benefits of coconut oil – Trading Paper Crowns

Use this in the morning and night!

Every woman in her mid to late 20’s should have an eye cream. You can keep thinking that you are dipping into the fountain of youth – to be surprised when you are 40. Or you can be proactive and treat those problem areas before the problem starts. Let’s choose the latter.

We all know how great Vitamin D is for our skin. Did you know that about 1/3 of the U.S. population has low levels of this awesome vitamin? Crazy. I don’t want to be included in that statistic!

According to You Beauty, over time, the skin’s ability to create vitamin D decreases (up to 75 percent from the age of 20 to 70). That’s not good.

It has been said that having sufficient vitamin D in the skin helps minimize acne, boost elasticity, stimulate collagen production, enhance radiance, and lessen lines and the appearance of dark spots.

With all those benefits, especially for the skin, we definitely want vitamin D in our face creams. There are serums, suntan lotion and tanning sprays out there that incorporate this good stuff. However, you will pay a bundle for it. I don’t know about you, but I am thrifty woman living in the city and paying an arm and a leg does not appeal to me – especially when I can make a cream so easily (with all the benefits of a store bought one!).

The process.

You will need: 2 tbsp. organic coconut oil, 3 vitamin D tablets, a little beauty jar and a safety pin.

Yep, this is the whole list for a beautiful, smoothing eye cream.

First scoop out 2 tbsp of coconut oil into a small bowl. Heat it in the microwave for about 30 seconds. When you take it out it should be liquidly.

Use the safety pin to puncture the gel capsules of the vitamin D and squeeze the insides into the bowl of melted coconut oil. Stir.

Pour your mixture into your tiny cosmetic jar and set in the fridge for about 30 minutes. It will turn into a solid and then use your homemade cream to your heart’s content.

Way to be proactive in taking care of your skin and be frugal at the same time! See, it can be done.

If you are a heath fanatic, probably don’t have to tell you twice about the benefits of coconut oil. However, it’s neat to see a little chart and bullet points of just how wonderful this gift from God is! Daily consumption (in moderation, let’s not eat the whole jar) of this sweet oil will keep you in tiptop shape.

According to Dr. Oz, coconut oil can fight off the aging process, keep your weight balanced, fend off diseases, conditions hair and skin and much, much more. You can read the full article from his website, here.

If you are like me, you are rushing out the door in the morning to beat the heavy morning traffic. And sometimes getting your daily dose of coconut oil is not really on the forefront of your mind. Well, here are some great tips on how to incorporate coconut oil in your daily life:

Add ½ a tbsp. to your morning coffee: seriously, along with your creamer or almond milk just stir in a sweet spoonful of this disease fighting oil. It will melt pretty quickly and flavor your coffee just enough.

Apply to hair for an overnight conditioner: no need to buy those overpriced deep conditioners anymore at a beauty store. Just use coconut oil. Use about 2 handfuls of this oil. Let it melt in your hands before apply to the roots and ends of your hair. Pin up your wet locks for overnight conditioning.

Use for the crinkles in your neck: ladies, we all know about those neck wrinkles. You can actually use coconut oil to lessen the effects of the lines. Just rub some on in the morning or night. You will notice a difference in a week.

Use in homemade body scrubs: most of the homemade body scrubs call for some type of oil at the base. Why not use coconut oil? You can have a little tropical body shower scrub that moistens skin and awakens your senses. Recipe for scrubs here.

Rub on cuticles for nail growth: yes, you can make your fingernails thicker and stronger with coconut oil. Just apply the oil to your cuticles and watch your nails grow long and healthy.

In yummy stir-fry’s: when your recipe calls for some type of oil or butter, just replace it with coconut oil. Trust me, it will give your dish a nice, little refreshing taste.

Good for soothing sunburn: yep, if you got a little burned on your long weekend vaca, you can use coconut oil to soothe that burn. Chuck the aloe vera from the store and use this oil instead.

Can heal and ease bug bites: summer is here and so are mosquitos! Yikes, so good thing you know that coconut oil can ease the itching of these pesky bug bites.

Put on dry skin areas like elbows, knees and heels: you know these areas are a little bit rougher than others, coconut oil can help those little elbows or heels. Just use it like a lotion and watch your skin glow!

Add a gob to your morning shake: if you make green shakes like me, just add in a spoonful of this miracle oil. You won’t taste it. It will just make your little breakfast a bit creamier and healthier. Yum and score!