Skin Care Treatment Products with Coconut Oil Are Great, But Beware of 'Derivatives'

Some skin care treatment product labels may be misleading regarding one of our favorite and most beneficial ingredients – the coconut. It’s well known by many people who prefer natural skin care treatment that manufacturers have added things to otherwise toxic products to make them appear safe and ‘natural’, but this is a twist you may not have discovered.The coconut, a staple in the diet of nearly one third of the world’s population, is used both internally and externally to promote good health. Because it is an antioxidant, it’s safe to eat, cook with and use as skin care treatment without fear of free radical damage.It aids digestion and absorption of nutrients, helps kills fungi, viruses and bacteria, improves thyroid function and cardiovascular health, boosts metabolism and energy, and helps us lose weight.When used externally, the coconut’s antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial properties help fight skin infection while reducing the symptoms of psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis, relieving dryness and flaking and helping to prevent sagging, wrinkles and age spots. It’s an excellent overall skin care treatment.However, the coconut has also been used to synthesize other skin care ingredients which, unlike coconut in its natural form, are toxic.The most common, used in almost every skin care treatment product available, is sodium laurel (sometimes called lauryl or laureth) sulfate (SLS). Most people who prefer natural products are aware of the dangers of SLS. It robs the skin of natural moisture, is absorbed very easily through the skin, and enables the penetration of other harmful chemicals. However, some skin care treatment product labels announce that their SLS is derived from coconut – which makes it look safe.The second ingredient to watch out for is Dioxane. On a label, it may appear as PEG, Polysorbates, Laureth, or ethoxylated alcohols. Its carcinogenic properties have been acknowledged for over 40 years, and it is warned against by the National Cancer Institute. It is also sometimes disguised with ‘derived from coconut’ type labeling.Coconut oil is now used in soaps, exfoliants, shampoos, and even deodorants. If you’ve got the real thing, and the product is free of other toxic ingredients, you’ve got something good. But beware of derivates.To be safe, many people simply use pure coconut oil directly on their skin – make sure you get virgin coconut oil that is ‘traditionally’ processed – but it’s not something you can easily wear all day. For all day protection, try a shielding lotion. A good shielding lotion locks in natural moisture and keeps out chemicals.Virgin coconut oil, used in salad oil or cooking and used topically will do wonders for your skin when combined with a good shielding lotion. In fact, they may be all the natural skin treatment you need to look and feel great.
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