After I changed my diet, I started to hear something, which I thought was very shocking the first time, but which then made complete sense: Only put on your skin what you put in your mouth. This feels really weird and really extreme, I can't remember the last time I ate mascara with blush for lunch. (That's what I thought at first). Until I started having skin allergies that kept getting worse. My eyelids itched, turned red, and started to flake off, and nothing I used on medication helped to get better.
The first step towards improvement was over 6 years ago when I stopped using nail polishes that contain formaldehyde, toluene and paraben and started to see a partial improvement in allergies.
The point is that our skin has great absorption power and everything we put on it is absorbed into the bloodstream. Have you looked at your deodorant's ingredient list? From your body moisturizer? Your face soap? Well, there are countless chemical compounds, which combine randomly and act as foreign compounds to our body, causing inflammatory reactions, which in my case manifested as those allergies described above.
It was then, looking for natural beauty products that were free of chemical compounds, that I started using coconut oil as a body and facial moisturizer, as a makeup remover, after sun lotion and hair moisturizer. Yes, all that, in just one product! I can say that this was one of the best choices I've ever made, because in addition to saving a lot of money, I also save space in my suitcase when I travel, because instead of carrying several different packages that fill my case, I only take the oil from coconut.
- At night I use a small amount of coconut oil on my face as a moisturizer and I always wake up feeling my skin much better than I'm used to. This is because coconut oil is rich in vitamin E, which stimulates the growth and repair of our skin cells, protecting against aging and cracking of the skin and lips, while leaving it very smooth and soft. It is also rich in certain proteins, which are essential for cell repair, speeding up repair time, which helps to leave your skin looking fresher and more radiant.
- For the same reasons, coconut oil is also an awesome hair mask. I try to apply it overnight once a week or so to keep my hair soft and shiny. Just add about a tablespoon of oil to the ends, then brush to make sure the coconut oil is evenly distributed. To remove the mask, simply wash it off with shampoo and conditioner a few hours later or the next morning. I avoid putting coconut oil in the root as it is harder to wash off and can make my hair very greasy.
- Another daily use of coconut oil is as a makeup remover. I know this may sound weird, but actually I've never found anything that removes eye makeup so well. Just rub a pea-sized amount over both eyes and the makeup starts to melt, it's amazing! And even better, it also moisturizes my lashes and they never fall out – something that always happened to me when I wore a handkerchief or cotton with makeup remover.
- It's also very good as a body moisturizer, and it's so effective that I usually use it once a week and my skin feels really smooth. You won't need much. For the whole body I probably use two tablespoons or more, and I usually do this before I go to sleep to let my skin absorb it overnight. I do the same thing after sunbathing and it's super soothing, so it's especially good for refreshing when your skin is hot and red from too much sun.
- And lastly, I use coconut oil to make a mouthwash (just like we do with fluoride). This is a pretty interesting topic and requires a little bit of explanation, so I'll save that for another post – but it involves making a mouthwash with coconut oil every morning for cleaning. It may sound crazy, but this awesome Ayurveda technique is something I really learned to love, even though I was very skeptical about it at first.
I hope you have learned a little more about the versatility of this fantastic superfood that is coconut oil, which brings countless health benefits in different aspects!
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Hey! Is the coconut oil you use one that is transparent? Because there are some that are like a whitish paste…
Hi Camila!
Yes, that's it! It becomes more solid if the ambient temperature is lower. Here where I live it is always super hot, so it is liquid and transparent, but when I used to live in Curitiba there was always this whitish paste. To solve this, just let it warm up with the heat of your hand for a few seconds and you can use it, it finishes melting on the skin.
Do you also use shampoo and hair creams, or have you stopped too? I've heard a lot about people who stop using shampoo and get their hair beautiful and hydrated with just water.
Hi Hilo!! I still use shampoo but once a week or two at most! On other days I use baking soda and apple cider vinegar! the hair is super light and shiny! It's worth a try!!
Wow, what mass, I want to try too. I had heard about apple cider vinegar, which seals the cuticles, but since I dye my hair, I don't know if it would be right to give up cosmetics in this case.
About coconut oil: does it work on oily skin? Or do you have an alternative in this case?
I'm really enjoying the tips on the site and I also found the layout beautiful hehe, congratulations!
Glad you're enjoying Hilo, I'm so happy!
For oily skin, you can use coconut oil to remove makeup, but it's important to remove excess with a towel. For me, washing my face in the morning with green tea has worked because it's mildly astringent and rich in antioxidants. Since I make green tea to drink every day, I reserve a cup until it cools and then use it on my face.
Tell me what you think after trying it!
Helo! I loved the tips and I will definitely try it. What would you indicate to clean the skin of the face? I have acne and I'm always trying to get rid of it. Thanks and kisses,
Hi Louise!! Glad you're enjoying the tips!
Acne can be caused by many reasons, such as food. Some foods are well known to cause acne, such as sugar and milk, so eliminating these foods for a while is interesting to see if it improves.
I like to wash my face with green tea, and I use lavender essential oil, it helps to reduce acne inflammation!
Good luck!
Kisses!
Hi Marcella. Where do you find coconut oil in Vitória?
Hi Diana!
You can find it in supermarkets and natural food stores like Veganza! You know?
Look for organic and extra virgin. Generally available brands are Copra and Finococo
Kisses!
