Coconut Oil Facial Detox?

All around the internet you'll find information and stories about using coconut oil as your only moisturizer and cleanser. You'll find amazing stories of "it shrank my pores" and "my skin has never looked or felt this great."  But for each amazing story you'll find one like this: "I tried coconut oil as my moisturizer and I broke out terribly.  I had a rash of pimples and white bumps all around my mouth."  The proponents of coconut oil will then reply "Oh, that's the detox period.  The coconut oil is drawing out the impurities from your skin and bringing them to the surface."

So, today I wanted to make a few things clear, as hopefully it will help some people.

There is no scientific evidence or biological function whereby coconut oil would draw out impurities. And if it was "drawing out the toxins," it shouldn't be in the form of massive amounts of pustules or redness around your mouth and nose.

Now, shouldn't I, a proponent of all things natural and organic, be supportive of coconut oil? Well, let me say this. There are so many healthy benefits that coconut oil brings when it comes to skin and in diet. But it may not be appropriate for facial use for some people. For some people, coconut oil works amazingly as a facial moisturizer. But for others, the results can be horrible.  Why?  What's going on?

If you've developed a rash of red pimples all around your mouth when using coconut oil, you've likely developed a condition called Perioral Dermatitis.  What's happened is that the coconut oil has created what's called an occlusive layer on your skin.  An occlusive layer is especially helpful if you have dry or allergy-prone skin.  Many eczema treatments work by creating this occlusive layer--a protective layer of oil that keeps out allergens and irritants.  The eczema can heal if it's caused by contact allergies and irritants, and the occlusive layer protects it.  HOWEVER, a strong occlusive layer like this can also work against you. What can happen is that a layer of fungi, bacteria, and dead skin cells can get trapped under that strong layer of oil (the occlusive layer) and infection begins and leads to breakouts, such as those seen in Perioral Dermatitis. Now, science is still trying to figure out the exact cause of Perioral Dermatitis, as it can be triggered by many things, not just coconut oil.  Women are more prone to developing the condition. And different people respond to different treatments.  Sometimes a prescription for a steroid cream is made and, because steroid creams are typically thick, they too create an occlusive layer, thus making the problem worse.  It's suggested that if you're suffering from this condition to stay away from all makeups, creams--anything that could create an occlusive layer.  Just use a gentle cleanser and perhaps an astringent like witch hazel (follow your doctor's instructions) so there's nothing trapping in that bacteria and letting it heal.

Coconut oil isn't the only oil that can cause Perioral Dermatitis.  Over-application of any oil can be a trigger, so be judicious when you're using a facial oil or oil-based cream, apply sparingly, patting it on to dry spots and areas that need protection. Without getting in to full depth about Perioral Dermatitis and all its causes (food allergies, contact allergies) I just wanted to offer a quick explanation to anyone that had experienced this so-called "coconut oil detox" and to clear up any confusion out there.

[For educational purposes only. This is not intended to treat, diagnose, or offer medical advice.]

My Picks Part 2: Household Cleaning

Household Cleaning

Of course, if you find that cleaning everything with vinegar and baking soda works for you...go with it!  But, sometimes it's nice to have a cleaner that you didn't have to make, and that smells nice!

Hand Washing Dish Soap
Some people do use an organic liquid castille soap for washing dishes, but with my hard water, I can't do it. If you can do it successfully, great.  I unfortunately need a detergent to cut through the grease and not leave soap scum residue all over my plates. Fortunately I've found a great option!

Better Life DISH IT OUT Natural Dish Liquid, Unscented gets top scores with EWG's new Health Cleaning Guide.  And rightly so!  It uses only glucosides as its detergents (the safest way to go if you've gotta use a detergent) and doesn't have anything bad!  I currently have the Clary Sage scent and it smells delightful and works great!


Dishwasher Soap


I just learned about this one and I'm so excited to try it out!  It's almost too good to be true...a certified organic dishwasher soap!

Squeez by GreenShield Organic.  You can find this line of products at most Whole Foods stores and at Lowe's!  And speaking of GreenShield...they're my top picks for the following categories...

