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I’ve gone through quite a few jars of coconut oil over the years. It has been used in coffee, toothpaste and sunscreen by our family. It is also used in skin care and personal care products. Here are my 3 favorite coconut oil lotion recipes, and why you should try them!
Coconut Oil Lotion: Skin Benefits
Coconut oil is rich in saturated fats, giving it a creamy texture in baked goods and in cooking. It’s also really high in lauric acid. Our body converts this into monolaurin, a compound that’s mildly antimicrobial, anti-viral, antibacterial, and anti-fungal when used topically. Coconut oil moisturizes the skin, leaving it feeling soft and protective.
Coconut oil, unlike mineral oil or petroleum jelly is a natural oil emollient. It hydrates the skin, making it smoother and softer. In addition, studies show that it can speed up wound healing, treat damaged skin and fight infections. Because it’s naturally antifungal and wound healing, it can be good for acne-prone skin.
Lotion to moisturize Eczema
Some dermatologists advise using petroleum gel on eczema to form a skin barrier. There are several reasons why I don’t think that’s a good idea! If you’re looking for an alternative with natural ingredients, then coconut oil is an excellent choice.
In 2008, a trial compared the effects of coconut oil and olive oil on atopic dermatomy (the most common form of eczema). Researchers discovered that virgin coconut oil reduced skin symptoms, and also helped fight viruses and fungus on the skin. Most of the people in the coconut-oil group had staph skin bacteria at the start. Only 1 person had the bacteria after using coconut oil.
Who Should Use Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can do wonders for your skin. It doesn’t work the best for all skin types though. It can be too drying for some people, so it’s best used in a combination. If you’re prone to oily skin and clogged pores, it could make it worse.
Some people use it to moisturize their skin. It’s also great for people with eczema and little ones with sensitive skin. Coconut milk and meat allergies have been on the rise. However, coconut oil allergy symptoms are still rare. Test a tiny amount of coconut on your inner wrist to see if you react.
What is good to blend with coconut oil
You can apply organic coconut oil directly from the jar to your skin. Some people use coconut oil to cleanse their skin. I like to combine the coconut oil and other skin-loving products. If you’re making your own coconut oil lotion (or buying some), here are some nourishing ingredients to consider adding:
- Cocoa butter
- Vitamin E (an antioxidant).
- Shea butter
- Jojoba oil
- Glycerin
- Aloe vera
Infuse coconut oil with herbs such as lavender, calendula and chamomile.
Coconut Oil Lotion: Where to buy?
If you don’t have the time or desire to make your own DIY coconut oil lotion, there are some good store-bought ones. Just be sure to read the label and make sure it’s not hiding any harsh ingredients! I look for skincare products that are cruelty-free and don’t have parabens, sulfates, or phthalates. Even natural products contain preservatives, such as phenoxyethanol. This can be harsh to the skin.
This shea butter and Coconut oil whipped body cream is free of harmful chemicals.
Refined Coconut Oil vs. Unrefined Virgin Coconut Oil
What kind of coconut oil should you use on your face? Virgin coconut oil, also known as virgin unrefined coconut oil, is made from fresh coconut meat. Refined coconut oil is made from dried coconut and doesn’t have a strong coconut scent. Both will work but I prefer virgin coconut oil for my skincare recipes.
Some brands of refined coco oil are more chemically manipulated than others. Both Tropical Traditions and Nutiva’s refined coconut oils are expeller-pressed and deodorized with steam. These are much healthier alternatives to the solvent-extracted, chemically processed versions!
1. Coconut Oil Lotion Bars
Coconut oil solidifies at lower temperatures (below 76°F). It is therefore the ideal ingredient for lotion bars. Lotion bars are a great way to moisturize dry skin. They combine the benefits of lotion with the convenience of a bar.
The bars should be used after showering and on warm skin. I like making variations of these lotion bars but sometimes I’ll also make these lotion bar sticks. The stick version is even more portable and doesn’t get hands messy!
Coconut oil, beeswax & essential oils are the only ingredients in these lotion bars. Shea butter is added to the lotion bars.
Find the recipe here for coconut oil lotion bars and lotion bars.
2. Luxurious Homemade Lotion
Just like the lotion bars above, this recipe doesn’t add any liquid so it’s incredibly nourishing. And because we’re not adding any water-based ingredients it has a much longer shelf life (6-12 months). Add your favorite essential oil to customize the lotion. If you want a lotion that is firmer, add more beeswax. Use less beeswax and more liquid oils like almond oil to make a lotion that is smoother.
Here is a recipe for coconut oil-based lotion.
3. Magnesium Body Oil
Magnesium is another thing I’ve written about a lot in the past. My own magnesium oil has proven to be a great way to replenish magnesium. My kids use it often at night to get better sleep. Magnesium oil helped me also avoid morning sickness when I was pregnant.
Unfortunately, magnesium oil can sting and dry out the skin if you’re deficient.
It is easy to convert it into magnesium-infused butter. It is a great source of magnesium and moisturizes the skin, preventing it from drying out. My kids prefer this version and they’ll often rub either this or magnesium oil on their feet.
Here is the recipe to magnesium body butter.
Use coconut oil as a moisturizer? What’s your favorite way of using it? Share your favorite ways to use it below!
