food for My Family )
Smooth shave here we come. Click here for a printable recipe card.
So many recipes, so little time and space-check the web for more wonderful ideas!
And As we strive to keep our skin hydrated this winter, remember:
There are literally dozens of skin-tastic recipes on the Internet that incorporate the health benefits of coconut oil.
Tips for Maintaining your own Natural Body Oils:
- Try to keep your showers and baths to warm water and 10 minutes or less as the hot water strips our skin of necessary protective oils
- Try not to use “sudsy soaps,” as they contain sulfates and can strip your skin — I try to use a paraben-free body wash or sulfate-free soap
- Drink more Water! It goes right into your skin!
If you didn’t catch my post on “The Perils of Parabens” back in November, click here.
Today, there are more natural non toxic moisturizers to choose from than ever. I know many of you, like me, are cooking with coconut oil.
However, if you’re game, give your body one of the best home spa treatments by using it on your skin in one of the ways from the list above. Trust me, you’ll be pleasantly surprised! And let me hear your success stories!
Here’s to Skin-tastically Soft Skin Using Coconut Oil!
Sources:
Healthy Eating-Rose Haney
Home Remedies
The Huffington Post
Wellness Mama
Organic Facts
If you “Like” this post, I’d be thrilled if you’d share it.
MAR
