Category Archives: Eco Friendly Beauty Tips

How to Make and Use Whipped Coconut Oil

How to Make and Use Whipped Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is good for your skin, and feels much better when it’s whipped, especially during winter when your coconut oil is probably hard and difficult to get out of the jar. Fortunately, it’s really easy to whip, and then you have this wonderful lotion that feels even better to use.

To Make

1 cup solid coconut oil
skin-friendly essential oils if desired

Put the coconut oil into a mixing bowl. Use your mixer to beat it on slow to break up the coconut oil. As the chunks disappear, increase speed to high to really whip it. It should become light and fluffy, and look like about twice as much as it was. Add essential oils, just a few drops, if desired as you whip the coconut oil.

Spoon into a container that you can close up. I prefer glass jars. Keep in your bathroom when the room is cool enough, but know that this can still melt as the weather warms up. You can keep it in the fridge too, and it will not get as hard as unwhipped coconut oil would, but will be firmer than if you keep it out.

Don’t try a blender to whip this recipe up – you’re more likely to simply melt the coconut oil.

You can also combine with other natural skin care ingredients such as shea butter, cocoa butter or vitamin E.

If the weather is warm enough that to coconut oil is melting, this probably won’t work without a little help. Cool the coconut oil in your refrigerator first, then try to whip it. You could also try freezing the bowl first.

The type of coconut oil doesn’t matter too much, beyond personal preference. If you like the coconut smell, virgin coconut oil is fine. If you can’t stand the smell, make sure to use a refined version.

To Use

Use this just as you would other moisturizers, but be prepared for it to take a little more time to soak in. Some people find coconut oil too greasy, but the whipped version is easier to put on more lightly. Many people get the best results putting this on damp skin.

If you have cracked feet, this can work as a pleasant overnight treatment. Rub it into your feet, then put socks on and go to bed. The socks are important for best results.

Whipped coconut oil also makes a good hair treatment. Rub some into your hair, especially the ends, which tend to be the driest. Wrap your hair in a towel so that you don’t get oil everywhere and let it sit for an hour or overnight. Wash your hair thoroughly in the morning. If your hair is still oily, wash again or try conditioner – some people find that conditioner gets the oily feeling out better than shampoo.

This works as a lip balm too. Apply a small amount to your lips with your fingertips. Don’t try to carry it around in this form, however, as it will melt in whatever container and could leak out. You can melt coconut oil with beeswax if you want something more stable to carry around.

This Will Melt

As this recipe doesn’t include any stabilizers, the coconut oil will still melt easily in warmer temperatures, and may lose the air bubbles that make it so light over time even in cooler weather. Don’t make a large batch and think that it will stay that way forever. Make a reasonable amount for your needs, and rewhip as necessary.

[enhancednotice id=”3″]

7 Great Natural Beauty Products

7 Great Natural Beauty Products

I’ve never been much into beauty products. I don’t wear makeup most of the time, don’t dye my hair, etc. Still, there are some natural products that I enjoy using on my skin and hair that do a wonderful job.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is great for the skin and hair. I get the cold pressed stuff, which is supposed to be better. It’s a nice moisturizer for the skin, just rub it on. Be careful about using it on your face, as it can be comedogenic, but I like using it on my arms and legs.

For hair, rub the coconut oil between your hands to melt it, then apply to the length of your hair. Leave in for an hour or so, then wash out. Wonderful, soft hair!

Castor Oil

Yes, this notorious oil has its uses. I mix it with some olive oil to use as a facial cleanser – about a third castor oil to two third olive oil for my skin, but experiment to figure out your own best mix. Too much castor oil can be drying on your skin. Try oils other than olive oil too – it can be comedogenic, but not everyone has that problem with it. Apply the mix with your fingers, then hold a hot, damp washcloth to your face, then wipe the oils off.

Jojoba Oil

When I want a lighter oil on my skin or hair, jojoba is wonderful. It feels much lighter than coconut oil, but is still a great moisturizer. It works well in the oil cleansing method with castor oil too.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

I hardly ever use traditional shampoo or conditioner these days. I mix some baking soda in a lot of water in a squeeze bottle to wash my hair, and condition with watered down vinegar. Then I condition using watered down vinegar, about two parts water to one of vinegar, although I never measure it out.

If the smell of the vinegar bothers you, just add some hair-friendly essential oils. You will get used to it if you don’t, and the smell doesn’t stick around after rinsing, but if you find it too unpleasant without essential oils, or you just like the smell, go for it.

Homemade Sugar Scrubs

When you want to indulge while exfoliating your skin, a homemade sugar scrub is the way to go. Pick your sugar – some use brown, some use white, and mix with a skin friendly oil. Massage into your skin, leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse off.

Have some fun with your ingredients too. Vitamin E can be a good addition, as can certain herbs or essential oils.

Aloe Vera

We grow aloe vera in our garden and really need to use it more! You scrape out the gel from inside the leaves and apply it to the skin. It feels amazing on sunburn (or burns in general) and is a good moisturizer. Some people drink aloe vera juice, but I haven’t tried that.

Homemade Bath Bombs

Homemade bath bombs are easy to make and feel great. The basic ingredients are baking soda, epsom salts and citric acid. Essential oils and food coloring are optional. Some people add oils as well. There are instructions all over for how to make these, and it’s much cheaper than buying them at the store. Add the wet ingredients slowly to the dry ones, or you’ll start the fizzing reaction that belongs in your bath.

