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Why You Should Be Exfoliating

THE BENEFITS OF ORGANIC EXFOLIATORS 
+ A DIY SEA SALT FOOT SCRUB TUTORIAL

  • Functions of your skin
  • Why and how to exfoliate the skin 
  • What type of natural body scrub to use
  • DIY sea salt foot scrub tutorial

A turbulent couple of months has left our bodies in need of some well-deserved TLC. While the shelter-in-place order puts off spa-going, our Spa and Wellness consultant Patti Coughlin has put together a comprehensive guide to natural exfoliation and included a bonus DIY spa-at-home sea salt foot scrub tutorial – offering your feet relief while providing collateral benefits for body, mood and mind. Attain smooth, healthy skin with this polishing, perfecting organic scrub ritual that can be done alone or enjoyed together with a partner.

When it comes to overall beneficial spa treatment options, natural exfoliating body scrubs are at the top of my list.

Having spent years creating and performing services that tailor spa amenities to guest needs, I can attest to the many touch points that organic exfoliants offer. Energizing yet calming body scrubs bestow that feel-good quality by stimulating the nervous system and improving circulation and lymphatic flow. This makes exfoliation an ideal service to hasten whole body healing while its skin boosting benefits pave the way for better product absorption and a healthy glow.

Long revered as a means of beautification and improved health, the benefits of exfoliation have been extolled by the Egyptians and almost every culture throughout the ages. So, keep reading as I cover some things you should know, expect and avoid when beginning an exfoliating regimen.

First, let’s talk about skin…

Along with being a gauge for our overall health, the importance of our outermost and largest organ goes way beyond its appearance. Skin provides these important functions:

-Protection from microorganisms, dehydration, ultraviolet light, chemical and mechanical damage.
-Insulation from heat, cold and temperature loss via thermal regulation, sweating.
-Sensation of pain, temperature, touch, and pressure.
-Stimulation of hormone release, Vitamin D and sebum production.
-Excretion of bodily waste through sweating which eliminates water, salts, urea. 

Skin cells have a multifunctional life as they push their way up through 5 layers morphing, changing and filling with keratin as they finally land on the top layer of skin called the stratum corneum. After a skin cell performs all its functions, it dies and is shed by flaking off or washing. The average time it takes for skin cells to rejuvenate varies depending upon age, hormones, nutrition, sun exposure, illness and stress. The table below summarizes the profound differences in the skin cell rejuvenation cycle.



As the skin rejuvenation process slows, cells accumulate on the surface of skin causing sagging and collapse of their structure or what we see as fine lines and wrinkles. No matter your age, bacteria can become trapped in spent skin cells leading to blemishes and breakouts. Trapped damaged skin cells cause discoloration and sometimes more serious skin conditions. 

As the skin rejuvenation process slows, cells accumulate on the surface of skin causing sagging and collapse of their structure or what we see as fine lines and wrinkles. No matter your age, bacteria can become trapped in spent skin cells leading to blemishes and breakouts. Trapped damaged skin cells cause discoloration and sometimes more serious skin conditions. 

How to & why exfoliate your skin

Simply put, exfoliation promotes forced skin cell turnover, allowing old dead keratinocytes to shed and new healthy skin to come toward the surface. Exfoliation can smooth rough patches and fade acne scars / dark spots—but that’s not all. It can also reduce redness and brighten your complexion. Your dead cells re-accumulate every day, which means exfoliating on the regular is important.

If you have sensitive skin, start off by doing a skin patch on the inner part of your arm and watch this area for any reaction for at least 24 hours. For optimal results, it’s best to begin an exfoliating scrub once a week for a few weeks, slowly working your way up to 3 to 4 times per week.

Full body scrubbing should begin at the end of your extremities and work in a sweeping and circular motion toward the heart to aid circulation and lymphatic drainage. It’s best to work scrubs into your hands before applying them, thoroughly mixing the ingredients together. Having a light hand is the key to exfoliation. Protect the barrier function of your skin by avoiding overworking any area which could cause inflammation, irritation and permanent damage to your skin and capillaries.

