Coconut Oil
I recently jumped on the coconut oil bandwagon. I’ve started using a small amount when I cook or bake. It is a great substitute for butter or other oils when baking, and so far everything has come out fine, and hopefully my body is benefiting, as well. I do spend a lot of time focusing on what is in, or on my food, and I’m beginning to be more conscious about what I use on the outside of my body. I will admit, I will still get my hair dyed to cover up greys, and I have no idea what is in some of the makeup that I use, but I’m willing to learn. I have, however, switched to putting coconut oil around my eyes, and on very dry skin days, all over my face before I go to bed, as a substitute for other moisturizers. It has also replaced my lip balm and it feels light and amazing, unlike what you would expect an oil to feel like. Benny Wallace, the aesthetician at Alba Beauty Studio in Hyde Park, explains that “because coconut oil is a plant oil, it can be absorbed by the skin. It helps the skin retain moisture, but also reinforces your skin’s natural oil barrier keeping your skin soft and pliable.” Coconut oil is packed with Vitamin E, but also three fatty acids: Capric, Lauric and Caprylic acids. When these are applied to the skin or ingested, these fatty acids can help fight infection due to the disinfectant and antimicrobial properties.At Alba Beauty Studio, owned by sisters Andrea and Ashley Lauren, they are committed to “Doing No Harm.” This means all of their products are non-toxic and organic. If you’re like me, there is a lot to be learned about what is in our beauty products, but, in the meantime, the benefits of coconut oil keep surfacing and it is a great place to start with something natural for our skin!
Stop into Alba Beauty Studio to meet Benny and the Lauren sisters or visit their website to find out all they offer at this full service, non-toxic, organic salon and spa.
Feel free to share your favorite use of coconut oil! I love new ideas, and I know there are a ton of other uses I didn’t share.