Coconut Oil

(Lush)

The chemicals present in conventional skin and hair care products often are disregarded by the majority of consumers, but can have numerous negative affects to both ourselves and the environment. Natural alternatives, however, can produce much of the same results as these chemical-based options while being environmentally-friendly. For quite a while, I have been incorporating coconut oil, and products that are based on this substance, into my skin and hair care routine. In regards to skin treatment, I have been very impressed by how well coconut oil works as both a makeup remover and a moisturizer. “Coconut oil melts on the skin as soon as you apply it, without leaving any kind of residues. It easily seeps into the skin pores, moisturizing deeply and thoroughly” (Bright). In previous times, I have used Clean and Clear skin care, and while I received adequate results, I begun to notice that the product had been bleaching areas on virtually all of the cloths it came into contact with. This deeply concerned me, and made me wonder what I was actually putting onto my face — and how this would affect the environment — thus, motivating me to make the switch to a more natural alternative. “Pure, unrefined, virgin coconut oil is one of the most natural products available today. For one thing, it is highly stable on account of being over 85% saturated oil, so it does not require any additives or preservatives. Secondly, coconuts are still a GMO free item…” (Bright). One of the major benefits to this form of skin care is that it is healthy for the environment, especially due to its absence of genetically modified organisms. While this oil is exceptional for the skin, it is also incredibly beneficial for the hair. I have been using a hair-care product that’s primary ingredient is coconut oil; I have found that it both softens my hair and decreases the amount of time it takes for me to curl my hair — which was an unexpected bonus. As well, I found it to be an excellent method of reducing my hair’s frizziness, and it did not leave residues, unlike many of the chemical-based alternatives I have used in the past. Overall, coconut oil is by far one of my favourite natural products, and I highly recommend it for its beneficial results and safety for the environment.