Here’s a silly question: could there be anything more popular than coconut oil? I’ve worked here in Fargo at Swanson Health Products’ headquarters for over five years now, and I’ve yet to see another product get people so excited.
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In my previous life (pre-Swanson), I had never even heard of coconut oil. I’ve since seen the light and have come to love coconut oil almost as much as our Facebook fans seem to love the stuff—they helped us round out our post all about how to use coconut oil for everything from cooking to skincare.
Today, I’m focusing on coconut oil for skincare and highlighting a few recipes I think you’ll immediately fall in love with. Why would a guy write about skin and beauty, you ask? Because I’m a believer. Coconut oil has proven to be THE BEST moisturizer during our harsh North Dakota winters.
I use coconut oil throughout the winter to help keep my hands from drying out. I’ve found it’s best to apply shortly before bedtime, allow to soak in for 10-15 minutes and then, if you feel like your hands are a bit too “greasy,” I just pat dry with a dry cloth before going to bed. It works every time! My wife and I have even made these coconut oil lotion bars for gifts around the holidays.
That’s my best coconut oil skincare tip, but here are a few more from around the web…
1Whipped Coconut Oil Body Butter Recipe
The only real drawback of applying coconut oil directly is that “greasy” feel. That and it gets hard as a rock when it’s cold (like in winter). This recipe solves both problems, turning your coconut oil into a light, fluffy and easy-to-apply cream that dozen freeze solid when the temperature drops.
I mentioned these above. They’re awesome, easy to make and work great for family and friends who appreciate a do-it-yourself gift. Mothers-in-law love them!
Why not take the lotion bars one step further and turn them into all natural (non-toxic) sunscreen bars!?! As a redhead, I’m rarely without a bottle of natural sunscreen lotion, but I do prefer the convenience of a stick sunscreen. Now I know I can make it myself!
This… just looks awesome. I switched to an electric razor years ago because of issues with razor burn (probably from the chemically laden shaving creams I used). While I may not switch back just yet, I do have one co-worker who uses a straight razor religiously—he will love this recipe!
5Homemade Coconut Oil Deodorant
Why would you make your own deodorant? Simple! To avoid potentially toxic and irritating ingredients like aluminum, parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates and artificial flavors and perfumes. Do your skin a favor. Skip the chemicals!
6Soothing Coconut Oil Arnica Salve
Anyone here ever have sore muscles? Maybe a stiff back (like me)? How about bruises, strains or sprains? Arnica is one of mother nature’s best all natural pain relievers. This recipe combines coconut oil and dried arnica montana flowers to create the perfect soothing salve.
7Homemade Coconut Oil Toothpaste
If fluoride is on your list of things to avoid, here’s a great way to guarantee it’s not in your toothpaste. Plus, there are only three ingredients (well, four if you’d prefer to sweeten it up with a sprinkle of stevia).
Apparently, lip balm is one of the easiest do-it-yourself cosmetics. I’ve never tried myself, but this recipe gives me confidence. It’s only got three ingredients! I do know one thing though, it’s that you can never have enough lip balm.
9At-Home Moisturizing Hair Treatment
For anyone with dry or brittle hair, here’s a step-by-step guide to using coconut oil at home for a deeply moisturizing hair treatment. Plus, it’ll likely save you hundreds at the salon! (I’m just guessing… my hair cut costs $20.)
10Super Easy 2-Ingredient Face Scrub
Coconut oil and baking soda… alone they’re just two mild-mannered kitchen staples. Together… they team up to create one mean, all natural face scrub the likes of which your pores have never seen!
Now, I can’t vouch for this one, nor do I intend on trying it myself. But, I see my lovely wife put on mascara nearly every morning and I do wonder how dangerous it really is to put potentially toxic chemicals so close to your eyes! Sounds like I need to bring this recipe home!
12Lemon Coconut Oil Moisturizer
Another quick and easy homemade moisturizer made from coconut oil. The possibilities seem endless. So, start with all-star ingredients like fresh, vitamin C rich lemon juice. This citrus-infused skin moisturizer will leave you glowing thanks to its natural pH balancing benefits.
“She put de lime in de coconut…” We included lemons, so we can’t leave out limes. Sugar scrubs are great for your skin as a gentle way to exfoliate. Plus, this generous blogger even designed a great little label you can print off and stick on your jar!
14Homemade Honey Coconut Hand Scrub
This recipe is similar to the one above it, but it adds a few extra ingredients that will make all the difference to some of you. It calls for sea salt, raw honey and fresh lemon juice, instead of the lime. If you want lusciously soft hands, try this scrub.
Always serving our customers,
Your friends at Swanson