Things to consider when choosing an exfoliating scrub

The most traditional type of scrubs provide physical or mechanical exfoliation which gently sloughs away dead skin cells from skin’s surface through motion rather than by employing the use of chemicals (for example acid). Mechanical exfoliation works by physically shearing or loosening skin cells. Using small granules in an oil, lotion or soap base, scrubs can be used on the body and/or face.

Many exfoliants use synthetic microbeads as a “scrubbing” medium, while other natural and organic scrubs are made with sugar or salt. Compared to microbeads, salt and sugar offer additional humectant and antibacterial properties AND because they are biodegradable, these types of scrubs are much kinder to the earth and your plumbing pipes.

Using organic brown sugar or sea salt to exfoliate in combination with a skin healing oil (such cold pressed organic coconut oil) leaves your skin smooth, hydrated and luminous. The addition of organic essential oils make at-home exfoliating body scrubs a decadent experience.

While DIY skin scrub recipes are plenty, sourcing optimal ingredients can be difficult, especially during the pandemic. Homemade exfoliators can also be messy to make. Organic Fiji’s collection of USDA certified organic,  island inspired natural body scrubs make your exfoliating skincare regime easy. Made with just three or less plant based ingredients that work synergically, these coconut oil based exfoliators offer a truly evocative tropical escape.

Organic Fiji body scrubs come in various essential oil based aromas: Fragrance Free for sensitive skin, Lemongrass Tangerine, Lavender, Coconut Lime, Pineapple Coconut or Peppermint. All variations are certified USDA Organic by Oregon Tilth, as well as being vegan, cruelty free, gluten free and ethically sourced. 

Different types of body scrub experiences

Whether you’re looking for a sugar scrub for acne, a salt scrub for your feet, a gentle body scrub for sensitive skin, a healing body scrub for keratosis pilaris, a smoothing body scrub for psoriasis or a moisturizing body scrub for dry skin patches – there’s something for everyone!

For those who are feeling the effects of increased hand washing at the moment, a natural hand scrub is the perfect compliment to your moisturizer and its polishing action will help with skin healing, cracked cuticles and will hydrate nails elevating home manicures. The less cracks there are for germs to hide, the safer the surface of your hands! 

Taking the time to do full body scrubs goes beyond surface level action and adds a bit of decadence to bathing. It is also just as important for a flawless self tanner application as it is for extending the life of your tan. Traditional rituals such as Turkish baths include a body scrub to enhance the health of the skin’s foundational layer before soaking in the sun rays. 

Personally, I love foot baths that incorporate scrubs. Their simple yet luxurious spa-level feel encourages relaxation on every level. With that in mind, I’ve put together a DIY Sea Salt Foot Scrub Tutorial to help you get started on your way to rejuvenation.

Getting your feet ready for summer begins with some essential foot exfoliation. Using a sea salt foot scrub is ideal for foot treatments because salt has natural antibacterial and skin softening properties. To further your spa-at-home experience, essential oils such as peppermint offer additional healing and sensory benefits too.

To avoid any skin sensitivity, refrain from exfoliating over open cuts or scrapes. Freshly shaved legs might also be too sensitive for some users. 
What you will need:

  • One large shallow bowl 13” in diameter or larger. Alternatives: Ice bucket or cooking pot
  • Fresh cut lavender flowers or rose petals
  • Tepid water
  • Sugar or salt scrub – I prefer Organic Fiji Peppermint Salt Scrub for its uplifting , soothing and cooling effects
  • 1 large towel
  • 2 hand towels

Setup:

  • Place a large towel on the floor underneath your soaking bowl
  • Create a sole soothing foot bath by placing small river rocks or glass stones on the bottom on your soaking bowl, scattering lavender buds or rose petals
  • Add tepid water to your ankle line
  • Scoop about 1/4 teaspoon of body scrub into the water and allow the oils and salt to melt

Treatment:

  • Soak your feet for 7-10 minutes
  • For pressure point stimulation, rub feet on top of stones several times
  • One foot at a time, lift your foot out of the water onto a hand towel and apply a small amount of scrub
  • Thoroughly exfoliate by rubbing the foot starting at the heel using circular thumb movements to further breakdown product and loosen skin cells in areas of build up
  • Perform this circular movement on the bottom and top of your foot
  • Next, focus on your sole using knuckle dragging movements downward toward the heel
  • Pulling on each toe, distribute scrub around the nail bed, softening the cuticle
  • Spread the bottom of your foot just below your toes to provide relief to your foot pad
  • Resoak your foot and repeat the process on the opposite side
  • Using one hand towel per foot, thoroughly dry your feet and wrap in the towel for about 5 minutes
  • For added benefit, use heated towels at the end of this service. This will allow the organic coconut and salt scrub ingredients to soak into your skin and essential oils to further work their magic

Tip for heating towels:

Roll towels tightly and place the center under running water so moisten. The towel should be damp, not wringing wet. Place towels in a microwave for about 1 minute. Keep towels warm by wrapping them in a larger towel until ready for use.

Download Patti’s DIY foot scrub tutorial

Importance of self care

Allowing time to relax and improve your quality of life is important especially during times of stress. This is what creating a spa-at-home experience is all about. Using products that are formulated with clean organic ingredients, ups the feel good factor. Enjoy an island escape while stimulating your skin and your senses with routine body polishing. Be sure to check back for more wellness tips and ways you can turn your self care routines into pampering rituals. 

Unique benefits of Organic Fiji’s Sugar Scrubs and Salt Scrubs for exfoliating:

  • Exfoliate with raw organic brown sugar or raw organic sea salt 
  • Moisturize & heal with certified USDA organic cold pressed coconut oil
  • Unique moisturizing & healing properties due to lauric acid content and molecular structure
  • Unscented or scented available. Aromas created using pure and organic essential oils
  • Vegan and cruelty free ingredients, sourcing and production
  • Clean pure & plant based – free of chemicals, synthetics and harmful toxins
  • Environmentally friendly ingredients
  • Ethically sourced and produced

Organic Fiji’s says NO to:

  • GMOs
  • Gluten
  • Parabens
  • Phthalates
  • Sulfates
  • Animal byproducts
  • Artificial colors
  • Artificial fragrances
  • Chemicals & toxic ingredients

Organic Fiji’s mission is to bring you the traditions of island life and all the benefits earth’s harvest has to offer your body and soul. The active ingredient in all our products is certified organic, cold pressed, extra virgin coconut oil. We create unique, artisanal personal care and culinary items, inspired by the tropics of the Fiji Islands. We will never compromise the quality of performance or the cleanliness of ingredients when designing our organic wellness range.

⚠️ ORGANIC FIJI COVID-19 UPDATE: We are open, we are getting your orders out the door within 24 hours and we have lowered pricing / free shipping minimums to better serve you during this challenging pandemic. Read full COVID-19 address here.

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Summer Skin and Organic Coconut Oil

Get your skin ready for summer with Organic Fiji! All our products are made with organic, cold-pressed, virgin coconut oil, a perfect organic ingredient for your summer skin!

Coconut Oil

Organic coconut oil is a great ingredient to be using this summer! All our products contain coconut oil which is not only USDA certified organic, but has also been cold pressed to retain all its natural goodness. It has so many benefits, the list is seemingly endless. Coconut oil can moisturize, soothe, treat, heal and more! It is the Earth’s natural gift to us, making us healthy inside and out. Bring the Earth to your skin with Organic Fiji. 

Prepare to show off your summer skin

Summer is here, and that usually means less clothes and more skin! Organic Fiji is here to help you make that skin looks glorious, organically. Using our products on a regular basis will help your skin not only look moisturized and silky smooth, but will also reduce the appearance of cellulite too. It will treat any skin conditions, like psoriasis and eczema, that you don’t want to be on show this summer. It will also help your skin to be supple & healthy before the summer sun has a chance to dehydrate or weather it. Your skin is the largest organ on your body, keep it healthy and prevent damage with organic coconut oil!

Your skin during the sun

When you’re in the sun your skin needs protection, not only against the rays but against severe moisture loss too. Organic Fiji’s cold pressed coconut oil products will help keep your skin insanely hydrated and moisturized. The best part about coconut oil is that it has a natural and organic SPF of around 4 or 5! Islanders all around the world have been using this natural oil for centuries on their skin and hair to protect themselves from the sun. Virgin coconut oil is also great for helping reduce the appearance of scars, which can often worsen in the sun. It also helps to protect tattoos and keep them from fading. Keep a bottle of coconut oil with you this summer! You won’t believe how much it’ll come in handy!