Kitchen Cleaner

GreenShield Organic Kitchen Cleaner

Bathroom Cleaner

GreenShield Organic Bathroom Cleaner

Toilet Cleaner

GreenShield Organic Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Glass Cleaner

GreenShield Organic Glass Cleaner 


All-Purpose Cleaner

GreenShield Organic All-Purpose Cleaner
I use this one a lot.  I use it to clean my countertops in the kitchen, to clean up sinks, mirrors.  Great stuff.

Alternative to Scrubbing Bubbles
When we went organic, that was one of the things I really missed---my Scrubbing Bubbles.  With the Scrubbing Bubbles you just sprayed it on and as you wiped or rinsed it off, the soap scum disappeared.  When I stopped using it, it was back to using the old elbow grease on the soap scum in the bathtub. And it was hard to find a good method for cleaning the bathtub.  Baking soda and scrubbing brushes, steam cleaners...nothing really did a good job without a ton of effort. But then I found this: method bathroom cleaner.   Now, do keep in mind that this is not a perfect product ingredients-wise.  It still contains synthetic fragrance, and a couple other questionable ingredients.  However, the fragrance didn't trigger my asthma like Scrubbing Bubbles does, and is a heckuva lot better ingredients-wise. They're up-front about their fragrance in that it's partially synthetic, but state that it is free from phthalates, NPE's and carcinogens and also has been tested for skin irritation and allergies.   To my delight, it did exactly what the label said.  You can spray it on your shower tile or bath tub, let it sit for just a little bit, and then just wipe it.  The soap scum just comes right off, no scrubbing needed.  All with no overwhelming fumes.  What a dream!

Laundry Detergent

Soapnuts, yo!
Have you tried soapnuts yet?  You can use them as a laundry detergent, hair wash, all-purpose cleaner--so many things you can do with them!


GreenShield also has some good ones.

Is Your Stomach Making You Stinky?

If you battle body odor, the answer may be in your gut. A study published in the European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that the same bacteria that can lead to stomach ulcers can also cause certain types of body odor.

Helicobacter pylori is found in the stomachs of about 50% of the population in the Western world. Out of these 50%, 80% show no symptoms.  This bacteria seeks out a neutral place to thrive away from stomach acid and it adheres to the stomach's internal wall. When an overgrowth of this bacteria occurs, it causes gastritis and ulcers. It can also infect the intestinal tract, leading to IBS.

So, now, what does this have to do with body odor?

When H pylori thrives in the stomach, it produces high amounts of an enzyme called urease, which breaks down urea (which exists naturally in the stomach). Urea then breaks down in to carbon dioxide and ammonia, which then is released in to the bloodstream, and then released through sweat. Most people have ammonia in their sweat, however people infected with H pylori will have higher amounts of it.

So, if you're one of those people that has a hard time with pungent odors, or experience odor shortly after cleansing, it may be ammonia in your sweat caused by H pylori in your stomach.

If you suspect that you have H pylori and have symptoms of ulcers or other gastric symptoms, visit your doctor for a complete diagnosis and treatment options.  Probiotics have been found to help ease the symptoms and control the growth of H pylori, so you may look at this as an option with your doctor.

(High levels of ammonia in sweat can also be caused by the body's inability to fully break down protein, a condition called proteinuria. Low-carb, high protein diets can also be the cause, as consuming more protein than the body can metabolize can also lead to elevated serum levels of ammonia, and thus in sweat. If you suspect that you have proteinurea, it is a serious condition; please seek medical attention.)

Sources:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1396636

http://journals.lww.com/eurojgh/Abstract/1994/02000/Significance_of_ammonia_produced_by_Helicobacter.13.aspx

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7729442

http://195.246.41.66/English/MMJ/january%202008/1.pdf

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17311980

[This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.]

Helpful Herbs: Calendula

Calendula, also known at Pot Marigold, is a popular herbal remedy.  But does science back up its reputation as a healer?

