Preparing our cosmetics at home using natural ingredients is the best way to avoid preservatives, chemical surfactants and allergenic substances commonly found in industrial products. Normally, a few low-cost ingredients are enough to quickly create everything we need daily for personal care and beauty. One of the ingredients that can help us most is coconut oil, as long as it is pure, cold pressed, free from synthetic fragrances, additives and certified organic.
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Prepare our cosmetics at home using natural ingredients is the best way to avoid preservatives, chemical surfactantsie allergenic substances commonly found in industrial products. Normally, they are sufficient few ingredients at low cost to quickly achieve everything we need every day for personal care and beauty. One of the ingredients that can help us most is thecoconut oil, as long as it is pure, cold pressed, free from synthetic fragrances, additives and certified organic.
THEcoconut oil it has proven nourishing and emollient properties, which make it suitable for the daily care of skin tending to crack and redden easily, both due to exposure to the sun and due to the harsh temperatures of the winter months. The expert in natural and holistic care Celeste Yarnall suggests using thepure coconut oil and in small quantities for the daily care of cracked skin and dry areas of the face and body.
The oil obtained from the coconut, Cocos nucifera is also considered a highly nutritious and energizing food, from use in the kitchen as a condiment or for the preparation of dishes with an exotic flavor. Similar properties are attributed to the coconut pulp, to be used in the fresh or dehydrated version, in the form of flake flour, for the preparation of naturally sweet desserts, without the need to add sugar.
Celeste Yarnall defines coconut oil as one of the most effective natural treatments for treatment of eczema, psoriasis, small skin infections and in the prevention of wrinkle formation. Coconut oil can be used as basic ingredient for the preparation of massage oils, of hand or body lotions and of natural exfoliants It can also be used pure as a moisturizing balm to be massaged on the body before showering. It must be remembered that coconut oil is solid at low temperatures. To make it liquid again before use, immerse the tightly closed package in hot water. Here are some recipes for the preparation of do-it-yourself cosmetics based on coconut.
Index
Body scrub with sugar and coconut
- 1 glass of brown sugar
- ½ glass of coconut oil
- 4 tablespoons of fine cooking salt (or pink salt)
- 3 tablespoons of almond oil
- 1 tablespoon of pure vitamin E oil
- 2 drops of lavender or rose essential oil
To prepare the scrub, simply mix all the ingredients in a bowl with the help of a wooden spoon. Transfer the mixture into a clean and sterilized glass jar. It is advisable to use the body scrub before showering. Thanks to the presence of vitamin E, the product will keep for a long time.
Body lotion
Pure coconut oil can substitute body moisturizers very well commonly used after a shower. Coconut oil can be massaged in small quantities on damp skin, which will leave it soft and fragrant.
Face cream
Coconut oil, in its creamy state, can easily replace face cream, even if minor irritation or inflammation occurs. It indeed enjoys antibacterial properties which will help the skin heal faster.
Cleansing
Thanks to coconut oil, you no longer need to buy face cleansers, often based on petroleum-based mineral oils. Applied on a reusable and washable moistened sponge, coconut oil will remove all traces of makeup.
Toe lotion
One or two drops of coconut oil applied to the ends of the hair and massaged on the tips after drying will give shine and fight the dryness of the area, often caused by the frequent use of hair dryers and straighteners. Attention: the quantity of oil to be used must be minimal.
Pre-shampoo lotion
Coconut oil is a perfect pre-shampoo lotion to give new vitality to the hair damaged by dyes, chlorine and other aggressive agents. It must be applied all over the hair after moistening the hair. It is advisable to wrap the head with a warm towel and leave the treatment to act for at least an hour before proceeding to the usual washing.
Toothpaste
To achieve an effective natural toothpaste, you just need to mix coconut oil and bicarbonate in equal parts, until obtaining a creamy paste to be kept in a tightly closed jar.
Hair mask
A hair mask to use before shampooing can be made by mixing one tablespoon of coconut oil, three teaspoons of honey and two egg yolks. The mask should be applied to damp hair and left to act for half an hour before shampooing.
Moisturizing pre-shampoo treatment
Mix the pureed pulp of an avocado with two tablespoons of coconut oil and two tablespoons of warm water. Apply the treatment to damp hair, wrap it with a warm towel and leave it on for an hour before shampooing.
After shampoo lotion
Coconut oil can replace curly hair polish spray products when applied to dry hair in small amounts with the help of your fingers. It will give the curls shine and definition.
Nail treatment
If you want tougher nails, while yours tend to flake, brush them with coconut oil, wear cotton gloves and let the treatment work overnight. In the morning, rinse with warm water and vegetable soap.
Shampoo nutriente
Jumbled up 50 ml of coconut milk with 150 ml of organic neutral shampoo, fragrance-free. Add a tablespoon of coconut oil, a teaspoon of almond oil and 10 to 20 drops of lavender or rose essential oil. Transfer everything to an empty bottle, shake and use as a normal shampoo. To make your hair shiny, perform a final rinse with a liter of water added with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
We remember that coconut oil can be found in health food stores (at not too affordable prices), in ethnic shops (in the unrefined version), in organic shops or on specialized online sites which are probably the cheapest form if you can amortize shipping costs, perhaps by placing larger orders.
Marta Albè