Hello Marcella, how are you?
What does Ayurveda say about sunscreen, both face and skin, should we use?
thank you and kisses
Hello Patricia! This is a topic that involves several questions and it certainly makes a good post, which I'll be happy to write. For now, I can tell you that for Ayurveda, as well as other traditional cultures, the goal is not just to block radiation through sunscreen, but to make the skin work well by exercising its functions as one of the largest organs in our body. , so that she can protect herself naturally, which happens through a balanced diet and healthy habits!
Thanks for the question! Kisses!
Good afternoon, Doc! Please commented on washing your hair with baking soda and apple cider vinegar, but what about the smell? Thanks! bio!
Good afternoon Daniela! The smell evaporates when we blow-dry our hair. I also tend to drop a few drops of lavender essential oil onto my brush so that when combing my hair it absorbs the yummy scent of the essential oil!
I loved your space. I am an acupuncturist and also always look for natural products for our daily care. I would like to know if coconut oil is also good for those itchy and red spots that sometimes appear, I believe allergy. Or if it can cause skin allergies.
Hi Michel! That's great, I'm glad you liked it! It can be used on these spots and itches, and it will help to improve, as it has anti viral and anti bacterial activity. Allergies are very uncommon, but it's possible that some people do, so it's best to apply a little to those who've never used it and wait a few minutes to see if you have any reactions. Most of the time this doesn't happen 😉
What kind of apple cider vinegar can i use where can i find it??
Hello Dramarcella! ! can i use extra virgin poop oil??
Hello Bruna! Yes, the extra virgin is the most suitable!
Good afternoon, Dr. Marcela
I used to use coconut oil to make mouthwash too. However, when I started to study ayurveda, a teacher recommended that I switch from coconut oil to cold-pressed organic sesame oil because of gingival retraction. I would like to know your opinion about. Thankful. =]
Namaste
Hi Mariana!
Both oils are suitable for mouthwash, but which one is best for you depends on your dosha. I tend to use coconut oil more often to make the mouthwash because I'm predominantly Pita.
Namaste!
Wow, I loved the tips, I already use coconut oil in my diet, I switched from soy oil to olive oil and coconut oil, now with these tips, fabulous thank you.
I am very happy that you liked Maria Jandira! Excellent exchange, you are on the right track!
I loved the tips, Dr Marcella! I have dry, very sensitive and allergic skin, that is, very complicated and I bought Finococo's organic coconut oil. I have been using it for about 5 days and my skin is still irritated and dry, is this normal? Does it usually take a long time to have a moisturizing effect? Thank you in advance! Congratulations on the website.
Hi Aline!
Glad you loved the tips! The effect depends a lot on each person's skin, and what is causing this hypersensitivity and dryness. Coconut oil helps to hydrate, but it's important to look at the cause of this possible imbalance as well. Keep using it for a month and then tell me how it looks! Thanks to you!
What is the best brand of coconut oil?
Hello Ana Maria
There are many good brands on the market. I recommend finding a brand that is organic and the oil is extra virgin, ie cold pressed.
thanks for reading
Dr, your work is beautiful, I loved it!
I'm confident in abandoning chemical protectants and using coconut oil instead, I'm not one to stay in the sun too much because of melasma. Would you like to know if coconut oil protects against computer radiation, light bulbs?
Kisses and thank you so much.
Good morning,
I have Discoid Lupus Erymatosus, I have red spots on my skin, especially on my forehead, if I start applying it to my face and body, it would help.
I really enjoyed the article about coconut oil, I didn't know it's so good….
obgda….
Hi Vania! Glad you liked the post. Hope it helps to improve blemishes. Hug
Dr. Marcella,
I had an allergic reaction to coconut oil on my face, I think I should inform consumers that there is a chance of this happening, I used it only once and I got blisters on my face, redness and swelling.
hello juçara
Did you use pure coconut oil yourself? It's really the first time I've heard of such a reaction to coconut oil, so grateful to share. Does your skin tend to be sensitive? Do you have any other skin treatments?
I use coconut oil as a repellent on my skin, I discovered it by chance when I was on the coast and I have not stopped using it. No mosquitoes attack, nor blackfly. I found it perfect! Hey
Hi, Dr. Marcella.
I loved your post, especially now that I've been thinking about using Ayuvedic medicine. I would like to know if organic coconut oil doesn't have these substances from industrialized products, because I've been struggling for months with a skin allergy on my face and everything, absolutely everything I went through, to moisturize the skin, since it's super dry and rough, indicated by doctors, gave me an allergy. I took the allergy test and I'm allergic to formaldehyde, quaternum 15, nickel sulphate, immunozoloid derivatives... so if by chance the coconut oil has any preservative I won't be able to use it.
I would also like to know if there is a specific brand that is totally natural.
Sorry for the report right away, but it's because I can't stand going to the doctor anymore and nothing solves it.
Thank you!!
Hi Tina! I'm glad you liked the post. Organic coconut oil is pure and should not contain other substances, but it is always important to ensure that you read the label. I usually use the concentrated coconut oil from Pura Vida “Coconut Lotus” for the skin, which works really well, has no smell and is of high quality. I hope it helps you handle your skin better 😉
Congratulations for the great content Doctor Marcella
Thank you so much, Amanda! I'm glad you liked it. Any questions or suggestions, I'm here! 😉