It’s called the “Tree of Life” and almost one third of the world’s population relies on it to some degree for their food and economy. What is this wonder product? It’s the amazing coconut tree - an essential ingredient in our products.
Centuries of Use
Coconut oil, or its official scientific name Cocos Nucifera, is derived from the coconuts of coconut trees – not too surprising. The trees are found in abundance in warm, humid climates with well-drained soil.
Throughout the ages and around the world, many cultures utilized the meat, juice, milk and oil of the coconut for food, biofuel and medicine. It’s also been used for centuries as a remedy for the hair and skin to keep them moisturized and looking healthy – part of why we use it too.
Many Benefits of Coconut Oil
Coconut oil may sound simple, but it is surprisingly packed with fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, which can be beneficial to fighting free radical damage. Maybe that is why traditional cultures used it as a medicinal agent for the treatment of dry skin, psoriasis and dermal infections.
Today studies show coconut oil is supportive of skin health, is an effective moisturizer and possess antimicrobial properties.
For example, a 2004 study found that “coconut oil is as effective and safe as mineral oil when used as a moisturizer” to treat Xerosis - a common skin condition characterized by dry, rough, scaly and itchy skin.
Also, three different studies from 2002 to 2013 showed that coconut oil is effective in the treatment of wounds and fungal infections and helps prevent the spread of bacteria in atopic dermatitis skin.
Pretty special we think.
Block Island Organics and Coconut Oil
Now that you now the benefits, how can we help? Well, we love coconut oil and its powerful features so we made it a key ingredient in our Organic Purifying Facial Cleanser and Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30. Both are a wonderful way to get a bit of the many benefits of this life-giving tree.
More Ingredients Truths
So there you have it and if you want more help deciphering skin care fact from fiction then check out our Ingredient Truths and Education blog series.
