For those that have been reading regularly, you are probably tired of hearing me mention Coconut Oil... but what can a girl do? I'm in love!
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| I separate my jar of coconut oil into these smaller containers and label them with their various purposes (i.e. "face cream," "foot cream," etc.) This helps for hygienic purposes, and accessibility. |
Since purchasing
unrefined virgin coconut oil for my homemade deodorant, I have been experimenting with trying it for
various different uses. So far, one of my favorite uses is as a face lotion. The very first time I considered putting it on my face, it felt so wrong. I mean, who in their right mind smears any kind of oil into their face? It kind of goes against everything I thought I knew about skincare. As I started rubbing it in though, it felt so right. As I mentioned in another posting, it just feels sooo luxurious. I have used every type of facial cream under the sun, ranging into prices I am too ashamed to even admit, but this one takes the cake. If someone handed it to me in a fancy jar and told me it was a $50+ cream I would not think twice. The texture is very soft and thin (unlike some moisturizes that are so thick you have to use half the jar to cover your face), but it is so stinking moisturizing! I like how the texture changes (with your body temperature) as you apply it, allowing you to easily coat a large area by continuing to spread with your fingers. Moisturizing benefits aside, the health benefits it has for your skin are amazing too (anti-aging, wrinkle defying, acne treating/preventing, discoloration eliminating, free radical fighting, sun protecting, rejuvenating...need I say more?) If someone was selling an organic cream that had all of those benefits at my front door, I'd buy a truckload (especially at $6 for a mason jar full)! Also, don't forget it's chemical free! You're rubbing something into your pores that you could (and should!) eat.
Despite my undying love for Coconut Oil and what a sweet companion it has been to my skin, there
are some downsides.
- For one, it duals as a make-up remover...which is wonderful if you're wanting an organic make-up remover, but not so wonderful if you're one to apply lotion directly before applying your make-up. Once the oil is completely dried into your skin (length of time depends on how much you're using) it doesn't seem to be a problem. For me, it is irritating on days I forget and am running late (typically on my way to class). I sit there raccoon eyed staring at my professor, wishing I had planned better. So my tip would be, if you're a nighttime shower taker, apply it before bed and you'll be worry free. If you're an am shower taker, apply it as long before make-up application as possible giving it plenty of time to soak in.
- My second complaint, is that if you apply it too closely to your hair line, it can make those front strands (if they hang on or near your face) look a little greasy. My suggestion: give yourself some room. Don't spread the cream all the way up your forehead, stop before you reach your roots!
- My last complaint, is that initially after application, it can make your face shiny. For me, this is not always a problem. I actually love the shine it gives my face right after application. I think it makes your skin look healthy and glowing. When it becomes a problem, is when I reaaally goop it on and don't rub it in thoroughly. I have dry skin that could compete with an alligator's face and I still forget sometimes what a small amount it really takes. My suggestion: use sparingly/wait it out. The oil inevitably soaks into your face, making the shine temporary.
Facts about CO as moisturizer (for hair and face)
A little more info (check out the links on the right of this page for more info)
Coconut Oil for your pet?
Coconut Oil as a sunscreen? I have seen several articles like this one.. anyone brave enough to try it?
What do you think? Is this something you will be trying? Why or why not? Have you tried it? If so, what are your thoughts?
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