Crazy for Coconut Oil!

Crazy for Coconut Oil: DIY detoxing and exfoliating scrubs made with coconut oil.

By: Abby Larson

It’s the season for shorts, tee-shirts, and sandals in just about every part of the United States, which means many of us will be venturing out in clothing that reveals some skin, whether it be bellies, knees, or just toes. It is incredibly simple to make different scrubs at home in order to help your skin look and feel its best, while it absorbs those fantastic vitamin D rays. Not only will these scrubs nourish your skin and leave you glowing, but by using unrefined organic coconut oil as a main ingredient, you can help your body in other long lasting ways! Coconut oil is one of nature’s many miracles. Firstly, it has been used in tropical parts of the world as a natural sunscreen, free of harmful or harsh chemicals. Secondly, since it is made up of saturated fats, or triglycerides, it locks in moisture, reduces redness, and smooths skin. Finally, since it is high in vitamin E and protein, coconut oil can repair worn skin and prevent premature wrinkles and other signs of aging!   

Here are 3 DIY recipes you can try at home using coconut oil. Make sure you are using unrefined organic oil, and unscented Epsom salts. After you try these, try experimenting with different scents to make your own personal scrub!

1. Body scrub: Mix ingredients together until blended, rub gently on damp skin for 1 minute, rinse with water. Finish by applying unrefined organic coconut oil to skin.

1/2 cup of unscented Epsom salts

1/3 cup of coconut oil

1 tbsp dried lavender

½ tsp lavender essential oil

1. Lip softener: Mix all ingredients together until blended, rub gently on lips for 20-30 seconds, rinse with water. Finish by applying unrefined organic coconut oil to lips.

1 tbsp organic honey

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp coconut oil 

1. Foot, elbows, knees scrub: Mix all ingredients into a rough mixture. Massage into the roughest areas of your body for 30-45 seconds. Rinse with water. Finish by applying unrefined organic coconut oil to the new radiant skin. 

1 tbsp lemon juice

½ tsp lemon zest

½ tsp tea tree oil

2 tbsp coconut oil

1 cup unscented Epsom salts

I recommend these quality brands of Epsom salts and coconut oil:

Epsom salt

Coconut oil