Your skin after the sun

After being in the sun, your skin will be dehydrated. You may also have over done the beach session and got a little burned. Don’t worry! Our organic coconut oil products can not only moisturize your skin after a day in the sun, but also soothe the burn and start healing your body as nature intended. It will also reduce the chance of peeling drastically. PLUS regular application after sun sessions will help you keep your sun-kissed summer skin for longer!

Which products?

All our products contain certified organic virgin coconut oil, so they would all be the perfect companion to your summer! However, we particularly recommend our organic body polishes (sugar and salt scrubs), as well as our pure organic coconut oil. Both are available in an aromatic array of fragrances and are made with USDA coconut oil from our private reserve plantation. The moisture combustion from these two products will ensure your skin never goes thirsty, looks great for summer, feels great for summer, is protected from summer sun & prevents you from having any summer peeling or patching – making you gorgeous and healthy for longer! 

Instructions

Use the organic body polish as a natural exfoliator before sun, and use the pure coconut oil during and after. 

Body Polish: Organic Fiji’s scrubs are beneficial not only for preparing your skin to look great and be moisturized, but for getting rid of dead skin cells too. This means less chance of peeling after being exposed to the sun. The best place to use our scrubs is in the shower or bath. Make sure body polish is liquefied (read more on how to liquefy coconut oil here) and mix. Scoop some into your hand, and gently rub over your skin in a circular motion. Concentrate more on areas with bumps, cellulite, and other skin conditions. Once you have exfoliated, rinse with warm water. Do not soap off! Exit the shower or bath and pat dry with a towel, taking care not to rub off the coconut oil. The coconut oil will then sink in and treat your skin. (Be careful, coconut oil can be slippery). Bottle of Coconut Oil: Our organic coconut oil can be used on your face, body or hair. We recommend using it before sun exposure, during and after! You can learn more about liquefying coconut oil before use here. This pure coconut oil can prepare your skin, protect your skin and heal your skin too!    For face and body – spread over your skin liberally, pay extra attention to dry areas or areas with skin conditions. Do not soap off. We recommend you use our coconut oil in the bath or shower, so the steam can liquefy it quickly and your pores are wide open. (Be careful, coconut oil can be slippery).    For hair – coconut oil can really treat and moisturize those dry locks that have been exposed to sun, chlorine and salt. Read more on our hair treatments here.

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DIY Hand and Arm Massage

SELF-CARE DURING QUARANTINE:
A DIY HAND AND ARM MASSAGE YOU CAN PERFORM AT HOME

Safer at Home: a DIY hand and arm massage you can perform at home during quarantine 

  • What you will need for your DIY hand & arm massage
  • Your step by step tutorial for your DIY hand & arm massage
  • Why we are missing touch during quarantine

During this time of social distancing most of us are feeling the need for calm connection and touch. We are here to walk you through a fun and relaxing self-care routine that you can enjoy even during quarantine. We turn to our Spa and Wellness consultant Patti for a Safer-at-Home DIY hand and arm massage tutorial. Enjoy this simple way that you and your family can enjoy a spa-like experience at home on the comfort of your couch. Better yet, with the weather warming up, this is a great time to increase the serenity factor by creating your own unique outdoor retreat or Zen Den!

MEET OUR SPA AND WELLNESS CONSULTANT PATTI COUGHLIN

Patti is a licensed massage therapist and esthetician with a masters degree in exercise physiology. She combines her experience in clinical research, bodywork and skin care to offer customized services that address the specific needs of her clients. She has worked in environments such as managing high end spas all the way to working with professional athletes. She is an enthusiastic ambassador of the clean beauty movement and an all round beauty and wellness guru.

