Skin candy! Why not treat your skin as well as your body?

[OurLuvsFromAbove]

I just got some mint for 50cents a bunch. I think tomorrow morning im going to squish some mint into my coconut oil for a minty coconut oil washing!

[hummingbird11]

oooh - sugary coconut mint - that sounds heavenly!! i have mint growing in my garden - so why not??

Hey, which brand of Xylitol do you all prefer/use?

Thanks!

[KrisA]

I can't wait to try this.

I tried making a scrub for my face with regular sugar and EVCO a while back but it was way harsh. The regular sugar crystals were very sharp on my face.

I've been using EVCO on my skin and the improvement has been wonderful. I even think it's making the sun damage I have fade a bit.

k

[Rory8343]

While at my acupuncturist/massage therapist I thought I smelled coconut oil when she was working on my neck. I asked if it was coconut scented lotion. No she said she uses coconut oil as a massage cream. She claims it is the best and has been using it on her face for years. She has great skin!

[jeepifer]

Ok, tried this with regular CO and stevia, since I don't have sugar in the house.

1. No tingling or anything. Would this be different if I had the EVCO? I still haven't found it here. Have to get to Whole Foods soon.

2. I've been using it as a daily face scrub. Is that too often?

My skin feels better, no dry spots and the blemishes (that I got from using the castor oil / olive oil cleanser) are clearing up.

Thoughts on refined CO vs. EVCO? I'm assuming the stevia powder is okay...

[Prozak]

I have no idea.. it is merely an experiment that i tried with EVCO and Xylitol.

Whether the regular CO or stevia have the same effect on our skin is improbable, as Xylitol an EVCO are not the same as CO and stevia at all... but they are CLOSE as it is an oil and an exfolient.

I am sure the CO and Stevia is fine to use, and definitely better than a commercial bottle of chemical cleansers & moisturizers though, but you will not get the benefits of the xylitol which is why i am using it. Plus regular CO has had a lot of the goodness removed

I would not exfoliate more than 2-3x a week.. but that is just how I have been doing it for 23+ years. Personally I do not think our skin needs to be put through that everyday but that is entirely up to you. Perhaps stevia is less abrasive and/or your skin is less skin damaged (thickened) as mine is so it is impossible to say.

my reaction to the Skin Candy was solely based on my own experiences with exfoliating and moisturizing for a looooooooooooooong time with something else.

[dollface10]

Wow - this stuff rocks! Mixed my Nutiva virgin coconut oil and granulated white sugar - applied, scrubbed, let sit for 15 minutes and washed. It felt invigorating and my skin felt incredibly soft and smooth afterward.

Now onto xylitol - waiting for a shipment to arrive. Didn't experience the redness and tingling that others have experienced with just plain ole sugar, so I'm hoping the xylitol is the magic ingredient. Might have to bottle this stuff up and give it as gifts.

Yum!

[Adream]

Originally Posted by Prozak

I use CO on my face every night now, and am no longer using cleaners OR moisturizers.

I did the Xylitol again last night (wow)..

I normally exfoliate 2-3x a week, and I will continue to do this (I have been exfoliating that often for 23 years and swear by it)

Last night, I massaged the xylitol in , and then let it sit on my face like a mask for about 20 minutes (I had spent some time in the sun/wind and felt a bit dry), after 20 minutes I wiped it away with a damp cloth, and did NOT need to apply more oil.

In fact now, my skin this AM looks and feels amazing. Darnit I just spent about $80 on cleansers and moisturizers i will probably never use again LOL



PS: Moms! I have been putting 1/4tsp of EVCO in my Baby's bottles 4x/day

She will be 8 months old next week, and here as I sit typing at 8:33AM I want to SCrEAM to the world that SHE SLEPT THroUGH THE NIGHT FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER !!!

I mean SLEPT! I usually have to get up 4-5 times a night, to give her her soother and around 3am she will drink a 6-8oz bottle.

So either I am sleeping right through it (she is less that 3 feet from my bed and i am light sleeper so I doubt that) or she actually slept from 9pm until (still sleeping) without waking up and/or fussing ONCE! In fact she is snoring like a log in pretty much the same position I laid her down in (and oh she was SOOOO HAPPY and content last night even Dad said so)


This is HUGE ladies.. i have not slept for more than 4 hours in a row since I was 5 months pregnant, so ladies that is a YEAR!