5 Easy and Natural Skin Care Tips for Winter

Winter hasn’t officially started yet, but plenty of places have cold weather now. The cold air outside and the dry, heated air inside can be really tough on your skin. There are plenty of products out there to moisturize your skin, but if you want to avoid long chemical names, you may be better off making your own products. Fortunately, that’s pretty easy.

1. Dry brush exfoliate


Dry brush exfoliation can help to get all that dead skin off. It feels pretty nice too. You need a soft, natural bristle skin brush for this and a gentle touch. It’s not about scrubbing yourself red, after all. Use circular strokes as you work up your legs and arms. This method isn’t for your face or other places where your skin is more sensitive or thinner, and avoid any injuries you may have at the time.

2. Jojoba oil

I like the way jojoba oil feels on my skin. It absorbs very nicely and leaves it feeling soft, and a little goes a long way.

If you want a pretty scent, add just a couple drops of your favorite essential oil. Make sure it’s safe for skin first. Lavender, chamomile and rose are good choices. Mix it in with your jojoba and it’s ready to go.

Other oils can work well, depending on your skin type. Coconut oil is another popular choice. It may take a bit more work to rub in when the house is cooler, as it solidifies when the temperature goes below 76 degrees F, but scrape a little off the top and rub it between your hands to take care of that issue.

3. Shea butter

Shea butter is another excellent moisturizer. You can mix in a little jojoba or other oil that’s good for your skin plus some essential oils to make a very nice moisturizer. Many sources recommend unrefined shea butter as the most effective. Some find shea butter to be on the greasy side, but that’s true for many oils. Give homemade moisturizers a little leeway while you wait for your skin to absorb them.

4. Drink lots of water

Drinking plenty of water throughout the year helps keep your skin healthier. Well hydrated skin starts from inside your body.

5. Avocado face mask

Mash one avocado until smooth. Add in one teaspoon of olive oil. Mix, then spread over your face. Relax for 20 or so minutes before cleaning off, then moisturize as usual.

What Should You Know About the FDA’s New Sunscreen Rules?

The FDA recently announced some new rules about how sunscreen can be marketed. While it’s important to make sure you’re using a safe sunscreen, I like seeing that the FDA is taking steps to handle the many excessive claims made by marketers about sunscreen. These changes will officially go into effect the summer of 2012, but companies can change over sooner.

The FDA says that one of the big reasons they’re making changes is because the old rules only covered UVB protection, but modern testing can also determine how much protection the sunscreen provides against UVA.

Sunscreens must be tested in order to make a broad spectrum protection claim, which would mean that they have UVA and UVB protection. Sunscreens without that label will protect against sunburn only.

Sunscreens may not be labeled waterproof or sweatproof, only water resistant. This is because such claims make the sunscreens sound as though they protect better than they do. The claims must indicate whether the sunscreen is water resistant for 40 or 80 minutes, so it’s clearer when it must be reapplied for protection.

One more rule to limit the claimed SPF to a maximum of 50+ is under consideration. This is because it is not clear that any sunscreen products provide protection better that the protection provided by 50 SPF sunscreens.

Of course, new rules or old, you’re best off making sure that you buy a safe sunscreen. It’s better to be comfortable with the things you’re putting on your skin, even when you’re trying to protect it from other kinds of damage.

Treat Your Skin to Eco Friendly Care

Many popular beauty treatments you buy in the store really aren’t that good either for your skin or the environment. They give a temporarily good look, but in the long run they’re hard on your skin and may even be damaging.

It’s amazing how easy it is to make some basic beauty treatments at home with products that are much kinder to your skin and the environment. They won’t feel exactly like store bought products going on, but that’s not a bad thing at all. Do your best to find organic versions of these products. Fair Trade is a good choice also when you cannot find locally produced versions of these products.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil, especially organic, virgin, unrefined coconut oil is wonderful for your skin. You don’t need a lot. Just take a little and rub it in. It’s also very good for hair, but be very careful to not overdo, or your hair will appear oily.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil has similar effects to coconut oil, but it is a much lighter feel. It is considered to be the most similar to the skin’s natural oils.

Shea Butter

Shea butter is another great choice for dry skin. Once again, organic and unrefined are the best choices, and you may be able to find Fair Trade shea butter. There are claims that shea butter can treat a variety of skin ailments, but I would suggest testing it out on your own.

Honey

Honey is an ingredient in many homemade facial recipes. The simple reason is that it’s great for most types of skin. It’s mildly antimicrobial and helps to keep skin moisturized. It can even be used to soothe cuts and burns. Raw honey is considered to be better by many people.

Egg Whites

The proteins in egg whites are good for your skin. Whip them, apply to your face, and let it dry for 15 minutes before rinsing off with cool water.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Many people are fans of the wide range of uses of apple cider vinegar. On your skin it acts as a natural toner and is great for the pH balance of your skin.

Essential Oils

Some essential oils are great for your skin. Others aren’t so research before you add any essential oil to your skin care regimen. They should always be added to a carrier oil such as coconut oil or jojoba oil, just a few drops per ounce. Lavender is a great choice for a relaxing scent. Tea tree oil is popular for its antiseptic effects.

There are many more products you can find around your home to care for your skin. The best part is that you can treat your skin wonderfully while spending less than you would for name brand products that might be damaging your skin in the long run.