Hand and arm massage – what you will need:

1 Couch

1 Comfy chair

3 Soft pillows

2 Soft hand towels or small pillow

2 Beach towels

Relaxing music of your choice – I like Org Lounge for a calming vibe

Clean burning candles or dim lighting

Loose clothing – tank shirts if possible

1 Tablespoon of natural massage oil – I prefer Organic Fiji’s Coconut Oil in Lemongrass Tangerine aroma 

What is the best natural oil for massage?

I began using Organic Fiji organic raw coconut oil in my massage practice almost 18 years ago and became hooked on the many health and beauty benefits of this “miracle oil”. Along with providing the perfect amount of slip no matter what type of massage I am doing, it is also lightly scented with organic essential oils. My favorite aroma for this tutorial is the Lemongrass Tangerine because it provides an evocative spa experience AND with all the hand washing taking place, you’ll find all the skin drenching and healing properties of certified organic coconut oil is a welcome relief from moisture wicking soaps and hand sanitizers. If you’re looking for more information about how to melt or liquefy coconut oil for massage or heating it to create a warm coconut oil massage click here.

Hand and arm massage – let’s get started:

1) Place one beach towel on top of couch
2) Have receiver lay face up on the towel
3) Place pillows in the small of the back, behind their head and under their knee
4) Place about 1 tablespoon of Organic Fiji Coconut Oil in a small bowl or container
5) Be sure that the massage receiver is comfortable and can breath easily
6) Place the other beach towel over clothes exposing their full arm and hand
7) Place a small pillow or rolled hand towel under elbow in a comfortable, supportive position

Ask questions
Start by asking the receiver about any problem areas or chronic conditions like arthritis or carpal tunnel. You will want to avoid these areas during the massage process or use caution when working certain areas. It’s a good idea to check in with the receiver, asking them how movements feel as you proceed. 

Get your placement
Move your chair close to the couch so that you can easily rest your hands on the receivers arm and can also reach the top of their shoulder. If you like, you can also sit beside them on the couch or kneel on the floor. Just keeping mind, you should also be comfortable while performing this massage. 

Ground yourself
Before you start your massage, take a little time to ground yourself. This means connecting to that neutral space by taking a few cleansing breaths. Have the receiver do the same.  

Melt coconut oil and apply 
Scoop about a quarter size of organic coconut oil into the palm of your hand and rub both hands together to melt. Slowly spread the coconut oil on the forearm and up to the top of the shoulder in a fluid figure 8 like motion using both of your hands, one following the other as you move up the arm. Repeat this 3-4 times allowing the coconut oil to spread to a light application where your hands move easily. If needed, apply a bit more coconut oil. 

Focus on the forearm
Making smaller figure 8 thumb motions, softly grab the belly of the forearm with your fingers gently squeezing the muscles in a “kneading” like fashion. This area is a place of particular tension. Repeat this figure 8 movement several times moving up and down the forearm from the elbow to the wrist. 

Turn the forearm over
Slowly turn the forearm over so that the receiver’s elbow is resting by their side and work your hands in a “hand over hand” motion working to the elbow and down toward the wrist, almost like pulling a rope. Repeat several times laying the forearm in its start position when done. 

Shoulder roll
Using a “hand over hand” method, gently slide your hands up and over the top of the shoulder and repeat this at least 6 times. With a slight pushing motion, spend some time with your palm in the area between the shoulder and the upper chest (pectoralis) muscle and the collar bone to gently open this space up. 

“Milk” the bicep muscle
Cupping both hands in a butterfly like position, alternate moving from the top part of the shoulder to the elbow using more pressure as you move up and less as you “pull” down. Next, bring this movement down to the wrist.

Decompress the joints in the hand
Slowly and gently sandwich the receiver and compress. Take the wrist in both hands and use one hand to rub from the wrist down each finger as you pull it slightly.  

Gently massage the wrist and hand with both thumbs
Use the thumbs to apply a light pressure and move them in small circular motions while massaging the entire hand, getting in-between the bones of the hand.  

Turn the hand over
Next, with the palm facing up and begin to open up the wrist area. This is done by placing both thumbs in the center of where the wrist meets the palm parallel to the fingers of the receiver then moving the thumbs outward towards the side of the hand. Repeat 2-3 times.  

