The Amazing Properties of Coconut Oil

So it's Monday, the day before the beginning of March, and I thought I would blog about something different for a change.

Just like anyone else, I am more than my spiritual path. I love and enjoy doing so many other things; that's why my hobbies are all over the place most of time. However, the one things that stands out among all my hobbies is that I like to make my own natural skincare treatments, like facial cleansers, toners, masks, cleansing oils, facial moisturisers, soaps, shower gel, perfumes...You name it, I've probably tried to make my own natural (or at least more natural) version of it.

In the past year I discovered the amazing moisturising properties of coconut oil. I started off by using it as a deep conditioning treatment for my hair and a cleansing oil. It works pretty well with my hair type (fine, oily, damaged), but after experimenting with olive oil I had better results. I also had better results with olive oil as a cleansing oil for my face. I don't know why, but olive oil just gets the circulation flowing in my face and guck out of my pores like nothing else.
But the one thing coconut oil cannot be beat for: skin moisturising. I use it for my cuticles, hands, elbows, knees, arms, and legs. No body lotion I have ever used comes close to the softening and moisturising capabilities of this oil, and I have used and tried dozens of them over the years. Not to mention the fact that coconut oil absorbs very fast compared to other carrier oils, like sweet almond or olive oil, and feels less greasy on the skin. All pluses in my humble opinion; and I am very opinionated when it comes to the beauty/cosmetic products I use.

If you're going to try coconut oil as a moisturiser, I recommend the cold-pressed virgin variety. Refined versions are okay, but the most benefits come from using non-refined virgin coconut oil. I will say, however, if you're not a fan of the smell of coconut, refined coconut oil may be better. Virgin coconut oil has a very sweet, coconut scent. I think its fantastic and wished the scent lasted longer on my skin, but I know there are some people out there that cannot stand to smell or taste coconut. It just means for virgin coconut oil for me!
*Wink*
I'm just kidding, but I do think that anyone that wants a natural alternative for body or face moisturising should try a small jar. Virgin coconut oil is a bit on the expensive side, but one jar will last you months, if not over a year. Just a small amount of coconut oil will cover quite a bit if skin, so it lasts and lasts. I've been using my current jar for about 5 months and am only about 1/3 way through the jar. Much more economical than a body lotion or cream with tons of unnecessary chemical preservatives and silicones that will only last 2 or 3 months with daily use. Coconut oil naturally has a very long shelf life, and can last ages with proper storage. No preservatives or chemicals needed. And depending on your skin type, coconut oil can even be used as a facial moisturiser. I, myself, have oily, breakout prone skin, and I have used coconut oil as a face moisturiser in a pinch. It absorbs the fastest on just-out-of-the-shower damp skin; just a mist of toner and a tiny dab rubbed in the palm of hands will sink in no problem.

Coconut oil is sold in most grocery stores now, even the cold-pressed kind, so find a jar and try it out. I think most people would not be dissapointed with it as a natural alternative to the body lotions ad creams out there.

Until next time, blessed be, and have a great week.