On Earth Day, we hosted a Natural Beauty Chat on the EcoSalon Facebook page with celebrity green make-up artist and beauty expert, Kristen Arnett.

Kristen expertly fielded questions covering a wide range of beauty topics, from BB and CC creams to applying foundation, dealing with dark circles, to dry skin. In the event that  you missed it, we’ve got the recap here for you. After all, who can’t benefit from a little insider knowledge from an expert when it comes to cleaner, better beauty solutions?

Q: Laura: What do you recommend for morning puffy eyes?
A: Clairvoyant Beauty has a really nice Depuffing Cucumber & Cranberry Eye Gel that is quite soothing and helps. Otherwise, just about anything cool and a light facial massage.

Q: Robin: Are there any secret potions to lengthen and thicken eyelashes? I saw a YouTube video with a girl saying to put petroleum jelly on your eyelashes to make them grow–but WE know that’s not safe. Any suggestions?
A:  Let me get up off the floor laughing first about how someone could actually make a video saying how petroleum would help eyelashes grow. Now, there are some products on the market that are more natural and promote lash growth, BUT this all depends on much of a purist you want to be with it. It really takes a science lab kind of thing to do that.

Q: Megan: I have combination skin that breaks out easy, is there a foundation that will keep an even tone (not shiny on my t-zone) and won’t mess with my skin ?
A: In my experience, most traditional makeup these days won’t cause pimples, rather irritations. So are you getting pimples or irritations from your makeup do you think? Most foundation lines these days are going to leave skin glowy, because that’s the modern look, then you can use a setting powder in the t-zone to take away extra shine.

Q: Sarah: I’ve already learned so much from your site about safe SPFs and BB creams. Do you have any advice for the best BB creams on a budget? Thank you!
A: I am going to step on some toes with this answer, but I honestly think you are better off not buying a BB cream. Just get the right products that are good for your skin and put them on layer by layer.  I did write this article hoping to offer some good background information on the subject as well.

Q: Marcella: I’m pretty bad at putting on foundation but do you have any tips for dry skin types and using foundation? I also have to work around small bumps (from stubborn acne scars) that I want covered.
A: First let me ask you, is your skin dry because you dry it out to control the acne or has it become dry on its own since you had acne? The reason I ask is that your skin is the first thing to address so you don’t have to wear so much makeup – but it also helps me determine what texture of foundation might be right for you.
Reader response: Ooh that’s a great question! I’m in my 20s right now and I have noticed my skin has become noticeably dryer. At least compared to my oily/teen-acne filled skin in the not-so-good old days. But actually, I don’t use any products to dry my acne out out. I normally use a light facial oil and sometimes a Konjac sponge for gentle exfoliation.

Q: Tricia:  Is there a particular brand of green skincare you recommend for sensitive/reactive skin?
A: To me ALL skin is sensitive and reactive so I really think it’s about keeping things very simple and trying it out in sample size first. Shall I just plug the heck out of Goodebox now – that’s the beauty of it. Low commitment sampling. You can check out this article for some great ideas on caring for sensitive skin.

Q: Sharon: What clean shampoo do you recommend that won’t leave my hair looking limp or oily?
A: Regarding a shampoo, that’s tricky without knowing your hair and skin type. Limp and oily comes from using a shampoo that leaves behind residue. I’ve had good luck with Neuma, Giovanni and the brands listed here.
Reader comment: I LOVE NEUMA….fab shampoos, conditioners and the mousse is to die for! They also make a great argan treatment. I just discovered Andalou Naturals. LOVE their argan and sweet orange shampoo. It smells like candy!

Q: Beth: What is the difference between BB and CC creams?
A: The thing about BB and CC creams is that they are multitasking formulas. What I’ve found is that I prefer CC creams to BB Creams. The one from Juice Beauty is actually really nice. CC creams are lighter and not as thick/chalky. I find it’s a bit less pigment than a tinted moisturizer however. Both formulas offer SPF protection.

