This is the final installment of my "Holiday Detox" series. Since the holidays are over, and it's back to real life (sigh), I chose to do an everyday recipe that can easily be worked into any daily skin care routine--and is certainly a recipe that is part of mine. And major bonus, it only has 3 ingredients--coconut oil, vitamin E oil (optional, but recommended), and essential oil (optional, but recommended).
Coconut oil, if you don't already know, is a miracle oil with a myriad of health benefits--both inside and outside of the body. It is the only necessary ingredient for this recipe. I'm going to focus solely on the benefits when applied directly to the skin. When coconut oil is applied to the face it deeply moisturizes the skin without leaving it greasy (when used in correct quantities). It works as a cleanser, softening skin and making it easier to exfoliate. It is antibacterial, making it the perfect moisturizer for skin prone to breakouts, and shields the skin from outside bacteria. It also acts as minor daily sun protection (SPF 4) and because of the aforementioned benefits, it protects skin from premature aging. It's basically an all-in-one face treatment. Some fun facts about coconut oil: it whips like whipped cream (which is what makes this recipe possible) and, unlike heavier oils, it suds up when combined with water and friction.
Vitamin E oil is marked as optional because it can cause skin irritation for some people and should be avoided if you have a bleeding disorder, but if none of that applies to you, I highly recommend using it in this recipe. When choosing a vitamin E oil, you should try to find an organic, naturally derived vitamin E oil because synthetic vitamin E oil can react with any leftover makeup on your skin and is more likely to be contaminated with outside chemicals. Vitamin E oil has many benefits. It reduces excess melanin formation (which causes dark under-eye circles), it helps reverse skin damage--making it a natural anti-aging product. It also helps regulate oil-secreting glands, helps reduce scar appearance, reduces dry, flaking skin, and diminishes the appearance of stretch marks.
Essential oils come with many benefits, depending on the kind you choose. For this recipe, I chose lemon and lavender. Lemon is antibacterial and is great for cleansing the skin, whereas lavender enhances circulation and is relaxing.
I love this recipe and use it daily as a face cream, lip hydrator, and I use it on my scars (which has helped reduce their appearance). I hope you all have enjoyed this series and this recipe! Here's to getting back into a routine!
