How much are you paying for the lotions, creams, and face washes you use to keep your skin fresh and healthy? It’s not cheap, especially when you’re buying natural and organic products. But instead of shelling out for pricey natural skincare products, why not try using things that you already have around the house? You need look no further than the kitchen.

1. Coffee

Aside from being a morning must-have, coffee doubles as both a skin and hair care product (the latter if you’re a brunette, that is). You can use leftover brewed coffee as a hair rinse to add luster and more intensive color to your locks, then save the grounds and use them as a natural exfoliant. Some studies show that the caffeine in the coffee can add a bit of extra lift to your skin too.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a fantastic moisturizer, but it does triple duty as a makeup remover and skin cleanser, too. Dab some coconut oil onto a cotton ball to remove eye makeup, and apply it to the rest of your face as well just before bed. Not only will it moisturize your skin, but its antimicrobial properties have been shown to keep acne at bay in some cases.

As with any new product that you’re using on your face, apply some first to a small area, like next to your ear, and wait 24 hours to make sure that your skin tolerates it before applying the product to your whole face.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Raw apple cider vinegar is a great replacement for over-the-counter toners. With natural antimicrobial properties, it’s great for clearing up blemishes and pimples and isn’t nearly as abrasive as many store-bought products, as long as you use it properly.

Don’t wash your face with straight-up vinegar; instead, dilute the vinegar with water — some swear by a 50/50 ratio, but those with sensitive skin might want even more water — and use the mixture as a rinse before bed. Be sure to moisturize as usual or risk drying out your face.

4. Eggs

Eggs are great for your skin, but you’ll want to separate the yolks from the whites first.

The yolks make a great nourishing mask for dry skin; the natural fats are a fantastic moisturizer. To use, rub raw egg yolk into your skin and let set until dry. Then rinse off with warm water, and pat dry.

As for the whites, their astringent properties can help shrink the appearance of your pores and control oiliness. Combine egg white with a touch of lemon juice, and whisk very well until frothy. Apply to your whole face, allow to dry, and rinse.

5. Honey

Honey is a superstar for skin — it’s a natural humectant, making it a great moisturizer, and its antibacterial properties make it a great cleanser as well. Combine it with coconut oil to make a moisturizing face wash that’s easy to use and smells positively fantastic. Be sure to choose raw honey to make sure that you’re getting the most out of this face wash.

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Coconut oil is a beauty panacea of sorts, but it’s not everyone’s favorite scent or texture. Luckily, Mother Nature has gifted us plenty of alternative beauty oils.

These five beauty oils are excellent replacements for coconut oil in your daily beauty routine.

1. Sea Buckthorn

Sea buckthorn derives from the mountainous regions of China and Russia. It grows in sandy soil at high altitudes and colder climates. It is packed with vitamin C, vitamin E, folic acid, carotenoids, fatty acids (omega-9, 6 and 3), organic acids and flavonoids. It naturally contains palmitoleic acid, which is a component of the skin. This fatty acid nourishes the skin and can treat systemic skin diseases, like dermatitis. The only other plant source of palmitoleic acid is macadamia nuts. The oil has a light consistency that easily absorbs into the skin. It has a light medicinal herbal scent.

2. Jojoba

The multi-purpose jojoba (pronounced, “ho-ho-ba”) oil is a liquid wax extracted from the seed of the jojoba plant, which is a woody shrub harvested in southwestern U.S. It has no color or scent and is very light. It is great for the skin and hair due to its vitamin E, B-complex, copper, sinc selenium, iodine and chromium content. It is extraordinarily gentle and thus great for sensitive skin types.

3. Argan

Argan oil is garnering a lot of attention these days as an anti-aging powerhouse. And, it’s true! The oil is produced from the argan nut, found inside the fruit of the argan tree native to Morocco. Argan oil improves the elasticity of the skin and has anti-aging effects.

