Back to the basics.. Back to nature
We have been placed on a beautiful earth with a multitude of plants that can nourish our bodies inside and out. Increasingly, research shows the amazing benefits of eating more fruits, vegetables, nuts, and ancient grains, resulting in the rise of plant-based diets. Beyond the traditional “plant-based diet” the common denominator of most “healthy diets” (paleo, whole30, etc) require an increase of foods from the earth.
People living in tropical areas have long known the benefits of these foods, and have enjoyed a lifestyle free from many diseases that plague people in Western Civilization. These populations are lucky because the vegetation around them include plants and trees that produce coconuts, mangos, papayas, nuts, bananas, and avocados. It would be common in these cultures to also use the plants around them to protect their outer barrier, the skin.
While you may not live in the tropics, you likely have access to many of these plants, which offer nutrition, health, and beautiful skin.
Nature - the Source of Natural Beauty
The amount of plants that have been proven to heal, rejuvenate, hydrate, and benefit the outer appearance of your skin or hair is astounding. Here are some examples:
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Aloe plants are go-to for healing a sunburn as they cool and hydrate the skin
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Matcha powder + unfiltered honey can be combined to create a face mask that rejuvenates skin cells and decrease blemishes
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Guava leaves naturally have a high zinc content, which will support healthy skin, immune system, and women’s reproductive health.
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Peppermint oil can soothe sore muscles or even a sore tummy
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Castor oil is famous for the growth of eye lashes and brows
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Tea tree oil can spot treat pimples
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Coconut oil hydrates the scalp and hair follicles to strengthen your hair
Plants are powerful!
The Beauty of coconut oil
“When I first visited the Philippines, I was amazed at the beautiful glow on everyone’s skin. I asked what they do for their skin, and the women would giggle and point to the trees!” - Erik, President of Dignity Coconuts
Coconut oil has amazing benefits to magnify your inner and outer beauty. Here are some of the top uses:
Natural Moisturizer
For best results, apply a thin layer of coconut oil on your skin immediately after a shower or bath. This coconut oil barrier locks in the moisture your skin soaked up. Leave your skin uncovered for 5-20 minutes for the skin to absorb some of the coconut oil. Reapply coconut oil as needed.
Our coconut oil is soft and smooth, with a light scent that won’t have you smelling like a nut all day. Add these essential oils for a calming, aromatic DIY moisturizer.
Hair Treatment
As contrary as it seems, your skin and scalp need raw oil! Not chemically produced products. Each body will respond differently - maybe you suffer from a dry scalp because it's not hydrated properly, or you have an oily scalp from excessive use of oil stripping shampoos. Many over-the-counter products include chemicals that strip our natural oils, sending our glands into “freak out mode” where they're constantly over producing oil. We want to balance this.
Adding an oil treatment to your hair routine will balance out the oil production in your scalp and strengthen hair follicles, which encourages healthy, strong hair to grow!
Eye Make-up Remover
Similar to hair products, many makeup removing products include chemicals that can be dangerous to make contact with your eyes or even dry out your eyelids. The skin above your eyes are extremely important to protect, especially as you age. Our coconut oil will melt away waterproof mascara without these chemicals! It can even reduce wrinkles. Other women share their stories on how coconut oil saved their skin.
Lip Balm
A natural alternative for your lips that provides all the protection and healing properties without any of the chemicals found in most lip balms.
Deodorant
Our coconut oil’s natural anti-fungal and antibacterial properties reduce odor. For more odor-fighting power, try…
Dignity’s Deodorant Recipe:
- 3 Tbsp Dignity Raw Coconut Oil
- 3 Tbsp Arrowroot Powder (or Non-GMO Corn Starch)
- 1.5 Tbsp Baking Soda (half for sensitive skin)
- 0.5 Tbsp Beeswax (or Candelilla Wax)
- Few drops of essential oils for a delicious scent (optional)
Directions: Warm and stir coconut oil and beeswax until wax is melted. Mix remaining ingredients. Pour into container and put in the fridge to solidify quickly (prevents parts settling to the bottom)
Fills a typical 2.5oz tube of deodorant or small jar. Give the earth a hug and reuse an old tube or jar!
Keep in cool, dry location. For warm dwellings, try storing in the fridge.
Massage Oil
The combination of coconut oil and essential oils can give you a relaxing and therapeutic experience from home.
Rub coconut oil until it becomes a liquid and massage away that stress!
Sunscreen
Coconut oil has an SPF of 4. That may sound low, but if you reapply, it may be all your skin needs for chemical-free UV protection. Learn more here
Apply a light layer to clean skin for a healthy glow! Reapply every 45 minutes. (Areas prone to acne may need a stronger SPF to protect the skin)
Other uses:
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Cuticle Care - Video Tutorial
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Under-eye Cream - Apply a small amount of our coconut oil under your eyes each night before bed.
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Wrinkle Reducer - The more our skin is hydrated the more our skin cells will regenerate and keep us looking young. If you own a jade roller, apply a small amount of oil on your face (enough to lightly cover) and gently “roll out” lines, creases, & areas that look inflamed (avoid acne).
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Frizz control - Coconut oil creates a moisture barrier and protects the hair fibers from uneven swelling that creates frizz.
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Eczema Relief - Wash area of eczema (the shower can be a good time for this). Immediately apply a layer of coconut oil. Leave uncovered for 5-20 minutes for the skin to absorb some of the coconut oil.
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Exfoliator/Body Scrub - combine with a coarse sugar, salt or coffee grounds. Full DIY Instructions
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Shaving cream - whip coconut oil with shea butter
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Makeup Brush cleaner - 2 parts antibacterial soap to 1 part coconut oil
For mamas & babies
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Baby Oil
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Cradle cap
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Nipple cream
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Stretch Mark Cream
Heal your skin from the inside
If topical remedies are not doing it for your skin, maybe it’s time to take a look on what’s going on inside. The skin paints a picture of what’s happening inside our bodies. Whether you’re experiencing dryness, acne, breakouts, a rash, oily skin etc - there is always a root cause! Best place to start is to detox your body and heal your gut.