Coconut Oil For Healthier Skin and Glow
Coconut Oil For Healthy Skin
I grew up with coconuts…actually coconut trees in the backyard. No need to go to the beach to hear the soothing rustle of its tooth-like leaves. The good thing about having coconut trees in your backyard is free coconuts ….growing in bunches up the lanky trunk. You can train a monkey to go get the coconut. Unfortunately, we didn’t have a pet monkey. Often, we would whack the coconuts off the tree with bamboo poles. That can take some persistence and good neck muscle. Or, simply allow the elements (wind, rain, or combination) to dislodge them. Just don’t stand in their way—you may get a “boo boo” the size of the coconut.
The unripe coconut (you recognize it by the green husk) yields succulent, slightly crunchy white flesh and refreshing drink (now, recognized for its electrolytes like nature’s Gatorade). The ripe ones (brown husk) has tougher white flesh (not as pleasing to eat as a snack) but when grated, gives white milk that’s often used in Asian cooking associated with curries, desserts and Thai food.
In the past, coconut milk has been put in the “naughty” list—people are told to avoid it because of its high saturated fats. In recent years, that claim has been yanked from its pedestal—recent studies found that the fatty acids found in coconut oil is mainly medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), shorter than the long-chain triglycerides (LCTs). As such, they are easily metabolized, according to Monique Ryan, a nutritionist and author of Sports Nutrition for Endurance Athletes. In fact, some animal studies suggest that MCTs can actually help weight loss.
But health benefits aside, coconut has been used in many skin and beauty products to good effects. It is not surprising given the fact that coconut oil boosts high levels of lauric acid, capric acid and capryllic acid and they contribute to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifugal and antibacterial properties. Its appealing smell is reminiscent of lazy beach days and exotic tropical settings.
According to Vermen M. Varallo-Rowell, M.D., award-winning American Fellow of Dermatologist and Medical Researcher, coconut can help you avoid obesity, boost immunity, protect against bacteria, fungus and viruses. It can be used to moisturize skin to achieve natural glow and beauty, even treating acne.
So, what are some of the products that can pamper your skin and generate glow and health? Here are some top picks:
Wrinkle Reducer
For centuries, people living in the tropics have used coconut oil as a skin moisturizer. According to the National Institute of Health, a study to determine the affectivity and safety of coconut oil compared to mineral oil revealed that coconut oil has antiseptic effects. Patients involved showed significant improvement in skin hydration and increase in skin surface lipid levels, comparable to mineral oil. Look for organic pure coconut oil for best results. Try Adara Organic Virgin Coconut oil.
Another good wrinkle reducer is Yes to Blueberries Eye Firming Treatment. It has rich coconut oil to reduce fine lines and fight skin-damaging free radicals (from the UV rays or environmental pollutants).
Drink for Your Skin
Dehydration can cause parched and dull skin. To combat dry skin, why not give your skin a rich moisturizing drink—one that not only nourishes the skin but fight free radicals and promote skin regeneration? Try Kate Sommerville Goat Milk Cream (has goat’s milk, coconut oil, grapeseed extract ).
Tropical Traditions Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Moisturizing Lotion contains organic virgin coconut oil, organic jojoba, grapeseed extract and essential oils of rosewood, lavender, ylang ylang, roman chamomile, geranium and rose. Dry skin will find this 100 percent pure moisturizing lotion a great skin saver.
Glow for Your Skin
Soft skin is wonderful but soft skin with glow is wow-getting. If you’re looking for a light-weight, fast absorbing botanical moisturizer that can give you the glow while moisturizing your face, why not try Tahitian Glow—Organic Coconut and Gardenia Angel’s Balm. It is 80 percent organic body butter balm, infused with coconut and Tahitian Gardenia.
Beauty experts will tell you that your skin needs to be
exfoliated on a regular basis to glow. Sloughing off old skin helps new skin to
takes its place. Philosophy Coconut Frosting Salt Scrub using natural sea salt to exfoliate dry, flaky skin, leaving your skin refreshed and resurfaced--ready to absorb moisture.
Replenish Skin
The dry air on an airplane can leave your skin dry and dull. A day at the beach or just romping in the sun or sitting in an air-conditioned room can do that as well. To fight the drying effects of the environment on your skin, carry moisturizing mist with you. The Body Shop carries a Coconut Milk Body Lotion that promises to enhance your skin’s moisture barrier. Just spritz some on whenever you feel dryness creeping up on you. The added bonus—it’s delightful beachy scent may transport you to the blissland of relaxation.
You may also want to try Victoria’s Secret Garden Coconut Passion Hydrating Body Lotion. This hydrating body lotion contains a sensuous blend of vanilla, coconut and Lily of the Valley with skin-replenishing aloe, oat, grapeseed extracts, vitamins E and C.
Bring Lush to Lips
No need to pump those lips up with collagen—get luscious lips with some help from coconut lip balm. Allow the rich conditioning effects of coconut oil to completely moisturize and sensualize the lips. Try Origins Smileage Plus Liptint. This lip balm also has a pretty natural looking tint, so you can just use it on its own.
Other considerations: try Dr. Nicholas Perricone also has Super Lush Lips with coconut oil and Alba Hawaiian Lip Balm, Coconut Cream.
