Coconut Oil For My Skin?

Most people with acne prone skin have an arsenal of products: a face scrub, exfoliant, cleanser, toner and several creams  that more than likely are filled with many toxins. Just have a good look at Skin Deep to have an idea how your products rank! My skin had begun to tell me it was all too much, it was getting irritated, blemishes weren't healing and I felt dry and aged all the time. Coconut oil is amazing! It is the miracle beauty product for those who like to limit chemicals and get awesome results. The best part is that it works WAY better than the products I was using previously anyway!

Coconut oil benefits the skin in many ways, especially since it is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. Many are noticing their scars are going away too! I could go on and on about the benefits of coconut oil (organic, virgin) in your diet as well, but we will save that for another post. 

COCONUT OIL FACE WASH

I don’t use face scrub every night. I use plain coconut oil as a face wash, and then every few days use the scrub to make the skin soft and smooth. If you are just wanting to cleanse, scoop some coconut oil into your hands and rub it together a little bit. Coconut oil is usually firm in the jar (unless your house is hot), but it will soften up quickly in your hands. Cover your face with the coconut oil and then take a warm wash cloth and let it rest on your face for 30 seconds or so to open up your pores. Then wipe it all off! You will be amazed at how well coconut oil cleanses your makeup off! It even works with waterproof mascara! I have skin that can be oily and acne prone sometimes, so I was hesitant to use an oil on my face in the beginning, but I learned that oil actually attracts oil, so it does a great job of cleaning all the oils and makeup off of your face. It actually improves acne in most of my patients because it allows the skin to heal and honestly, has never left my face feeling greasy. I usually give it at least 10 minutes to absorb before applying any makeup. 


COCONUT OIL FACE SCRUB

For a facial scrub, you will mix 1 Tablespoon coconut oil with 1 Tablespoon baking soda. Some people use sugar, which I think is great for the body, but a little too rough for the skin. If you decide to use sugar, use brown sugar.
If you are making enough to store in a container, just keep doubling the recipe until you have the amount you want. You can add 2-3 drops of essential oil to your mixture too.
My favorite Essential Oils for the skin:

• Lemon
• Lavender
• Mint
• Orange
• Melaleuca/ Tea Tree 

Lemon is a natural astringent and antibacterial, so it’s great for those with oil-prone skin. Lavender helps you relax and regenerates skin cells. Frankincense is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, so it’s great for those prone to acne. Melaleuca is also great for acne-prone skin.

COCONUT OIL BODY/ FOOT SCRUBS

For body scrubs a coarser grind of sugar or salt is required to get that dead skin off and reveal a new shinier you. The basic recipe is the same, 1 Tablespoon sugar or salt of your choice with 1 Tablespoon organic coconut oil. Other variations can include herbs, coffee, citrus peels and many types and mixtures of essential oils. 

Have fun and happy scrubbing!

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