Coconut oil as a lotion and Soap

[Tooter]

Originally Posted by Charski

I use it everwhar too. Love it.

In the summertime, it's the only thing that keeps my heels from cracking.

And my DH is another "eye-roller" when I say, "Get the coconut oil...." But he goes and gets it! LOL!

[debkeversole]

Originally Posted by Tooter

I have been married to the same person for 25 years, the factory is "closed" and we don't use condoms, nor do we worry about STD's.

And as far as using it as a lubricant, I have totally found it to be awesome and "Natural". And to top it off, the properties of Coconut oil are anti-yeast which helps prevent yeast infections and it's also "healing" which means you don't have any irritations. It certainly is perfect for me.

[sbarr]

*giggling* - OK, everyone is asking about the frisky aspect of CO - I have that recreational activity figured out just fine, but using this as a baby lotion - I'm fascinated.

The wee one is being evicted in a month - and I do plan to start infant massage very young - can you tell me more about how you use the CO on your granddaughter? How has this prevented a rash? I'm a sponge for new ideas on what I can do with her that are cheap and effective - and for a baby bum to smell like coconuts - can you imagine the first time she ever goes to day care?

[Locarb4me]

Originally Posted by LeanLioness

I coconut oil too!!!



Can someone tell me how to make the soap?

Sorry. I've been missing from this thread for a while.

I'm not sure about posting a direct link, (don't want my hand slapped) but if you google "teachsoap" you'll find a site with info. You are looking for how to make cold process lye soap.

[Tooter]

Originally Posted by sbarr

*giggling* - OK, everyone is asking about the frisky aspect of CO - I have that recreational activity figured out just fine, but using this as a baby lotion - I'm fascinated.

The wee one is being evicted in a month - and I do plan to start infant massage very young - can you tell me more about how you use the CO on your granddaughter? How has this prevented a rash? I'm a sponge for new ideas on what I can do with her that are cheap and effective - and for a baby bum to smell like coconuts - can you imagine the first time she ever goes to day care?

You just rub it in to the babies skin. A little goes a long way.

How does it prevent diaper rash? Well, think about it, what "is" diaper rash? I haven't gone and looked this up, but wouldn't it be the response of bacteria in a damp and dark diaper? That is perfect breeding ground for it. The CO oil has many properties to it that would prevent and/or kill it.

[sbarr]

Thanks...this is giving me some great ideas!

[Tooter]

Originally Posted by sbarr

Thanks...this is giving me some great ideas!

Also, my DIL, uses it to clean out my Granddaughters nose. She will take a Q-tip and rub a little CO on it and then gently put it in her nose. Same thing with the ears. The "Oil" helps to clean those places out and also, disinfects it!! LOL Remember, those are places that infection/bacteria like to breed.

Do I know all the science behind it? No. I just know that it works. I hope that helped. Like I said, a little goes a long way and when you are "Rubbing" a baby down with it, you need to remember that, or they will be like a greased pig!!

[sweetpoison]

Originally Posted by violettfem

I'm happy that it works for you, however, doctors have warned against oil based lube since the sexual revolution. Oil can trap bacteria which causes infection and a host of other problems. Bacteria does not only grow in the form of yeast, as I am sure you know.

I had heard that also, but, my doctor has informed me that Olive Oil is great used for ...that area (I am almost 55 and am having issues ). I have never used Coconut oil.....but I just might try it.
I think the old addage of not using an oil comes from not using Vasoline or the man made cooking oils. Years ago these natural oils were not as big as they are now. If in dought.....you might ask your docs opinion.

Vicki

[Tooter]

Originally Posted by sweetpoison

I had heard that also, but, my doctor has informed me that Olive Oil is great used for ...that area (I am almost 55 and am having issues ). I have never used Coconut oil.....but I just might try it.
I think the old addage of not using an oil comes from not using Vasoline or the man made cooking oils. Years ago these natural oils were not as big as they are now. If in dought.....you might ask your docs opinion.

Vicki

I agree with you. Man made oils are the problem, not the natural ones. Gosh, I remember using "baby Oil" for a makeup remover. Do you remember them coming out and saying how bad that was for your eyes? BABY OIL!!!!!!!! You would think that would be the safest thing to use. That's also the Oil they didn't want you to use in that *ahem* area for adult women.

