Summary: 🌼 Quick Look: Intense Hydration & Barrier Protection.
💟 Benefits: Coconut oil helps bolster your skin's protective barrier layer, trapping moisture inside and keeping skin supple and hydrated.
✅ Reduces inflammation, making it beneficial for irritated, chafed skin.
✅ May help increase collagen production.
✅ High concentrations of fatty acids and vitamins soften skin.
✅ Possesses anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
✅ As a powerful natural and gentle anti-inflammatory, coconut oil may help lighten dark under-eye circles and moisturizes to help prevent wrinkles and fine lines (use cautiously around the eyes).
💜 A two-week study comparing coconut oil to mineral oil found that coconut oil significantly improved skin hydration and was just as effective as mineral oil for mild to moderately dry skin.
🌿 Treatments: Ideal for anti-aging and dry skin, particularly on the body.
🌻 Best used as: Body Moisturizer, Balm.
💐 Best combined with: Extract of your choice for added benefits. Melt with Sunflower Wax to create a firmer balm.
⚠️ Caution: Coconut oil has a high comedogenic rating of 4. It is highly likely to clog pores and is NOT generally recommended for use on acne-prone facial skin. Use with caution on the face, especially in the T-zone.
💲 Approximate cost: $10.00 - $30.00 CAD (for a jar of Coconut Oil; recipe cost will vary based on added ingredients).
Yields: Approximately 4 ounces (adjust recipe for desired amount) Prep time: 5 minutes Melting time: 5-10 minutes (if making a firmer balm)
Recipe 1: Simple Coconut Oil Body Moisturizer
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Virgin Coconut Oil (solid or liquid, depending on temperature)
(Optional) A few drops of your favorite skin-safe essential oil for fragrance (e.g., Lavender, Vanilla - use sparingly).
Instructions:
Scoop and Apply: Scoop a small amount of coconut oil into your hands.
Melt and Massage: Rub your hands together to melt the oil.
Apply to Body: Massage the melted oil generously onto dry areas of your body, such as arms, legs, and elbows, preferably after showering or bathing while skin is still slightly damp.
Recipe 2: Firming Coconut Oil Body Balm with Sunflower Wax
Ingredients:
1/4 cup Virgin Coconut Oil
1/4 cup Sunflower Wax
(Optional) 1 teaspoon Carrier Oil of your choice (e.g., Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil) for a slightly softer consistency.
(Optional) 1/2 teaspoon Skin-safe Extract of your choice (e.g., Vanilla extract, Calendula extract).
(Optional) A few drops of skin-safe essential oil for fragrance (e.g., Lavender, Chamomile).
Equipment:
Double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water
Measuring cups and spoons
Small stirring rod or spoon
Clean jar or airtight container for storage
Instructions:
Melt Waxes and Oils: In your double boiler or heatproof bowl, combine the coconut oil and sunflower wax. If using, add the extra carrier oil as well. Gently heat until both the coconut oil and sunflower wax are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
Remove from Heat: Once melted, remove the bowl from the heat.
Add Extracts and Essential Oils (Optional): If using, stir in your chosen extract and essential oil.
Pour into Container: Carefully pour the melted balm mixture into a clean jar or airtight container.
Cool and Solidify: Allow the balm to cool and solidify at room temperature. This may take a few hours.
Use: Once solid, scoop a small amount of the balm and rub it between your hands to soften before massaging it onto dry areas of your body.
Recipe 3: Simple Under Eye Treatment (Use with Caution)
Ingredients:
A tiny amount of Virgin Coconut Oil
Instructions:
Apply Sparingly: Before bed, take a very small amount of coconut oil on your ring finger.
Gently Pat: Gently pat the oil around your orbital bone (the bone surrounding your eye), avoiding direct contact with the eye itself.
Leave Overnight: Leave the oil on overnight and gently cleanse your face in the morning.
Notes:
Quality Matters: Use virgin, unrefined coconut oil for the most beneficial properties.
Sunflower Wax: Sunflower wax will create a firmer balm compared to using coconut oil alone. Adjust the amount of wax for your desired consistency.
Extracts: Choose extracts that offer benefits for dry skin, such as moisturizing or soothing properties.
Patch Test: If you have sensitive skin or are using essential oils, perform a patch test on a small area of your skin before applying liberally.
Facial Use Caution: Be mindful of coconut oil's high comedogenic rating if using it on your face. Observe how your skin reacts and discontinue use if you experience breakouts. It may be more suitable for drier areas of the face, away from the T-zone, for some individuals.
