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Sarah Parkovich
lover, explorer, enthusiast of language and storytelling in all forms

why I stopped using coconut oil for everything

because one thing when substituted for a multitude of things, is inferior to an individualized approach

It all started with yoga, holistic health, beauty diy, and entertainment. Because, it is fun to make your own stuff, and often cheaper.

But it really started when I ran out. Of face cream, shaving gel, conditioner, lotion, butter, body scrub, face scrub, suncreen, makeup remover, lube (ok I didn’t have that to begin with). And then I read an article about the amazing coconut.

Coconut water can (and has been) used as IV solution in a pinch. If you haven’t tried this amazing beverage yet, do. It’s super yummy and hydrating, especially after a hard workout, night of hard drinking, or any time really. There are all sort of packaged brands now, but the best comes directly from the fresh young coconut. You machete off the top outer layer, use the base of the knife to open a notch, and pop the top, revealing a light sweet refreshing beverage. Pour into a glass, or pop in a straw, and enjoy.

Coconut oil, processed from mature coconuts, is everywhere these days. And it can be used by itself for:

  • facial cleanser/moisturizer
  • shaving gel
  • conditioner
  • body lotion
  • butter
  • base for body/face scrubs
  • sunscreen/bug repellant/antiseptic
  • makeup remover
  • lubricant
  • and more

and I’m talking right out of the jar — scoop and go! It smells delicious but subtle, no added chemicals/animal products/animal testing, etc. etc.

It’s an awesome thing in a pinch, trapped on an island, business trip, or if running low on cash.

However, there may come a time when, after using coconut oil for many things, that you find yourself wondering “Hmmm, I wonder what would happen if I tried [facial cleanser] [shaving gel] [face cream] again.”

And you do. And…

“My legs are amazingly smooth!” post boyfriend’s shaving gel.

“My face doesn’t have those little red blotches anymore!” post rejuvenating cleanser from drugstore.

“My face feels super soft and nice” post rejuvenating face cream from drugstore.

And so, I have again begun to amass a small but effective collection of products. This has not diminished my appreciation of the beautiful and versatile coconut, just shifted my perspective a bit.

But coconut water?

There’s simply no equal.