Why Coconut Oil?

A gift of nature - the many skincare benefits of coconut oil

Coconut oil is a highly saturated fat that is traditionally made by extracting the oil from raw coconuts or dried coconut kernels. At room temperature it’s solid, but when heated it can soften or even melt. Applying coconut oil directly to the skin, or as a component of a skincare formulation, has a number of benefits. 

Studies show that coconut oil enhances the repair and function of the skin barrier. It is an effective moisturiser, fights the signs of skin aging, has antibacterial properties, and eases inflammation by improving the skin’s antioxidant status. Chronic inflammation is a major component of many skin conditions, including psoriasis, contact dermatitis and eczema.

While some people believe that coconut oil can block pores, research shows that it may actually help in the treatment of acne by reducing inflammation and infection. Lauric acid, which accounts for nearly half of the fatty acids in coconut oil, along with capric acid, have been shown to kill off the strain of bacteria linked to acne.

 

How it hydrates, preserves and protects the dermal barrier

Coconut oil helps minimise the scaly, itchy rashes that characterise eczema, as well as reducing the dryness, redness and thickening of the skin due to scratching. Several studies have demonstrated that coconut oil may also aid healing by improving the skin’s antioxidant status and increasing levels of collagen, which is an important protein for healing. 

There are many benefits to using coconut oil on your body. It can moisturise the scalp to help relieve dandruff, act as a deep conditioning hair mask or, dabbed on to the ends, make your hair shine. Use as a pre-cleanser on the face, dab under dry eyes before bedtime, or rub into dry cuticles, dehydrated feet or cracked heels. It can also be used as a cheek highlighter, lip balm or eye makeup remover. 

Ovelle Coconut Oil (Ecocert Cosmos Natural) uses ‘fractionated’ coconut oil, which means some of the fatty acids have been removed. While this is a more costly process, it produces a colourless, odourless and feather-light emollient to soothe rough and itchy skin. It melts onto the skin upon application, is easily absorbed and doesn’t leave any residue.

Elave Intense Moisture Surge is a unique combination of fractionated coconut oil and shea butter which is rich in vitamin E and natural glycerin. These act together to repair and surge moisture back into the skin, leaving even the driest, most sensitive skin feeling soft and rejuvenated.

 

Easily absorbed botanicals leave skin feeling soft and rejuvenated

Ovelle Hygienic Hand Wash is a sensitive hand wash with enhanced antibacterial protection to gently cleanse the skin. Moisturising coconut botanicals and vitamin E leave the hands feeling soft and refreshed, without stripping away the natural oils which protect the skin from the development of dry skin conditions.  

Elave Daily Lip Defence SPF20is an ultra-hydrating lip balm with broad spectrum sun protection factor SPF20 to protect lips from the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays. A multi-action formula containing coconut oil, shea butter, naturally derived lipoamino acid and vitamin E, it moisturises, re-conditions and protects lips. A dash of peppermint oil gives a cooling sensation.

Elave Hand Treatment Balm is key in helping to maintain healthy skin when frequent handwashing is required. This balm is a unique combination of shea butter, fractionated coconut oil and hydrating emollients which repair and hydrate dry hands, along with vitamin B5 to soften and condition.

Elave Sensitive Intensive Cream protects the skin’s natural barrier and reduces flare-ups of dry, itchy and ultra-sensitive eczema and dermatitis prone skin. White soft paraffin and fractionated coconut oil soothe, hydrate and calm the skin by repairing the skin’s protective barrier and retaining moisture.

 

Some more reading material on all your skincare needs..

Beauty & UV

Age & Your Skin

Elave Skincare and Ovelle ranges of dermatologically-approved free-from natural products are available at gardinerfamilyapothecary.com, Tesco, Boots, Dunnes Beauty, Chemist Warehouse and local pharmacies.

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