Wednesday, August 06, 2014

Coconut Cream And Coconut Water Article (Natural Skin And Hair Care)

Since I posted about a sugar scrub that contained coconut ingredients yesterday, I thought I would post a related eco living article on using coconut cream and coconut water in skin care.  I wrote this article several months ago; I was asked about using these ingredients in body scrubs and bath soaks.  There are links to some of my other coconut recipes in it!

I usually post this article every couple of months on facebook.  Every time I post this article, I get asked 'where do you find coconut cream?'.  Coconut cream can be found at health food stores or at Asian markets.  I like to get mine at my local Whole Foods since they have organic.  A good organic brand is Native Forest.  But if you don't have coconut cream, just use coconut milk, which is similar to coconut cream but only thinner. I would get canned coconut milk and not the type in the carton, since the ones in the cartons are usually very watered down.  If you open a can of coconut milk, the coconut milk usually is separated (there will be a solid mass on top and thinner liquid on the bottom).  Just use more of the thick coconut stuff on the top and less of the liquid at the bottom.  Note: don't confuse coconut cream with 'creamed coconut' (which is coconut butter).  Some vendors also call their coconut oil 'coconut cream' so read labels carefully!

For coconut water, there are many good brands.  You can find them in many health food stores as well as some regular super markets, and places like costco too.  I like vita coco brand.

Monday, August 04, 2014

Sugar Scrubs Galore! (Natural Skin Care, Carrier Oils, Essential Oils).

I just edited my old post on sugar and salt scrubs.  I shared this recipe many years ago, but was recently talking about sugar scrubs on Earth Alkemie's facebook fan page, so decided to share it again, and updated the information in the post!  This is a basic, classic recipe for sugar and salt scrubs, made with sugar or salt, oil, and essential oils.  They are super easy and inexpensive to make.

A few months ago I also shared my vegan coconut scrub recipe on the anb (all natural beauty) mall.  This recipe uses coconut cream and coconut water instead of a carrier oil.  It smells so delicious and is really great for the skin.  Enjoy!