Lay the arm back down 
This should be done slowly and gently so as to keep the person you are massaging relaxed and comfortable. Place your hands in a rest position on top of the receiver’s hands.  

Take some time to rest
Then repeat this massage sequence on the other arm of the receiver by having them switch to the other side of the couch. When you’re finished, switch roles. Take your time with this ritual. Be patient with yourself and you will find that these moves come more easily with practice.

Download Patti’s hand & arm massage tutorial

Reimagining possibilities during quarantine

If you want to change someone’s mood and possibly their mind, give them a massage. With tensions running high right now, trying to carve out some bliss is oh so important. Reimagining what you want your health and home to look and feel like opens the door to possibilities. Creating a mini sanctuary, or Zen Den, at home can benefit everyone, including your four legged family members.

Twenty years ago, I reluctantly had my first massage. Surprisingly, when it was over, I felt a distant familiar state of physical and mental calm. This feeling of “reconnecting” was the inspiration of my career change from clinical research manager to that of a licensed massage therapist and esthetician. My background in exercise physiology and love of certified skincare organic products helped me to carve out a niche practice offering personalized spa treatments. Now, having performed thousands of massages, I can offer some insight into why massage is so important.

Why touch is essential 

There are many studies that show our well-being, life course and even our mortality are all linked to our experience with nurturing touch. Touch truly is essential to our life in so many ways and massage in particular is a catalyst for whole body health and healing. Here are some reasons why massage unites both mind and body:

Your circulation

Getting that “kink” worked out is the result of relaxing muscle tissue into a softer state and releasing habitual holding patterns. This is done by increasing blood flow which delivers oxygen and flushes toxins from muscle tissue. Reminding your muscles of the freedom of movement they can experience increases your body awareness and can improve your quality of life.

Pain management

Did you ever wonder why you automatically rub your shin or shake your finger after you accidentally hit them? One answer is The Gate Theory which suggests increased large muscle fiber activity blocks smaller nerve fiber pain signals explaining why pain can fluctuate so much and why massage is helpful in pain management. 

Electrical charges

Whenever we touch the body, we stimulate the creation of electrical charges called piezoelectrically (pressure electricity). Among other things, these charges activate the release chemical cascades in the body and brain, trigger collagen and elastin production and engage the “muscle melt” phenomena. 

Creating your own Zen Den

Lowering the emotional noise in our home is a welcome break for everyone. Our four legged family members often drift off to sleep as we retreat to calm. Knowing you have a place in your home that feels grounding, calming and balancing is so important, especially when many of us are spending more time working at home than normal due to stay at home orders. Your Zen Den can be a peaceful and safe sanctuary within your own space, somewhere that brings you back to center.

Stay tuned for more wellness suggestions and DIY tutorials you can perform during quarantine.

Unique benefits of Organic Fiji’s Coconut Oil for massage:

  • Certified USDA Organic coconut oil by Oregon Tilth
  • Cold pressed & extra virgin coconut oil
  • Unrefined, unfiltered, raw coconut oil
  • Unique moisturizing & healing properties due to lauric acid content and molecular structure
  • Whole body treatment: perfect for massage!
  • Unscented or scented available. Aromas created using pure and organic essential oils
  • Vegan and cruelty free ingredients, sourcing and production
  • Clean pure & plant based – free of chemicals, synthetics and harmful toxins
  • Biodegradable, Marine Safe and Wilderness Friendly
  • Ethically sourced and produced

Organic Fiji’s says NO to:

  • GMOs
  • Gluten
  • Parabens
  • Phthalates
  • Sulfates
  • Animal byproducts
  • Artificial colors
  • Artificial fragrances
  • Chemicals & toxic ingredients

Organic Fiji’s mission is to bring you the traditions of island life and all the benefits earth’s harvest has to offer your body and soul. The active ingredient in all our products is certified organic, cold pressed, extra virgin coconut oil. We create unique, artisanal personal care and culinary items, inspired by the tropics of the Fiji Islands. We will never compromise the quality of performance or the cleanliness of ingredients when designing our organic wellness range.

⚠️ ORGANIC FIJI COVID-19 UPDATE: We are open, we are getting your orders out the door within 24 hours and we have lowered pricing / free shipping minimums to better serve you during this challenging pandemic. Read full COVID-19 address here.

