Coconut Oil as a Moisturizer

Years ago, when I first got into natural health, I went out and replaced everything in my medicine cabinet with its health food store version.

And I mean everything.

Toothpaste. Facial cleanser. Facial moisturizer. Lotion. Shampoo and conditioner. Deodorant. You get the idea.

If you’ve ever spent time in a health food store and seen the prices, you KNOW that wasn’t a cheap shopping trip. Over time (lots and LOTS of time), I learned that there are cheaper — and often even safer — alternatives that can be used instead.

One of the biggest discoveries for me was coconut oil. When I first heard that coconut oil could be used as a moisturizer, I couldn’t wait to try it. Luckily, I already had some in my pantry that I had been cooking with.

So I ditched the store-bought facial moisturizer and started using coconut oil on my face — and I’ve been happily moisturizing for cheap ever since!

Remember: everything you put on your skin is absorbed into your body and ultimately into your bloodstream. All those ingredients you can’t pronounce on store-bought moisturizers — do you really want those in your body when you could use something completely natural that works just as well?

(This realization was one of the main reasons I eventually started making my own deodorant.)

Coconut oil is not only moisturizing, it also contains antioxidant vitamin E, which is known to help protect skin cells from damage over time .

Here’s how I use coconut oil as a moisturizer. I keep a small container in my bathroom cabinet. After showering, I scoop out a tiny amount, rub it between my hands, and apply it to my face.

If my arms or legs are feeling dry (which is rare in my humid climate), I’ll use it there too. After a few minutes, the coconut oil fully absorbs and the greasy feeling is gone.

You’ll also find me using it in the kitchen, where I’m constantly washing my hands.

Coconut oil is temperature-sensitive, so if you live in a cooler climate, you’ll notice it hardens as temperatures drop. A container with a wide opening makes it easy to scoop out what you need.

Of course, coconut oil isn’t the only natural moisturizer I’ve used. I’ve also had great results with olive oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter.

How I Store Coconut Oil

Update from 9/19/2014

I buy coconut oil by the gallon because I use it so often.

– A large container stays in my pantry for baking.
– An easy-pour container lives near the stove for cooking and frequent hand washing.
– A small container stays in the bathroom (plastic, since my kids use it too — glass + oily hands = slippery).
– I even keep a repurposed extract bottle in the car (it’s always warm in the Keys).

That little bottle actually helped with a jellyfish sting once!

Have You Tried Coconut Oil as a Moisturizer?

Did you notice a difference in your skin?

Have you tried any other natural moisturizers?

My current favorite blend is a mix of shea butter, coconut oil, and jojoba oil. You can mix it yourself, or you can buy it ready-made in our store .

It’s even available in a compostable refill , so if you already have a container, you can avoid bringing more plastic into your home.

*Source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/176393-skin-benefits-of-coconut-oil/