More and more people are becoming aware of the healing benefits of high quality tropical oils for their skin and one of the oils that is gaining in popularity is coconut oil. High in lauric acid and with beneficial anti-fungal and moisturizing properties, coconut oil is light, goes on smooth, and has a mild coconut smell. When paired with unprocessed shea butter, the two plant oils work together beautifully to moisturize and heal the skin.
Healing Compounds in Coconut and Shea Butter
As you may already know, shea butter is a very rich source of oleic acid, the essential fatty acid responsible for deep moisture and long lasting protection. It is also this oleic acid content that is responsible for the unique thick and buttery texture of shea butter.
Coconut oil is unique in that it contains a high amount of lauric acid, which has strong antimicrobial properties. The blending of these two plant oils creates an interesting and effective botanical oil blend. This combination not only moisturizes and protects the skin, but can be used to ease the symptoms of bacterial, yeast and fungal infections that itch, burn, and create unsightly flaking and peeling. The combination of these two oils also creates a balm with a wonderful smell and texture.
Quick DIY Coconut-Shea Body Butter
Here's a quick and easy DIY recipe to create your own healing body butter. If you're adding essential oils, think calming lavender for bed or rejuvenating peppermint or lemon oil to start your day out right!
The recipe is as follows:
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⅛ - ¼ cup virgin coconut oil
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essential oil(s) of choice (if desired)
Simply place the shea butter and coconut oil in a medium size bowl and mash/mix until well combined. You may want to leave the coconut and shea out in a warm room for a little while beforehand to get them to soften a little. Add a few drops of your desired essential oil, and mix once more. Transfer to a container and store in a cool dark place.
Note: you can also slightly soften or even melt the shea and coconut in a double boiler over low heat if desired.
So slather it on and enjoy as your skin drinks up the bevy of healing wisdom contained within these two rich, lush, and incredibly nourishing plant oils. Coconut oil is the perfect shea butter skincare companion, as you now well know. If you're looking for a high-quality and fair-trade skin product, try our raw Shea butter!