Q: Nathalia: What primer and foundation do you use during photo shoots?
A: I don’t always use a primer on shoots – I think they are 80 percent unnecessary. For foundations, I really dabble between a variety of brands such as rms beauty,Vapour Organic Beauty, Alima Pure, Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics and W3LL PEOPLE.

Q: Barbara: Is there anything I can do about the dark, dark “circles” under my eyes? Besides just try to conceal them (which doesn’t really work)?
A: Dark circles can be related to so many things. Here’s an article about dark cirles that may be helpful.

Q: Lauren: How can I whiten discoloration on the back caused by acne scarring?
A: Your question about lightening acne scars is a good one, but to be honest there’s very few things that are truly effective which are natural. Depending on how dark the scar is laser might be the only option. If they are lighter, then fruit acids could work. Generally all acne scars will fade on their own over time. Remember, don’t pick at the pimples!

Q: Veronica: What can we use for glowing skin, any cream or milk? What do you recommend for a natural lip gloss? Can you give us a moisture cream recipe to make at home ?
A: You have quite a few questions that actually can be answered by more articles on Green Beauty Team, so I’ll direct you there and tell you that I have quite a few favorite natural lip glosses. It’s actually the most common natural product to find in the beauty market. Primitive Makeup, Juice Beauty, BITE Beauty, Dr.Hauschka,  and about 100 more brands make great ones.

Q: Stacey:  I’m in my mid-40s and would love a recommendation for an all-natural wrinkle cream. Thanks!
A: It really depends on your skin type and a whole variety of conditions that are unique to you. Obviously we have some great natural skin brands represented here such as Clairvoyant Beauty and Juice Beauty. I’m also a big fan of Dr. Alkaitis Holistic Organic Skin Food.  Some people just use coconut oil and call it good.

Q: Maria: Is there a tinted moisturizer with SPF that you could recommend for hot/humid Miami weather?
A: I have been to Florida and will say that a tinted moisturizer sounds torturous to me! That humidity would just make me feel as if I were melting. My suggestion: put your SPF on, then concealer under the eyes, and do mineral powder like Alima Pure over the rest of the face.

Q: Heather: Do you have makeup free days or low makeup days? If you just throw on a few products instead of a full face of makeup, what products do you use? Do you suggest them for everyone?
A: I have makeup free days ALL the time! Sometimes I forget to put makeup on before leaving the house, then it’s a mad dash to put something on at the last second. I fully support that women do not need to fully cover their faces! When you really want to go for it, there’s truly a myriad of brands out there to use that depend on the finish you’d most prefer. I do a lot of makeup lessons (both virtually and in person) for women in every walk of life (actresses, singers, moms, business women, teens, brides) and there’s not one formula that I give out.

Q: Lillian: Any recommendations for treating dry skin?
A: Dry skin is often related to internal imbalance (as is acne and oily skin). So check out a few of our articles on the topic. Maybe you are deficient in potassium, or maybe you just naturally have dry skin, or maybe it’s the weather…  see where I’m going with this?

Q: Jade: Have any favorite facial oils?
A: I have SO many facial oils that I love. Current obsessions include Kahina Giving Beauty, there are 3 bottles in my bathroom right now. The blend of oils (not just the argan) is really luscious and nourishing. I also like the toner which isn’t drying  and is great for more arid climates.  Other favorites include Josh Rosebrook, Dr. Alkaitis, May Lindstrom SKIN, and MUN.

Q: Abbie: I have a question about blush…what do you like better, cream or powder?
A: I am a BIG fan of cream blush, but to be honest I often layer them. So I’ll use something like a hot pink from Revolution Organics and then go over it with a bit of shimmery bronze powder – ever so lightly – the Alima Pure in Belize is nice.

Q: Zerlyn: Do you have recommendations for lightening some sun spots? I have some under my eyes, and no serum (natural or not) works.
A: Yes, you are kind of reiterating a point I made earlier about acne scars. It’s really tough to find skin care that is both totally natural and will lighten those pigmentation areas effectively. Actually, as you get older those spots get darker…so what the natural brands can do for you is keep things at bay and protect you from them getting worse. I’ve done a lot of sun damage in my youth, but I actively prevent it from showing up on my face now and if I accidentally get too much sun – those spots come right out.