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Earth Day 2020

Earth-Day logo

8 INGREDIENTS IN YOUR SKINCARE PRODUCTS THAT ARE HURTING THE EARTH

  • Earth Day 2020 – Safer at Home
  • Is your skincare regime hurting the Earth?
  • 8 Ingredients in your skincare that are not eco-friendly
  • Tips for switching to eco-friendly skincare
  • Coming together to help the Earth, even during quarantine

Earth Day 2020

Like all major events, Earth Day looks different for us this year due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Earth Day is all about taking positive action to create positive change, but we are all feeling frustrated this year because our actions are very limited. Don’t let quarantine get you down, as part of our Safer at Home series, we have good news! You can help the Earth and create change right from the comfort of your own home! Real, specific and attainable change for the better. Come on world, we’ve got this! 

What action can I take as an individual?

Our individual and collective relationship to the Earth is a special one. If you’re reading this page, you probably already know how important it is, and that every year EarthDay.org along with many other organizations work tirelessly to highlight where the Earth is in trouble and how we can try to fix it. However, the challenge appears when we adjust our focus from global, to individual. It can be hard to funnel the broad understanding of a movement all the way down to our very own life choices and daily habits. Perhaps you already utilize reusable bags, turn the water off when you brush your teeth and have even started a compost… but are your skincare habits having a negative impact on the environment too? 

Earthday.org’s objective: “diversify, educate and activate the environmental movement worldwide. Growing out of the first Earth Day in 1970, Earth Day Network is the world’s largest recruiter to the environmental movement, working with more than 75,000 partners in over 190 countries to drive positive action for our planet. Earth Day Network works in countries around the world to drive meaningful action for our planet across these issues: Climate Action, Science and Education, People and Communities, Conservation and Restoration and Plastic and Pollution“. You can read more about each of these issues by clicking here. 

A focus on skincare and its effects on the Earth

It is important to mindfully evaluate the products we use and how they affect Earth’s body, as well as our own. The good news is the rapid growth of the organic skincare movement now offers us an eclectic array of choices. This growth is a direct representation of consumer interests and how humans are urging brands to be more transparent so we can make better decisions for our health.

To consider what impact your skincare has on the Earth, first look at sourcing – what ingredients your product is made from and how it is sourced. Then look at the manufacturing – how those ingredients are mixed together to create your product. Then consider how and where you use the product, and most importantly, where the product ends up after you have used it. 

Direct exposure to nature is a valuable concern, but you don’t have to be bathing in a lake for the chemicals in your body wash to end up in the gut of a fish that calls that lake home. The whole circle of life and ecology is affected – from our bathroom cabinets to the world’s waterways. Then from that water to the marine life who call it home, the wildlife it feeds and the soil it quenches. We can follow this narrative along the whole food chain, even to our own family dinner tables.  

If you start by replacing skincare products with natural alternatives that are made from biodegradable and safe ingredients, YOU will be adding to the momentum of global change for the Earth.

8 specific ingredients to avoid as you move toward an environmentally friendly skincare regime:

MICROBEADS

What: Microbeads are made of polyethylene, a plastic substance used to create exfoliating, scrubbing or abrasive beads in skin and body care products.

Why: According to a report by Science American, microbeads are small enough to pass through water filter systems and end up in natural bodies of water, such as the Great Lakes for example. “You can almost never identify what product or where the source of microplastics is out to sea” explains Eriksen, the executive director of the 5 Gyres Institute. “But in the Great Lakes we can.” (It is easier to understand where pollution comes from in smaller, confined geographic areas). These tiny plastic beads are considered one of the most concerning environmental threats coming from skincare ingredients today. After polluting the water, the microbeads then get mistakenly eaten by fish and other marine life. This not only harms the digestive system of the animal but also means that we may also end up ingesting them if eating fish from an infected body of water. The scary reality is that microbeads make their way from your bathroom shelf, to a body of water and eventually back to your own internal body.

