Coconut oil is a known super food but it also has great benefits for your skin and body. Coconut oil has been used for hundreds of years to protect, heal and moisturise skin. Coconut oil comes from the meat of the coconut; typically the oil is pressed or chemically extracted. Its unique properties help skin repair, renew and heal itself. For the most beneficial effect purchase organic cold pressed virgin coconut oil.

Anti-aging moisturiser

This oil is full of skin loving medium-chain triglyceride fatty acids. This type of fat penetrates deep into the skin helping it heal from within. It encourages collagen production to combat wrinkles and has antioxidants to help prevent damage from free radicals that cause aging. To use, warm a pea-sized amount in your hand and massage gently into facial skin. Apply twice a day.

Wound healer

Coconut oil is anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, & anti-fungal making it a great oil to apply on or around cuts, bruises & burns for faster healing. Coconut oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain.

Sunscreen

This oil when applied to skin provides protection from UVA sunrays while allowing your body to safely absorb some UVB rays to create Vitamin D. The SPF rating of coconut oil is between 7 - 10 SPF. Hair and scalp can also benefit from sun protection. Ask a naturopath for more information about natural sunscreens.

Natural hair conditioner

Coconut oil has great hair and scalp loving properties. Massage 2 – 4 Tablespoons of oil into clean hair and scalp. Leave on for 15 – 20 minutes before rinsing hair with warm water. Coconut oil can also be left on overnight for a deep conditioning treatment. Make sure you use an old towel or pillowcase as oil can stain material. Especially good for dandruff or dry scalp problems.

Dermatitis treatment

This nourishing oil has been clinically proven to relieve and heal skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis. Its fatty acids and vitamins provide relief for dry itchy skin.

Brain Food

Coconut oil applied to the skin can penetrate into the bloodstream. Your body metabolizes the medium chain triglyceride fatty acids that then produce ketones in the brain. Ketones have been shown to prevent and even reverse Alzheimer’s. Ketones also help keep your brain sharp and your memory clear. Coconut oil is truly a super food both inside and out. 'Ask a Naturopath' for more ways to take advantage of this incredible oil.