A few final words of natural beauty wisdom from Kristen:

1) Your makeup will only look good if your skin looks good
2) Your skin only looks good if your body is healthy
3) Your body is only going to be healthy if you care for it and you believe you are worth that kind of care (which YOU ARE!). For more tips from experts on all of these points, please keep up with us at Green Beauty Team!

The post Kristen Arnett’s Earth Day Natural Beauty Chat Roundup appeared first on EcoSalon.

Welcome to the third installment of our seven-part Eco Salon Eco-Beauty Approved Guide: Hair Care. Coming up next is:

MAKE-UP & COLOR PRODUCTS
PERSONAL CARE & HYGIENE
SCENT
SUN

We’ve worked really hard to gather this list from professionals in the field, including Kristen Arnett, Paige Padgett, Jessa Blades, Greta Eagan, Sophie Uliano, Todra Payne, Renee Loux, Starre Vartan and others, along with our very own editors and writers. We’ve looked at ingredients, brand missions and philosophies, considered skin and hair types, all types of concerns and tested several products in each line. We’ve broken it down by category, with multiple options in each, so get ready for lots of options.

We’ve also considered price and tried very hard to include a broad range from luxury to affordable for just about any budget. Even though we’ve listed just one or two product recommendations per brand, it’s hard to go wrong with these companies, so experiment until you find your new must have products! Without further ado, please read on for the 2013 EcoSalon Approved Eco-Beauty Guide!

THE HAIR CARE LIST

1. ACURE Organics

Natural, organic and fair trade skin care products that provide visible results founded on a simple concept: provide healthy skin care products using the purest organic and fair trade certified ingredients in order to help raise money in the fight against breast cancer and to support environmental causes.

Product Picks:

Moroccan Argan Oil + Argan Stem Cell Shampoo (dry or damaged hair, thick, textured)

Moroccan Argan Oil + Argan Stem Cell Cell Conditioner (dry or damaged hair, thick, textured)

2.Alaffia (and sister Brand Beautiful Curls) 

Founded to advance gender equality and alleviate poverty through the fair trade of handcrafted shea butter products formulated based on indigenous beauty knowledge.

Product Picks:

Alaffia Neem & Shea Scalp Recovery Shampoo (for all hair types, but especially flaky, sensitive scalp)

Beautiful Curls Fortifying Curl Lotion (for dry, wavy to curly hair)

3. Aubrey Organics 

Providing all natural, safe and effective personal care and lifestyle products to the consumer.  We offer a true and authentic alternative to many of the mass produced synthetic products on the market today.

Product Picks:

Honeysuckle Rose Moisturizing Shampoo (for thick, dry hair)

Honeysuckle Rose Moisturizing Conditioner (for thick, dry hair)

4. Emtage

Founder Robyn Emtage, personally committed to her customers, to the health of their hair and skin, and to the health of the planet, creates formulas that improve the health of the hair while making it silky, smooth and abundant shine using pure, unprocessed oils and botanicals from Japan, Tahiti, India, and other parts of the world.

Product Pick:

SILKtáge ™ Rejuvenating Styling Serum (for all hair types, especially curly and dry)

5. Intelligent Nutrients 

Founded by Horst M. Rechelbacher (he created Aveda), Intelligent Nutrients is a leading innovator of certified organic health and beauty products utilizing 100 percent food-based and organic certified ingredients and free of harmful toxins.

Product Picks:

Harmonic Shampoo (for all hair types, color safe)

Harmonic Conditioner (for all hair types, color safe)

6. Jason 

A full range of personal care products, including skin care, soap & bath, hair care, oral care, kids care and sunscreens, to care for you and your family formulated without toxic ingredients.

Product Picks:

Tea Tree Scalp Normalizing Shampoo & Conditioner (for oily hair & flaky scalp)

7. John Master’s Organics 

Caring about yourself and caring about the earth don’t have to be mutually exclusive. For more than 20 years, this has been the guiding force in creating Super Natural Beauty for your hair, your skin, and your home that treats the earth with respect.

