Kitchen Chemist Star:  Loco for Coco!

Why it Matters: If you’re a naturalista, coconut oil, milk, cream…..Coconut Anything should be a staple in your pantry and beauty cabinet.  Besides the fact that it smells divine and sweetens up anyone’s day it’s also rich in Vitamin E and one of the most incredible moisturizers that your hair and skin will meet.  It perks dry hair up and gives skin the most beautiful glisten and shine making it supple and soft to the touch. Not to mention that it protects skin from infections caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi and has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and provides natural UV protection.  Clearly, now you understand why I’m loco for coco!

Thanks to the international isle in your local grocery store, coconut milk is readily accessible, it can also be found at Asian, Caribbean and African food markets.  Coconut oil is available at Whole Foods, natural food stores or even the farmers market.  And guess what, you can cook with it too! The milk makes for delectable desserts and the oil adds nice flavor to sautees and fried foods

Creative Concoctions

Yummy Skin Gel

Coconut water: Add this water to a bath, or mix it with liquid shower gel.

Refreshed Face Mask

Coconut Pulp: shred the flesh into a pulp. Use the pulp for a cooling and oil reducing face mask. Sit back, and apply the pulp to the entire face. remove the pulp and rinse after 20 – 30 minutes.

Creamy Hair Rinse

Coconut Milk & Coconut Cream: Combine 1 can Coconut milk + 2 oz coconut cream + 2 TB honey in blender and pour on hair after shampoo.  Cover with cap for 10 minutes and rinse.

Frizz Free Balm

Coconut Oil: Combine 2 TB coconut oil (solid) with 1 TB honey and mix well until combined.  Apply as you would use gel and brush in place.  Great for edges, ponytails, slick backs, etc.