I use the CO for everything. I am so pleased with the results and have yet to be diappointed. As a matter of fact, last night I put it in my hair and let it "sit" for a couple of hours while I watched TV. I Then washed it out. My hair felt amazing!

[WildflowerMama]

Just a little note on making lye soap with coconut oil. I'm a soapmaker, I also make lotions and other body products. Coconut oil is amazing in body products. It has wonderful skin loving properties as well as internal health benefits.

However, coconut oil in soap is actually a cleansing oil. It's not a moisturizing oil once it has gone through the saponification process that occurs when lye is combined with oils to produce soap.

It's a wonderful addition to soap - gives tons of luscious, wonderful lather, however, in and of itself, once it has saponified, it becomes a cleansing oil and it will be drying on the skin. However, when combined with more moisturizing oils, coconut oil is a terrific addition to soap - in fact, I don't soap without it. But, I add it in smaller amounts to combat the dryness of coconut oil once it's been saponified.

However, as I said before, coconut oil is amazing straight up on the skin or combined with other oils to make conditioner or lotion, balms, massage oils etc....

[Tooter]

Ok, just did a little reading.

The problem with the "man made" oils (baby oil and vaseline and other lotions we use) are that they are mineral oils. Now, that would sound "healthy", wouldn't it? The problem is that they are petroleum based! Yeah, that's where the "mineral" oil comes from. That's the reason people have problems using those products in those areas and also with condoms. Mineral oil is not healthy at all. Look where it comes from.




I'm going to do some more reading on this, but I wanted to give you guys a "heads up" on the issue and you can search and read for yourself.

To think I used to use baby oil on my kids and as a makeup remover!!! And Vaseline!!!!!

[Tooter]

Originally Posted by WildflowerMama

Just a little note on making lye soap with coconut oil. I'm a soapmaker, I also make lotions and other body products. Coconut oil is amazing in body products. It has wonderful skin loving properties as well as internal health benefits.

However, coconut oil in soap is actually a cleansing oil. It's not a moisturizing oil once it has gone through the saponification process that occurs when lye is combined with oils to produce soap.

It's a wonderful addition to soap - gives tons of luscious, wonderful lather, however, in and of itself, once it has saponified, it becomes a cleansing oil and it will be drying on the skin. However, when combined with more moisturizing oils, coconut oil is a terrific addition to soap - in fact, I don't soap without it. But, I add it in smaller amounts to combat the dryness of coconut oil once it's been saponified.

However, as I said before, coconut oil is amazing straight up on the skin or combined with other oils to make conditioner or lotion, balms, massage oils etc....

Thank you!! Wildflower, I had to find that out on my own with the coconut oil. To combine it with other oils or it can be drying...Which shocked me.

I now use a combo of Coconut oil and sweet Almond oil.

Thank you for the information.

[WildflowerMama]

Originally Posted by Locarb4me

I make 100% organic virgin coconut oil soap now. It's amazing.

I'm very surprised that coconut oil used straight would be drying. Saponified coconut oil (soap) can be drying if not superfatted, the way I make mine now. I give mine an additional 20% superfat so it's not drying. And yes it can be used as shampoo. I love it.

Oops! I missed this post That's funny, I've tried the 20% superfat too You don't happen to be on a certain soap board do you?

[WildflowerMama]

Tooter, do you make soap? or do you mean you find it drying when applied directly to the skin? It is actually a slightly astringent oil when applied directly to the skin. If you have really dry skin, you may find you need to combine it with another oil - like you said, sweet almond is wonderful.

Also, just another plug for coconut oil - it makes a wonderful deodorant! I haven't used commercial deodorants in years. And, I live in Phoenix so I get hot and sweaty! I alternate between using alcohol with essential oils and virgin coconut oil with essential oils. I can make it through a phoenix summer stink free!

[Tooter]

Originally Posted by WildflowerMama

Tooter, do you make soap? or do you mean you find it drying when applied directly to the skin?

I don't make soap, yet! I might just start it, after I pick your brains!

I actually use plain co to wash my fase with. That's how I use it as a soap.

As to how I found out it was drying? I started using it as a lotion and my skin was so soft, but noticed that my skin seemed a little "dry" before I applied it again. As soon as I would apply it...my skin was fantastic...until I needed to apply it again. It became a cycle. That's how I learned to use it combined with Almond oil.