Product Picks:

Lavender Rosemary Shampoo (for all hair types, color safe)

Citrus & Neroli Detangler (for all hair types, especially easily tangled, color safe)

8. Original Moxie 

Eco friendly hair products for a diverse range of hair types, featuring a unique diagnostic approach and natural ingredients.  Their bottom-up product development begins and ends with real people and takes a problem-solving approach to real hair care needs.

Product Picks:

Get Fresh Shampoo (fine, limp or oily hair, color safe)

Featherweight Conditioner (fine, limp or oily hair, color safe)

Mane Tame (for most hair types, especially frizzy, curly or fly away)

9. Rare Elements 

Built on the principles of luxury and performance, this distinct brand delivers the same gratification that salon-professionals depend on and the healing benefits that only nature can provide. Made using the most exotic and quintessential ingredients in the world, they’ve developed a simple yet effective collection that is ideal for restoring and maintaining the hair’s integrity.

Product Picks:

Pure Shampoo (for all, but best for dry, damaged, processed hair, color safe)

Essential Conditioner (best for dry, damaged, processed hair, color safe

10. The Wonderseed 

The Wonder Seed’s mission is to nurture, heal and protect skin and hair with a complete line of products rich in virgin organic hempseed oil, the most nutritious oil on Earth.

Product Picks:

Hemp Seed Oil Shampoo – Sweet Orange (for all hair types)

Hemp Seed Oil Conditioner – Sweet Orange (for all hair types)

11. Yarok 

Their focus is to make the greatest positive impact on hair and scalp health with the least negative impact on the natural environment. Whether it’s our packaging, our product formulations, our day-to-day operations or our strategic partnerships we are dedicated to supporting environmental causes.

Product Picks:

Feed Your Do Styling Whip (for all hair types, especially dry, frizzy or in need of texture)

Feed Your Youth (for all hair types, especially thinning or sensitive scalp)

Read Eco Salon’s 2013 Eco Beauty Approved Guide Part 1: 19 Bath & Body Products here.

And Part 2: 41 Facial Care Products here.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

Looking to try healthy beauty products before you buy?  Goodebox delivers 6-7 personalized samples per month to take the guess work out of cleaning up your beauty routine. Try Goodebox today.

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Join us on Monday, April 22nd (Earth Day) on the EcoSalon Facebook page from 6-7 PST / 9-10 EST, for a Live Chat with Kristen Arnett, to learn everything you ever wanted to know about Green Beauty.

You want to clean up your beauty routine but you’re not sure where to start. Maybe you’re already a green beauty junkie and just want the latest colors and trends. Perhaps you’re trying to make the switch to clean and green but aren’t sure what the best clean counterpart to your beloved less-than-clean foundation is. Natural mascara that stays put? Concealor that covers? Hard to match skin tones?  Or maybe you don’t wear make-up but you do take care of your hair and skin, brush your teeth and try not to emit offensive odors. There’s room for improvement everywhere, and professional green make-up artist Kristen Arnett knows what to use, how to use it and why.

For Kristen, green isn’t just another shade in her pallet, nor is it a limiting factor in her work as one might expect, but rather, a defining one. Kristen is sought after first for her skills and talent, with the green, non-toxic element a beneficial bonus.

Kristen is well versed in what works in the world of green beauty because she has to be. Drying, irritating, ill-colored, or temperamental products don’t fly when it comes to doing make-up for celebrities, international glossies and runway shows. Kristen not only regularly works as a pro makeup artist in print, but also serves as a beauty educator and writer, appearing on television, hosting workshops, speaking at events and training people worldwide, from celebrities to fashionistas, models and everyday women looking for more sustainable, healthy beauty.

