Virgin Coconut Oil Skin
Virgin coconut oil is made from fresh coconut and goes through very little processing. As such the aroma and flavor of coconut still remains in the oil. It is not extracted from the dried meat of coconut, as non-virgin coconut oil is. Virgin coconut oil is considered to be the best quality of coconut oil and as such it is generally used in preparing food and for other home uses. It can be prepared in two ways, the wet process and the dry process. The wet process involves first preparing coconut milk and then extracting the oil from the milk. The coconut meat is shredded and mixed with a bit of water. The oil is then extracted by squeezing it. The oil, being lighter, comes up to the surface and is thus separated from the milk. This process can take about a day to complete. This method can also be used at home to prepare the oil. Sometimes other methods may be used such as fermenting, heating, refrigerating or applying centrifugal force in order for the separation of the oil and milk to take place. Usually the oil is heated afterwards to remove any moisture and to purify the oil further. In the dry process the kernel of the coconut is shredded and placed in an oven to dry. The dried kernel is then put into a press in order for the oil to be extracted.
Virgin Coconut Oil for Skin
Coconut oil is easily absorbed by the skin, because it has a small molecular structure. It helps to make the skin smooth and soft. It can be used on a regular basis to treat dry skin. Skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis also improve with the application of coconut oil. Virgin coconut oil, being of the highest and purest quality, works much better than standard processed coconut oil. Virgin coconut oil, in addition to softening the skin, also gives it protection from all kinds of damage and makes it appear healthier. Skin blemishes such as age spots and hyper pigmentation are kept at bay if virgin coconut oil is applied daily to the skin. It also prevents wrinkles from forming as it boosts suppleness and elasticity of the skin.
The oil penetrates the skin deeply and is absorbed by the skin’s connective tissues. This protects the skin from the effects of too much sun exposure. Since it conditions the inner most layers of the skin, it may even be able to restore skin that has been previously damaged.
