All Hail Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is pretty much everything right now. In the words of every basic biatch out there- I can't even. Because I can't EVEN explain how happy I am to have found and played around with this anything-but-basic miracle oil. My personal favorite characteristic of coconut oil is the texture and ability to create MANY beneficial beauty products with it. Seriously, Coconut oil is basically the Meryl Streep of Carrier Oils (that woman can play any role and kill it…. it's really impressive). I ignored the coconut oil hype at first, I mean, why would I want to rub something I cook my grilled cheeses in all over my bod? I was so: "Uhh. Lets just save the coconut for the swim up bar Hawaii 2014!" Then I remembered I'm poor and Hawaii 2014 was going to be more like 2000-never so…. whatever, I let that dream go.

I originally started researching coconut oil for my acne. As much as I do think coconut oil could be a positive solution for some peoples acne-prone skin, it just really wasn't mine. My skin is way too cystic/hormonal/life-ruining etc. However, I would never discourage people from trying it. ESPECIALLY if your acne days are over (PS- F you, must be nice to be an adult with clear skin… I'm sure your teen self is so proud). ANYWAYS, even though it didn't work for my acne, I found a different relationship with it and I am beyond OK with that.

-Why Coconut Oil is Queen B-

(Beyonce if you're reading this, which I'm sure you are, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean it)

First off, it is free of water. So immediately you know you're not getting ripped off and you're not going to be tricked into feeling hydrated and then 5 minutes later dry as a bone.

• Coconut oil is filled with Saturated Fats called triglycerides which not only plump up the skin (holllaaaaa) but also these fats minimize moisture loss through your skins pores.

• CoCo-O (new cute nickname) is also LOADED with Vitamin E. Unless you've been living in the woods your entire life, you must know how crucial vitamin E is for your beauty regimen. Vitamin E encourages your skin to repair itself and for regrowth. It not only keeps your skin soft, but prevents it from cracking from dryness. This vitamin also acts as an antioxidant which is basically your savior from aging. We might as well rename this Vitamin E-va Longoria because I swear she looked 25 in season 1 all the way to season 10 of Desperate Housewives.

• It is also filled with Caprylic and Lauric Acid which are the main properties that are the reason people have success in curing their acne with Coconut oil . These acids are very antimicrobial and disinfectant meaning coconut oil will NOT clog your pores. This is very important because SO many commercial moisturizers and makeup are made with mineral oil or petroleum based ingredients that make you feel like you're moisturizing but really you're just completely suffocating your skin. These ingredients are found in loads of beauty products because they are cost effective and when applied trick people into thinking their skin feels nice. FALSE. These products have zero nutrients and are merely cheap fillers only making your skin worse. Like seriously, they can make you age prematurely. Thats basically like turning your days from 24 hours to 12. All of a sudden 6 months later you're another year older and before you know it your friend is getting asked if you're her drunk Aunt at the bar. Sounds mortifying doesn't it? DOESN'T IT!!!?? Ya. Cut it out.

-Important tips for purchasing Coconut Oil-

When using anything on your skin it is important to use a reputable brand. Some terms you are going to want to look for when purchasing are: "Extra Virgin or Virgin", "Cold-pressed", "Organic", "Raw" and "Unrefined". Natural and organic is always the best route and checking ingredients is key. My two favorite coconut oils are

Nutiva and Natures Way

I purchase solid forms of coconut oil because I feel like they are less messy when applying to the skin.

-My Personal Favorite DIY Coconut Oil Creations-

Coconut oil Sugar Scrub:

-2 cups solid Coconut oil

-2/3 cup of favorite body oil (I typically use avocado oil)

-1/2-1+ cup of organic raw white sugar (depending how sensitive your skin is to rough rubbing)

I keep this mixture in a mason jar (use spoon when it gets low) and apply all over my body (occasionally face for a nice exfoliate) before I shower and WOWWY WOW WOW. I literally just want to turn around and pull a Kimmy Gibbler and throw my arms all over my body and pull a fake out make out because I am the softest goddess on earth. Exfoliating your skin 2-4 times a week is SO important. Click here to read my post on why!

Coconut Oil Body Lotion:

-2 Cups Coconut oil

-3/4 cup favorite body oil (Again, I use avocado oil or apricot oil)

-1/4 cup of Aloe Vera Gel (<- read my post on the benefits of Aloe!)

-20 drops of Lavender Essential Oil (<- read my post on the benefits of Lav Oil!)

-20 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil

Not only is this recipe extremely hydrating but it also fights cellulite (Rosemary), Aging (Lavender & Coconut oil) AND since coconut oil is so rich in antioxidants it helps diminish stretch marks by nourishing the damaged skin! Honestly, is Coco-O not the cats meow or what!?

Peace, Love & Skin

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