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant power

This study looks at the anti-inflammatory power of calendula and how it inhibits inflammatory compounds called cytokines:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19374166

Calendula was found to be a strong antioxidant that supports liver and kidney function:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19405380

Anti-cancer

This study found calendula to help breast cancer drug tamoxifen in fighting breast cancer cells:
http://www.academia.edu/524397/Effects_of_Flavonoid_Fractions_from_Calendula_officinalis_Flowers_in_Parent_and_Tamoxifen_Resistant_T47D_Human_Breast_Cancer_Cells

A tea of calendula and chamomile tea was found to kill cancer cells:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22899374

Calendula extract was found to be potent against colon cancer, leukemia and melanoma:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17190444

Skin Healing

Helps reduce oxidative damage caused by UV-B radiation:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23008814

Wound-healing properties:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19601397

Helps prevent dermatitis in patients receiving radiation treatment:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15084618

Antioxidant that helps heal burns and prevent granulomas: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18818737

Many Benefits

This review looks in detail at its many benefits, including being anti-HIV, cytotoxic against cancer cells, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective (liver support) and spasmolytic (muscle-relaxant).
http://jocpr.com/vol3-iss4-2011/JCPR-2011-3-4-655-663.pdf

Helpful Herbs: Aloe Vera

When you think of Aloe Vera most of us think about putting that green gel on after a sunburn.  But did you know that real aloe vera is  not a gel but a juice (the gel like stuff you see has thickeners in it.) Not only does aloe feel good on a sunburn, it has a number of benefits, being today's "Helpful Herb."

Cancer Protection

The full effects of ingestion of aloe vera juice are still being studied. But these these two studies found aloe to be chemoprotective:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10426820

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23418125

Skin Health

This study outlines the many promising effects of aloe:

"It can be effective for genital herpes, psoriasis, human papilloma virus, seborrheic dermatitis, aphthous stomatitis, xerosis, lichen planus, frostbite, burn, wound healing and inflammation. It can also be used as a biological vehicle and an anti-microbial and antifungal agent and also as a candidate for photodynamic therapy of some kinds of cancer."

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19218914

This study found that regular application of aloe helped to heal second-degree burns!

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10808702

This study touts aloe as a "potential wound-healing and anti-inflammatory agent."

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23181083

And finally, this study may explain why aloe helps so much with a sunburn, by boosting the skin's immune function:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9579551

Blood Sugar Health

This study looked at a standardized aloe vera extract, and how taking this as a supplement may help regulate blood sugar in those with Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes: 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23035844

And another study found that an aloe vera extract aided in liver and kidney health in diabetic rats: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16487267 stating: "the results of the present study provide a scientific rationale for the use of Aloe vera as an antidiabetic agent."

Finding Aloe

Because aloe vera juice has such a high water content, it must be preserved somehow.  Most of the jars that you'll find will have thickeners and preservatives.  However, there are juices that have no preservatives, you'll just need to keep them refrigerated and use them quickly.  (Here is one.) Of course, you can always grow an aloe plant (make sure it's aloe barbedensis) and squeeze the juice right from the leaves.  Always use caution if using on an open wound. While aloe is a great healer, you don't want to introduce bacteria in to the open skin.  If you have an open wound, please visit with your doctor about treatment.  

[This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.]

Helpful Herbs: Vanilla

Vanilla is one of the most widely used spices in the world.  When we think of vanilla we thing of mouth-watering vanilla bean ice cream, vanilla-scented candles, sugar cookies, potent little vanilla bean pods and aromatic extracts.  It's comforting and exotic at once. But did you know that this unique and universally popular spice has some potentially great health benefits?

Anti-Cancer
A compound called vanillin is the main constituent of vanilla extracts. It has been studied and found to have an anti-cancer effect on cervical, breast, prostate, and colon cancers.  
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20668316
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15854801
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19679064
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21992488

Anti-oxidant, Anti-Mutagen

Another main constituent of vanilla called vanillic acid is a potent anti-oxidant.  