4. Marula

Marula contains polyphenols, tocopherols, sterols, squalene and triterpene alcohols. Marula oil comes from the marula fruit from the marula tree. It is a member of the mango family and is native to Africa. It is packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, protein, iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, copper and oleic acids. Its oleic acid increases the skin’s ability to hold onto moisture. Its antioxidants fight aging and vitamin C protects the skin from UV rays. Its vitamin E tocopherols protect the skin and enhance wound healing. Meanwhile, marula oil is known to fight inflammation.

5. Rosehip

Rosehip seed oil comes from a wild rose bush in the southern Andes. It is filled with vitamin A, vitamin C and essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6. It contains a glactolipid with anti-inflammatory benefits. It also helps to reduce fine lines and lessen pigmentation.

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 Bottle of argan oil  image via Shutterstock

The post 5 Game-Changing Beauty Oils to Replace Coconut Oil appeared first on EcoSalon.

Coconut oil has been creating quite the buzz in health food circles, because it is an all star in the kitchen.

With a high burning temperature, it retains its inherent nutritional properties for longer and also brings a delightful aroma to whatever you are making. However, coconut oil uses stretch beyond the kitchen and even, dare we try it out ourselves, venture into the bedroom. Here are 5 easy and practical ways you can put coconut oil to use on the daily grind, literally.

Without exhausting the conversation surrounding coconut oil, here is why it is good for you, on the inside and out. Coconut is rich a type of saturated fact that does not clog arteries. This fat is composed of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are metabolized differently by the body and do not have harmful effects in the same way normal saturated fats do. The Tokelauans, who live in the South Pacific, consume more than 60 percent of their calories from coconuts but show no evidence of heart disease. Coconut oil’s fats are used as a source of energy and reap the body therapeutic perks, like treating Alzheimer’s. MCTs also exhibited the ability to increase energy expenditure in a given day, by as much as 5 percent, which can contribute to weight loss.

Nearly half of the MCTs in coconut oil is lauric acid, which helps to kill harmful pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. This is good news for those with skin prone to acne or outdoor elements. Coconut oil protects the skin. It also has shown to improve the moisture and lipid content of skin as well as protect the skin and hair from sun damage.

Coconut is clearly something we should all include in our lives. Now, here are 5 unique ways to get the best of coconut oil uses.

1. Lube

Let’s start with one of the most underrated of coconut oil uses – lube. Over-the-counter lube isn’t one of those things that has an ingredient list you can confidently chime at the top of your head. The more I think about it, the more I wonder, what the hell is in there? Looks like parabens, petroleum and petroleum-derived ingredients as well as silicone oils are anything but strangers in the mix. So, why not keep it completely nix the artificial additives and stick to the au naturel feel and flavors of coconut oil? You can add your own edible natural flavors to the mix to keep it interesting as well. [Editor’s note: Coconut oil is not recommended if also using condoms; it will make them ineffective birth control.]

2. Massage Oil

Don’t splurge on a massage oil that is full of artificial aromas. Coconut oil is sleek and smooth and treats the skin while the body is being massaged. In fact, repeated strokes allow for the oil to absorb more deeply into the skin and benefit the body even more.

3. Lip Balm

The lips often go unattended in the heat of the summer or the thick of the winter. Scoop or pour (depending on the temperature) a smidgen of coconut oil into a disposable empty lip balm-sized container. Carry it with you wherever you go to apply whenever your lips are cracked or you are under sun. That way you are always protected from Mother Nature’s elements.

4. Make-Up Remover

Unlike many make up removers or toners that have alcohol in them, coconut oil is smooth and gentle whilst effectively getting rid of even the most caked-on make-up. Use a cotton ball to rub a bit of oil across your lips and chin, under your eyes, and around your temple to remove make up. The ingredient is just one and the additives are none. Meanwhile, you’ll be moisturizing!

5. Shaving Lotion

Coconut oil is a great way to shave without overly aromatic pharmacy shaving creams, gels and mousse. Because it kills bacteria and viruses, if you accidentally cut yourself while shaving, coconut oil is there to save the day! Coconut oil makes for a smooth and easy shave that lets you round those corners and edges without holding your breath.

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