New Favorite: Coconut Oil

I have been an admitted Cocoa Butter junkie for ages, until I discovered it's similar cousin:

Coconut Oil!

Cocoa Butter has that delicious chocolate-y smell, but I didn't want the additives (mineral oil), and I was too lazy to melt it and mix with an emulsifier. Don't get me wrong though, I still love the buttah!

My new love, however, is the perfect consistency and the most delectable, tropical Coconut-y smell too. We don't have the tropical temperatures in San Francisco, but that doesn't mean we can't have the vibe!

Here are some great natural ways to enhance your life/beauty routine with Coconut Oil:

Hair Mask

On wet locks, clean or dirty, massage in Coconut Oil. Cover with a shower cap and kick it. It's that easy. You can let is sit for a few hours, or leave it in all night and rinse, shampoo and style as usual in the morning. Leaves hair super duper silky and moisturized.

Body Care

Mix Coconut Oil with a couple drops of your favorite essential oil and massage into skin as a lotion. My favorite mix is: Coconut Oil, Tangerine and Honeysuckle. It's delightful. Can be done before you go out to add a sexy glow to your skin (give it a little time before putting your clothes on though, as it can be heavy), or before bed. You'll wake up with the softest skin ever.

Bruises

Delicately massage a little Coconut Oil on a bruise twice a day and it should quicken healing by 'repairing damaged tissues'.

Problem Skin

Coconut Oil rocks for psoriasis, dermatitis and skin infections. Before reaching for the hydro-cortisone, try applying Coconut Oil before bed on the affected areas. Work clay into your at-home facial schedule. After a glycolic peel or manual exfoliation, rinse then apply Coconut Oil. Helps heal acne skin lesions or scars. If you have oily skin, use only once a week. Dry skin, use as much as you like!

For more info check out these helpful websites:

http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/organic-coconut-oil/

http://www.coconutoil.com/

Enjoy your new softer self, but as always if you have any health issues, don't just take my word for it, see a doctor (holistic or otherwise)!

<3 Sarah Valentine