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20482617

And when combined with cinnamon, vanillin was found to be a potent anti-mutagen. 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17178418

Safe for Skin
Unless someone is allergic to vanilla (which is quite rare), vanilla is non-irritating and non-sensitizing, and safe to use on skin. In fact, when skin comes in contact with capsaicin, the compound in hot peppers responsible for the burning feeling, skin cells can partially neutralize it by breaking it down to vanillin and vanillic acid, which doesn't irritate the skin.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22950880
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18180272

Heart Health
Because of its strong anti-oxidant capabilities, vanillic acid is heart-healthy.  This animal study found that vanillin protected the hearts of rats who were given chemicals that induced inflammation and cardiotoxicity.  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21763302  (Poor rats!)

The trouble with vanilla is that we usually eat it with loads of sugar, like in ice cream and cookies, so the pro-oxidant activity of the sugar, refined grains and dairy would likely negate the benefits of the vanilla. But if you can figure out a way to add vanilla to your diet in a healthy way, perhaps in low-carb coconut pancakes, along with other beneficial herbs and spices in an herbal tea, or in a creamy avocado and coconut smoothie, you can get all the delicious flavor and powerful punch of antioxidants that vanilla delivers.

Is Your Flaking Skin Really Oily Skin?

Do you have:

• Flaky patches on your scalp?
• Flaky skin around your nose, mouth, and hairline?
• Flaky skin in the eyebrows, or above the ears?
• Patches of oily skin and patches of flaking skin?

You could be suffering from seborrheic dermatitis.

Seborrheic dermatitis is caused by an excess of oil your skin produces (aka sebum.)  Oil builds up and solidifies in creases of skin (such as around the mouth and nose) and on scalp.  This layering of solidified sebum creates flakes on your skin.  Yeast then can get trapped under those flakes and causes redness and irritation in the skin.  Then, you have flakes and redness, making you believe that you have excessively dry skin, when, in reality, the problem is caused by excess oil, not the other way around.

What to do about it:

If you believe you might have seborrheic dermatitis, visit your dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options.  There are other skin diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea that act similarly to this, so a proper diagnosis is vital to treatment.

Some natural things to try:

If you do get the diagnosis of seborrheic dermatitis, there are some things you can try before you go on topical steroids, or that can work along with steroids to manage the condition.

• Because the underlying cause of the irritation and flaking is caused by excess oil, it is very important to cleanse well and often, especially in the affected areas.  The less oil there is for the yeast to feed on, the less irritation and flaking you'll experience.  Using a natural soap and a warm washcloth to frequently cleanse your face throughout the day will help remove excess oils. Tea tree is reported to be an anti-fungal, so a tea tree oil containing cleanser like our Cool Cucumber may be helpful. (However, we cannot claim that our product will help to cure, treat, or prevent any disease, as it is not a drug.)
• In addition to its mood-boosting, vitamin-D-creating benefits, sunlight can actually inhibit the growth of the irritation-causing yeast growing on your skin.  Getting 15 to 30 minutes of sunlight to the affected areas can help reduce the redness and irritation.  If you have irritation and flaking on your scalp, be sure to part your hair in different ways so the sun can get down to as much scalp as possible.  Of course, be judicious with your sun exposure and don't get a sunburn, as that will cause flaking issues of its own.
•  Omega-3s.  Your excess oil production may be caused by an excess of hormones called androgens circulating in the body.  Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish oil, flax seeds, walnuts, salmon, and other foods, may help to protect your skin from androgens on the inside, and reduce androgens' effects on your skin.  They also help reduce inflammation throughout the body, and, if you're taking a high enough amount of omega-3s, may actually change the composition of the oils in your skin, making them less desirable to yeast.
• Apple cider vinegar can also be helpful in controlling the yeast growth and in soothing skin.  If you're experiencing flaking and itchiness on your scalp, when shampooing your hair, massage your scalp firmly to remove the buildup of sebum, rinse out well, and then rinse your hair and scalp with either apple cider or distilled white vinegar, 4 tablespoons to a cup of water.  It may sting due to its acidity, but afterwards you will likely notice a distinct decrease in the itchiness of your scalp.  Using this vinegar solution on the affected areas of skin can also help.  Pour some on to a cotton ball and use as a toner solution after cleansing with soap.  

Of course, as with any medical condition, consult a medical professional for treatment advice.  This article provided for educational purposes only.