Join us on Monday, April 22nd (Earth Day) on the EcoSalon Facebook page from 6-7 PST / 9-10 EST, for a Live Chat with Kristen Arnett, to learn everything you ever wanted to know about green beauty. Participants can enter to win one of 15 prizes, including a sample Goodebox or products from some of Kristen’s favorite brands, including Juice Beauty, Alima Pure, Kahina Giving Beauty, Stark Skincare and Clairvoyant Beauty. You must participate in the Live Chat on EcoSalon’s Facebook page to be eligible to win. It’s easy. Just log in on April 22 at 6pm PST/ 9pm EST and post a question or two for Kristen to answer and refresh you browser every few minutes to see new questions and answers.

See you on Earth Day!

The post Live Earth Day Chat with Green Beauty Expert Kristen Arnett appeared first on EcoSalon.

SpaRitual founder Shel Pink dishes out her secrets on slow beauty and self care.

Self care…the process of how we nourish, soothe and pamper our bodies, inside and out, is a ritual that most of us partake in on a daily basis. For some, it’s an elaborate multi-step process repeated twice a day coupled with yoga, juice cleanses, fresh foods, and other healthy living practices; for others, it’s a brief splash with soap and water, a multivitamin and a salad at lunch.

Wherever you fall on the self-care spectrum, we can all work to make it a a more mindful, personal, fulfilling experience, whether your ritual is 5 or 95 minutes. To deepen our understanding of the self care rituals, we caught up with Shel Pink, founder of the healthy beauty skin care and cosmetic line SpaRitual, which offers a huge collection of “five-free” (no formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, toluene, formaldehyde resin and camphor) vegan nail lacquers and a drool worthy range of spa-inspired natural skin care.

Launched  in 2004, SpaRitual was created with an enlightened consumer in mind, providing a beauty brand to honor the collective mind, body and spirit and committed to creating multi-purpose eco-friendly products and packaging using vegan, certified organic and fair trade ingredients from around the world. SpaRitual encourages women to understand beauty as a holistic connection to oneself and to the environment, a philosophy that has evolved into what Shel calls  “Slow Beauty.”

Aysia Wright: How did you get started in healthy beauty?

Shel Pink: I developed SpaRitual when I was pregnant with my son.  It was when thinking about how I wanted to best care for my child, I decided that I wanted to use and offer a healthier, holistic more authentic alternative to mainstream beauty products. Choosing vegan beauty care products is one important aspect of living a healthy, holistic lifestyle which also includes diet, meditation and other slow beauty practices.

AW: What is Slow Beauty?

SP: Slow beauty is an alternative approach to beauty in the fast world. Today, beauty is all about quick fixes like fillers, Botox and plastic surgery. Instead, slow beauty makes us beautiful from the inside out with relaxing rituals and products that are good for you and free of harsh chemicals. It is beauty rituals that are pleasurable, rather than painful and punitive.  Slow beauty helps people slow down and nurture the mind, body and spirit, therefore producing visible results. When we shift our mindset from the façade of quick fixes, invasive surgeries, and the illusion of perfectionism we have the freedom to discover joy, spontaneity, depth and vitality.  Slow Beauty includes seven outposts: spa tradition, rituals, nourished mind, self-expression, meditation, and mindful consumption. Each one offers opportunities to make lifestyle choices that help us to be in our hours, instead of being an age.

AW: How does Slow Beauty apply to the average women?

SP: First of all, there is no such thing as an average woman. We are dynamic beings. Slow Beauty applies to all women.  Internalizing a tyrannical approach to our beauty, and to aging compromises our power, and our right to live a truly creative life in process. Developing and sustaining a Slow Beauty practice empowers women. The seven outposts are opportunities to connect with joy, vitality and freedom. You don’t have to experience all seven outposts to live a life of slow beauty. This practice is completely personal. Once you open the door and add one experience that becomes a rewarding part of your natural routine, then you most likely will want to create space for more. Don’t force it. If you go to a meditation class that doesn’t resonate, next time try something else. Slow Beauty is about surrendering to the places, spaces and experiences that resonate with you and bring you wellness of your own creation.

AW: Beyond Spa Ritual, what are your go to brands & products that fit in with your Slow Beauty philosophy?