[Tooter]

Wildflower, YES it is a great deodorant!!! Again, I stumbled upon that!! LOL Hubby and I spent alot of time on the Lake on our boat. I was using CO on my skin for Before and after being in the sun. I didn't use any deodorant, just the CO and I was totally AMAZED. It is a deodorant!

[WildflowerMama]

Originally Posted by Tooter

I don't make soap, yet! I might just start it, after I pick your brains!

I actually use plain co to wash my fase with. That's how I use it as a soap.

As to how I found out it was drying? I started using it as a lotion and my skin was so soft, but noticed that my skin seemed a little "dry" before I applied it again. As soon as I would apply it...my skin was fantastic...until I needed to apply it again. It became a cycle. That's how I learned to use it combined with Almond oil.

Soap making is an absolute blast! There is nothing more satisfying than mixing oils and lye and ending up with a completely different product - Soap!

If you decide to try it, let me know. Lye can be really hard to find (it's also used in meth production ) but it you want some to try out a batch or two, I buy it in bulk so I have some to spare. Also, check out millersoap.com It's a wonderful resource for the new soapmaker.

[sbarr]

I love this thread.... John is going to laugh at me when both my armpits and the baby's butt smell like coconuts.... I'm going to try it as a deodorant today.

Aluminum whatever has been suggested as a possible link to breast cancer - not sure if it's true, but I can confidently assume that CO has no harmful properties in the "pits" - other than possibly staining clothes (currently I use an organic lemon-based oil). Please, don't flame me on the cancer part - I have no idea - just that I'm trying to take a "clean" approach to what I put on my body - and whether or not aluminum causes problems, I will be more confident about CO as long as it works and doesn't stain my clothes.

[NutinHonie]

Originally Posted by Tooter

The joke around my house? Coconut oil. If something happens to someone, My husband or one of my kids will roll their eyes and say "Coconut oil"!! Yeah...mock me all you want, but it works!

Yep, that's the running joke around here. CO cures all!

I've only scanned this thread, so forgive if it's been mentioned...I also use it to brush my teeth--CO, peppermint EO, and Stevia.

[Tooter]

Originally Posted by NutinHonie

Yep, that's the running joke around here. CO cures all!

I've only scanned this thread, so forgive if it's been mentioned...I also use it to brush my teeth--CO, peppermint EO, and Stevia.

I use it to clean my teeth too. Not with "brushing" but with "Oil Pulling". Amazing stuff!!

[WildflowerMama]

Originally Posted by sbarr

I love this thread.... John is going to laugh at me when both my armpits and the baby's butt smell like coconuts.... I'm going to try it as a deodorant today.

Aluminum whatever has been suggested as a possible link to breast cancer - not sure if it's true, but I can confidently assume that CO has no harmful properties in the "pits" - other than possibly staining clothes (currently I use an organic lemon-based oil). Please, don't flame me on the cancer part - I have no idea - just that I'm trying to take a "clean" approach to what I put on my body - and whether or not aluminum causes problems, I will be more confident about CO as long as it works and doesn't stain my clothes.

It doesn't stain your clothes. Just use a small amount and rub it in well. It's like lotion - you can put it all over your body before getting dressed but you don't end up with stains all over your clothes at the end of the day.

I don't know about the cancer thing either. However, I believe it's the aluminum that is linked to Alzheimer's, parabens are linked to cancer.

Personally, I'm of the opinion if there's a more natural way to achieve the same results then, why not?

[Tooter]

Originally Posted by sbarr

I love this thread.... John is going to laugh at me when both my armpits and the baby's butt smell like coconuts.... I'm going to try it as a deodorant today.

Aluminum whatever has been suggested as a possible link to breast cancer - not sure if it's true, but I can confidently assume that CO has no harmful properties in the "pits" - other than possibly staining clothes (currently I use an organic lemon-based oil). Please, don't flame me on the cancer part - I have no idea - just that I'm trying to take a "clean" approach to what I put on my body - and whether or not aluminum causes problems, I will be more confident about CO as long as it works and doesn't stain my clothes.

sbarr, the great thing about coconut oil, is that it DOES NOT stain your clothes. I kid you not. It's not like baby oil. Oh, if you used alot on your body, it would get your clothes or sheets wet for bit (just like with anything) but it will dry up and there is no stain, like you have with baby oil.

[Tooter]

Interesting.

Mineral Oil and Why You Should Avoid It