Is it the oil? I have no idea! (but there IS CO in her formula, so it obviously is not something that needs to be avoided IMO)

First of all, congrats on a good night's sleep for your baby and you! My 16-year-old DD was not the world's best sleeper for the first several years of her life, so I empathize with both your lack of sleep, and happiness at finally having a good night!

Also, upon your recommendation, I ordered xylitol for the primary purpose of turning my EVCO into my new skin cleanser! I cannot wait to try this! I also ordered 2 more jars of EVCO while I was at it. I DO NOT want to run out of this manna from heaven!

THANK YOU to Mule_Freak and Hummingbird - I had no idea that Stevia (which I use daily) and Xylitol was lethal to dogs! Here's the reason why I APPRECIATE your sharing that information...

[OurLuvsFromAbove]

OHHHHHHH HE IS SO CUTE!

[Prozak]

Some tidbits from around the web:

"The results of this study indicate that xylitol caused an increase in the amount of newly synthesized collagen and a decrease in collagen fluorescence in the skin of aged rats."


"Xylitol is a sweet-tasting sugar substitute that has been approved for use in more than 40 countries. Consumption of xylitol is associated with a significant reduction in tooth decay, resulting in fewer cavities. Xylitol has been shown to contribute to increased bone density, weight loss, stabilization of blood sugar and lowering of insulin levels."

(Ed: so make sure you lick your lips!!!)


EAR INFECTION

Studies have shown that xylitol (in chewing gum) could be a
preventive measure for middle ear infections [11-13, 24, 25].

OSTEOPOROSIS / BONE HEALTH (RESORPTION)

Studies have shown that dietary xylitol supplementation diminishes
bone resorption in rats, as well as protects against ovariectomy-
induced increase of bone resorption during experimental
osteoporosis. 10% xylitol combined with 10% ethanol seems to be
more effective on diminishing bone resorption and to increase bone
mineral density and content in rats. [28]

SKIN HEALTH / AGING

Dietary xylitol has been shown to increase the amounts of newly
synthesized collagen, and to decrease fluorescence of the
collagenase-soluble fraction in the skin of both healthy and diabetic
rats. As in diabetic rats, a decreased rate of collagen synthesis and
increased collagen fluorescence has also been detected in the skin of
aged rats. [29]

ANTI-CANCER

Sahni PS et al at Indiana University suggested that xylitol is both
noncariogenic and anticariogenic. They believe that the ability of
xylitol to act as an anticariogenic agent is related to its ability to be
transported into caries-causing oral bacteria and inhibiting
fermentation. [30]

XYLITOL SIDE EFFECTS

Xylitol appears to be safe. Limited xylitol side effects have been
reported. In general. Inhalation of aerosolized iso-osmotic xylitol is
well-tolerated by naive and atopic mice, and by healthy human
volunteers. [31]

[Prozak]

And great stuff about EVCO!

The ideal lotion is one that is made from an oil that not only softens the skin, but protects it against damage, promotes healing and gives it a more youthful, healthy appearance. Coconut oil fits that description. Pure virgin coconut oil is the best natural ingredient for skin lotion available. It prevents destructive free-radical formation and provides protection against them. It can help to keep the skin from developing liver spots, and other blemishes caused by aging and over exposure to sunlight. It helps to keep connective tissues strong and supple so that the skin doesn't sag and wrinkle. In some cases it might even restore damaged or diseased skin. The oil is absorbed into the skin and into the cell structure of the connective tissues, limiting the damage excessive sun exposure can cause.

Coconut oil will not only bring temporary relief to the skin, but it will aid in healing and repairing. It will have lasting benefits, unlike most lotions. It can help bring back a youthful appearance. The coconut oil will aid in removing the outer layer of dead skin cells, making the skin smoother. The skin will become more evenly textured with a healthy "shine". While doing this the coconut oil will penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and strengthen the underlying tissues.

[Prozak]

Sweeten up ladies! Stevia is good for our skin too!