SP:  MSCHIC blush in “kissed.” This mineral makeup series is talcum-free and contains no allergenic fragrances. This blush is also paraben free. According to the company philosophy statement they dance at the office when they are excited about new products. I discovered this make-up line at an adorable boutique store called The Detox Market, they specialize in curating green brands in beauty and lifestyle.  The co-founder, Valerie Grandury, walked me around the shop and shared each brand’s endearing story with me. That leads me to introduce you to the skin care brand I love and use; Odacité. The products contain certified organic ingredients, and are free of petrochemicals, fragrance, glycols and parabens. The founder of this brand is also Valerie Grandury. She’s lovely and incredibly passionate about holistic living.

Jane Iredale MakeUp.  I’m a huge fan. I like her Mystikol powdered eyeliner in Onyx and PurePressed Eye Shadow Triple Azure.  All vegan.

Teas are part of my beauty ritual too. Yogi Teas– Green Tea Muscle Recovery supports an active body.  It is 100 percent natural and made with organic turmeric.  This is a good tea to relieve sore muscles after exercise. I love the fortunes that surprise me on each tea bag. I’ve also recently discovered Pukkha Teas, try their triple fennel organic tea. It’s absolutely delicious.

AW: What’s the best way to experience Spa Ritual products?

SP: SpaRitual products are best experienced when turning your beauty routine into a ritual. Being mindful about beauty, health and wellness and expanding your routine into a ritual is one way to embark on a slower path to beauty. You can experience SpaRitual in the comfort of your own home, or with a trusted professional who uses SpaRitual for manicure, pedicure and body care treatments.

Are you ready to embrace Slow Beauty?  There’s a good chance you already incorporate one or more aspects of Slow Beauty into your daily routine.  If so, tell us about it, or where you plan to start.  Seeing what others are doing can help provide a starting place for those not there yet, sparking ideas when starting something new feels daunting. So go ahead, share your rituals. We’d love to hear about them.

Image courtesy of SpaRitual

The post Slow Beauty Tips with Shel Pink, Founder of SpaRitual appeared first on EcoSalon.

Have you added coconut oil into your daily healthy and beauty routines, yet?

Coconut oil is an incredibly versatile item to stock in your pantry and among your toiletries. Its healthy fats bring with them a host of health benefits. Incorporate the following 20 uses into your lifestyle and you’ll know how to take care of daily rituals, from easily removing makeup to reducing frizz, and address health issues from Alzheimer’s to boosting hormone function.

Despite its saturated fat content, coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides that are shorter than those in animal fats, which means the body can metabolize them quickly and not store them on the body. Coconut oil’s fats are actually quite beneficial for the body. The oil contains nutritionally beneficial fatty acids: lauric, caprillic and capric acids. Lauric acid fights off bacteria and viruses, and coconut oil is the only source of it, apart from mother’s breast milk. Caprilic acid contributes to healthy digestion and balances bacteria in the gut, while capric acid has strong anti-microbial and anti-viral properties.

It’s coconut oil’s unique fat content that makes it especially beneficial. The following 20 suggestions give you practical tips to getting the most from coconut oil.

1. Make Pop-Tarts

Pop-tarts are an American classic, but they are not the best addition to a healthy diet. Use coconut oil in this spelt-based Vegan Pop-Tart recipe to keep things animal-friendly and full of rich flavor and texture.

2. Replace Your Everyday Cooking Oil

While many everyday oils like olive oil are lauded for their unsaturated fat qualities, when cooked, the oils biochemically change and don’t bear the same nutrients, enzymes and potency as when in a raw, cold-pressed state. Coconut oil is unique in that it has a high burning temperature, so it can withstand higher heat levels that other oils can’t. When cooking, opt for coconut oil. It brings a new flavor profile to your dishes and can make the difference in your healthy diet.

3. Eye Makeup Remover

Coconut oil is a gentle and effective way to remove make-up. A little goes a long way and you ultimately get more for your buck by sticking to coconut oil and avoiding expensive brands with chemicals and artificial ingredients.

4. Daily Energy Supplement

Because of its ability to fight off bacteria and viruses as well as its positive influence on digestion and skin health, coconut oil makes a great daily supplement. Add a teaspoon to your morning smoothie or lightly cook vegetables with it.

