Monday, May 26, 2014
Hi everyone, I hope you enjoy my posts about the more healthy alternatives to skin care, and how you can DIY your skincare routine. In the next 3 posts, I will provide a little more information on the skin cream base that I use.
In my previous post, I mentioned I used an off the shelf, already formulated Cocoa butter and Shea butter, and refined Coconut oil. I couldn't find the higher quality unrefined version. I was traveling and I didn't' have my usual things with me. I also wasn't there long enough to shop around and find the best ingredients.
Today's' post is about Coconut oil, including which is better type to buy.
We've all been told that the liquid oils are better than the solid oils for cooking because the liquid oils have unsaturated fat. This means that there are fewer hydrogen atoms in its chemical structure. The more hydrogen atoms, the harder the oil, and the longer it's shelf life which in turn equals $$ to manufacturer's. Coconut oil is solid below 76oF. It IS a saturated, fat, but the chains of fatty acids, such as lauric acid are not as long as those of the other less healthy solid fats, so the body can break it down more easily, use it as energy ensuring that less of it goes to fat stores. The lauric acid also helps boost metabolism and is a natural antimicrobial agent. There are indications too, that coconut oil may protect against Alzheimer's, help with weight loss efforts, besides giving you more energy. It is important however, that you are using the unrefined, virgin, and organic brands of coconut oil, because when refined, many of healthy properties are refined out, and unhealthy chemicals are refined in.
So that is information about how good it is for your INSIDE. What about your OUTSIDE? it is the ultimate multitasking oil! It can be used on skin and hair. I have a jar in my bathroom that I use in my long hair. after I wash it, when still wet. it doesn't take much, but it sure helps keep my hair smooth. It is the base of my skin creams. As with cooking, you should use unrefined, organic, virgin oil. Those which come in a glass containers are best, but plastic will do as long as it is unrefined, organic and virgin. You will see terms like expeller pressed and cold pressed. Both are processes where the oil is mechanically squeezed out of the coconut meat, but during the cold pressed process, the temperature is kept under 120oC. The cooler temperature helps keep the coconut oil's healthy nutrients from becoming depleted. Coconut oil appears to have a natural SPF so it also give some measure of protection to your skin against the sun's harmful and damaging UV rays. There are several other benefits. Coconut oil helps with several skin problems like eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis. Additionally, it can be used on your children's skin as well.
What brands are good? my research indicates that brands such as Tropical Traditions, and Carrington Farms How do you know if it is refined or unrefined? Can you tell? Yes. The unrefined brands will smell of fresh coconut. The refined brands have no smell.
Here is a quick recipe for an anti-stretch mark cream (which will also have you smelling like a mounds bar!):
1/3 cup of coconut oil
1/4 cup cocoa butter
Melt together in a pyrex 2 cup measuring cup, which is on a skillet containing water. Once melted, wait 10-15 minutes then start stirring the cream until fluffy
Spoon into a jar of your choosing. Rub on targeted area every night. This is concentrated, so a little goes a long way.
If you try it, let me know how you do or don't like it! If you do like it, could you please share here ? Below is a link to the coconut oil we prefer to use. Thanks!
Carrington Farms Coconut Oil