Coconut Oil and Natural Skincare
This week marks the official start of fall. This might make some of you happy and others sad. So as the summer draws to a close, we transition from hot, humid days, to cooler, dry temperatures. Our summer clothing will go to the back of the closet and slowly be replaced with cozy sweaters and boots. And like our clothing, our skincare products should also be rotated to reflect the changing climate and needs.
One of the best transitional skincare ingredients is COCONUT OIL. Many of you may have been using this wonderful oil all summer for light hydration and summer sunning. The unmistakable aroma of coconut embodies the summer experience of relaxation, while the silky texture feels like pure indulgence as it sinks into your skin.
COCOS NUCIFERA, as the coconut is scientifically known, was believed to have originated in the tropics of the South Pacific, but managed to spread across the globe thanks to its very useful ability to float. Over time and across the oceans, the nut washed ashore to other similar climates, allowing the natives to use the seed, nut and palm for numerous dietary, medicinal and practical purposes. The coconut fruit offers more than just a relaxing experience. As one of nature’s most nourishing fruits, coconut can revitalize skin from the outside and inside.
Used in combination with other rich emollients, coconut oil, provides the perfect base for your skincare needs in cooler weather. Using coconut oil in your diet, helps to strengthen the connective tissues in the skin and keep it pliable and smooth. You can get the beneficial antioxidant properties by using coconut oil in your salad dressing or cooking as wells as drinking coconut water. Both help the skin prevent infection, increase radiance and fight free radicals.
Coconut oil contains mostly fats, which make it ideal for skincare treatments. Acting as an emollient that naturally softens, restores and moisturizes. It also helps protect the skin for the aging effects of free-radicals.
BENEFICAL PROPERTIES OF COCONUT OIL
- Forms a protective barrier against moisture-loss and re-hydrates the skin cells
- Prevents brittle, dry hair, hydrates the scalp and limits breakage
- Helps heal chronic dermatitis and psoriasis – reducing inflammation and itching
- Reduces scarring caused by acne or skin eruptions
- Eliminates dead skin cells and reduces flaking, improving the quality and appearance of skin
Modern biochemists also consider coconut oil to be an antioxidant due to its stability and resistance to oxidation and free radical formulation. Extra virgin coconut oil is the preferred ingredient in the Vivoderm skincare products for dry to extremely dry skin, such as our INTENSE MOISTURIZER, CHAMOMILE BODY BUTTER AND ANTI AGING EYE CREAM.
As the temperature cools, the humidity drops and pulls more moisture from your skin than in the summer months. Re-hydrating is crucial to keeping your skin soft and plump.
HYDRATE YOUR SKIN
After each bath or shower, be sure to re-hydrate your skin with an all-over body butter or lotion; this will prevent dry flaking and scaling skin. Include a super-rich, facial moisturizer and eye cream to your skin care routine each time you wash your face to reduce wrinkles, dryness and flaking and your skin will glowing in no time.