5. Anti-Aging Moisturizer

Coconut oil provide a boost of antioxidants, which are linked to preventing signs of aging skin. Apply a smidgen of coconut oil to your face after cleansing at night and let it do its healing while you get your shut-eye.

6. Sex Lube

Over-the-counter lubes are often packed with harmful chemicals, can affect fertility, and are conducive to infections. Coconut oil in its extra-virgin or virgin state is a natural fungicide and completely devoid of additives and chemicals. And while many brands are relatively free of any scent, the extra-virgin varieties can bring a whole new meaning to sex on the beach.

7. Weight Loss

The fatty acids in coconut oil are called medium-chain triacylglycerols, which are much shorter and thus more soluble in water than the fatty acids found in other oils. For this reason, they are more readily burned for fuel. Replacing other oils, such as canola oil or olive oil with coconut oil can be the subtle change to making a big different in your body.

8. Diaper Cream

Coconut oil is an effective, gentle, natural diaper cream that moisturizes and gets rid of bacteria without piling on the chemicals.

9. Prevent Pregnancy Stretch Marks

Religiously rub coconut oil on your pregnant stomach as it grows and prevent stretch marks. Many women swear by this ritual.

10. Reduce Frizz

All it takes is a small dab of coconut oil rubbed into your hands and then brushed through your hair to reduce frizz and leave your locks looking soft, healthy, and moisturized. Don’t worry about the greasy look; as long as you apply only a dab, greasiness will be avoided.

11. Prevent Alzheimer’s

According to research, coconut oil’s medium chain fatty acid content has been linked to preventing and reversing Alzheimer’s.

12. Shaving Cream

It’s never fun to shave without something creamy or soft to make the experience less harsh on your skin. Instead of reaching for a store-bought shaving cream, opt for coconut oil. It goes on smooth and works as both a shaving cream and an after-shave moisturizer.

13. Diminish Cellulite

Introduce coconut oil to your daily moisturizing rituals. Apply it on your thighs and bum on a regular basis and you’ll start to notice your cellulite disappearing.

14. Get Rid of Lice

Rinse hair with vinegar and then brush in a generous amount of coconut oil so that the entire head is evenly coated. Put on a shower cap and let it sit for a few hours before rinsing off. The vinegar dissolves the sticking power of lice eggs and the coconut oil smothers and kills the lice.

15. Boost Hormone Health

Coconut oil offers the necessary building blocks for the production of hormones. Fat is very important in the rebuilding and repairing cells, but the wrong balance of polysaturated to saturated and monunsaturated fats can mean bad news for your health. The human body is 97 percent saturated and monounsaturated fats and 3 percent polyunsaturated fat. Most vegetable oils tip the balance towards polyunsaturated fats, which can wreak havoc on the body. Coconut oil keeps the ratio balanced.

16. Tanning Oil

Coconut oil acts as a 4 SPF tanning oil that isn’t cancerous like the brands grazing beauty shop shelves. It’s moisturizing as well, which prevents your skin from getting dry and flaky under the sun.

17. Dry Feet Fix

Mix coconut oil with salt to remove dry skin from feet. The salt acts as an exfoliating scrub that removes dead skin cells and the coconut oil helps to lubricate, moisturize and kill bacteria in the process.

18. Chicken Pox and Poison Ivy Relief

Apply coconut oil to areas affected by chicken pox or poison ivy to reduce swelling, itching, and irritated skin.

19. Hair Care

Store-bought hair masques and moisturizing conditioners are often filled with fragrances, chemicals, and other additives that do more harm than good. Coconut oil works as an excellent masque prior to shampooing. Liberally apply it to the hair, let it stay in for 5 minutes, rinse, and then continue shampooing and washing hair as normal.

20. Massage Oil

There are many organic ways to spice up your sex life, and using coconut oil as a massage oil is one. Mix with other essential oils for desired scents and aura.

Photo Credits: Phu Thinh Co,Veganbaking.net, Adrianclarkmbbs, Eflon, Geomangio, Meredith P.

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