"One of the properties of a liquid extract of stevia that has not yet been investigated experimentally is its apparent ability to help clear up skin problems. The Guarani and other people who have become familiar with stevia report that it is effective when applied to acne, seborrhea, dermatitis, eczema, etc. Placed directly in cuts and wounds, more rapid healing, without scarring, is observed. (This treatment may sting for a few seconds, but this is followed by a significant lowering of pain.) Smoother skin, softer to the touch is claimed to result from the frequent appllication of stevia poultices and extracts. Current FDA labelling regulations are forcing U.S. suppliers to label their stevia as something other than a sweetener; an appeal to its soothing action on the skin has been the most frequent alternative."

[jeepifer]

I just ordered Xylitol and EV Coconut Oil from Amazon.

[Prozak]

wOOT!

I have to say, my 6yo daughters calves look the best they have in years.. now that I found the source of the rash, some of the spots were taking a long time to heal, and she wants to wear skirts to school SO BAD! (her legs looked flea bitten and are scarred pretty badly)

I have massaged them a few time w/ EVCO and stevia.. and am going to get some liquid stevia so I can do it more often without being abrasive.

[KrisA]

Well, just got my xylitol today. I'm trying this tonight. I'll report back tomorrow.

k

[jeepifer]

Originally Posted by KrisA

Well, just got my xylitol today. I'm trying this tonight. I'll report back tomorrow.

k

Can't wait to hear your report. Mine arrives Friday.

[jeepifer]

Got my xylitol and evco...

I can definitely tell the difference between evco and the regular. Aside from smelling like coconut, there's a difference in the oil texture (if that makes sense).

The xylitol is rougher and more coarse than the stevia -- I wouldn't use it everyday. The stevia powder is much more mild.

I've had the xylitol/evco combo on my face for about 5 minutes now. Not much tingling.

I'll report back when I get this washed off.

[KrisA]

Well, I tried it and I like it! I did get the tingling and my face was very smooth the next day, although I've been using EVCO as a cleanser at night for a while now and boy, did that make a difference!

Do you think the EVCO will help with my enlarged pores? The EVCO has made a difference all on its own. Do you think exfoliating with the Xylitol will make it better?

k

[jeepifer]

Hopefully someone can weigh in on the enlarged pores...

I wiped the mix off with a warm washcloth and now my skin feels soft and smooth, like my little girls' skin.

Will the antibacterial properties help with occasional breakouts? For some reason I'm breaking out a bit. I rubbed a little evco on them after cleansing.

[Terra2721]

How do you use the EVCO as a cleanser? I use it on my body after my shower and my skin looks great but am afraid of putting it on my very prone to break out face.

[jeepifer]

I just get some out of the jar and rub it all over my face. For a gentle scrub, I've been using stevia powder with it, and just tried the xylitol tonight.

Then I take a hot washcloth to open the pores, and rub it off a bit at a time, to wipe away any gunk.

I noticed a bit more breakouts at first, but then everything cleared up and my skin looks great. Except I'm having another breakout, which I think was more diet related (I break out when I eat junk. Figures.).

[KrisA]

When I first started using the EVCO I had a mild breakout. It only lasted a couple of days and my skin has been surprisingly clear. No problems for a month and that's probably a new record! I just love the stuff.

I use the EVCO for cleansing and then use almond oil after for a little more moisturizing. The EVCO can dry your skin out a little.

Just used the xylitol and my skin feels great. I still have enlarged pores, though. Bummer!

k

[Prozak]

ECVO has amazing antibacterial properties and also something in the oil that the good bacteria found on our skin (which gets washed away by soaps) will feed on and be plentiful.

If breakouts occur at first it is more than likely a detox of some sort.

I am now exfoliating with the xylitol 2x/week and using EVCO and liquid stevia for everday.

I massage just EVCO on my skin (face/neck/chest/arms/hands), then wipe it off with a clean wet warm cloth, then I lightly rub the EvcO/Stevia on my face and arms and go to bed.

I love the results

[HezzieLee]

So, do you think I could make up a batch ahead of time, or should I combine the xylitol and EVCO "fresh" everytime I use it?

[KrisA]

I think you should make up a new batch every time. You want the crystals intact to act as scrubbers. That's what I'm going to do, anyway.

k