Where you’ll find them: Microbeads are often marketed as an exfoliator, so can be found in exfoliating face wash, exfoliating body wash, face scrubs and body scrubs. They are also used in products to enhance texture and fill in fine lines, so can be found in anti wrinkle creams, face serums, age defying sun screens and makeup primers. One tube of exfoliating body wash could contain around half a million microbeads. Avoid products with wording such as ‘contains microbeads’, ‘microbead technology’, ‘micro abrasives’, ‘Polypropylene’ or ‘Polyethylene’.

hat to look for instead: Look for products that use natural and biodegradable substances to create friction and abrasions such as: sand, sugar, salt, oatmeal, ground nuts and so on. By making this switch you are not only choosing a safer and better performing organic body scrub or microbead-free cleanser for your own body, you are also choosing a safer option for the Earth, too.

BHA / BHT

What: BHA and BHT are common preservatives that can be found in skin care and beauty products.

Why: In addition to being suspected hormone disruptors in our own bodies, they are both also linked to environmental harm and danger to marine life. BHA is listed as a chemical of potential concern by the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic, and classed as toxic to aquatic organisms. BHT is also listed as having moderate to high potential for bioaccumulation in aquatic species.

Where you’ll find them: Look for the ingredient ‘butylated hydroxyanisole’ and ‘butylated hydroxytoluene’. You will find these ingredients in moisturizers, lotions and makeup products acting as a preservative. Brands can market that their product as being made with a biodegradable ingredient, which is a good start, but then often need to use a chemical preservative like this to keep that biodegradable ingredient from going bad.

What to look for instead: Finding skincare without chemical preservatives is probably the biggest challenge on this list. Look for chemical free lotions and makeup that do not include these two ingredients, and use a botanical preservative instead. Look for alternatives to toxic preservatives such as naturally derived Citric Acid (from citrus) and Caprylhydroxamic Acid (from coconut oil). Or perhaps purchase small but frequent amounts of something with raw ingredients so that there is no need for a long lasting preservative. 

Phthalates

What: Phthalates, pronounced tha·leits, are esters of phthalic acid and are most commonly used as a plastic binding agent or solvent.

Why: The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics explains that “these chemicals, which are linked to endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and cancer, have been banned from cosmetics in the European Union, but still remain prevalent in U.S. products”. The build up of Phthalates in nature has been linked to altering genetics and development across species.

Where you’ll find them: You can find Phthalates in anything from nail polish to moisturizing lotion, shampoo and more. They are commonly found in skincare products with fragrance. Look for ingredients such as ‘phthalate’, ‘DEP’, ‘DBP’ and ‘DEHP’ on your labels. But here’s the tricky part – they can also be found in synthetic fragrances and products do not have to disclose what the fragrance it made up of. ‘DEP Phthalate’ is widely used in scented products to help the fragrance last longer.

What to look for instead: Look for products that don’t have Phthalates in the ingredients, that tell you they are a Phthalate free product and, most importantly, do not use products with synthetic fragrances. You can usually tell if a fragrance is synthetic because it’s ambiguously labeled . Products that want you to know their fragrance is not synthetic will list what their fragrance is made from. Search for essential oil scented skincare and essences of biodegradable elements such as flowers.  

Oxybenzone

What: Oxybenzone, or benzonephenone-3, is one of the most common ingredients found in sunscreens. The main use of oxybenzone is to absorb UV light.

Why: Oxybenzone is said to be a threat not only to humans by disrupting hormones, but also to the Earth by poisoning its coral reefs around the world. A study on environmental contamination found that Oxybenzone contributes to reef bleaching and disrupts reproduction and growth, leaving young corals fatally deformed. The chemical is said to have a similar effect on DNA as gasoline. “It causes weird deformities in soft tissue and also causes the coral larvae to encase itself in its own skeleton, in its own coffin,” explains Craig Downs. The researchers found large concentrations of the ingredient in popular waters off Hawaii and the US Virgin Islands. Between 6,000 and 14,000 metric tons of sunscreen lotions end up in coral reef areas each year. In 2018 Hawaii passed a bill that would ban sunscreen products containing oxybenzone and octinoxate.

Where you’ll find them: Oxybenzone is most commonly found in sunscreen and SPF lip balms, but can also be seen in nail polish, skin care fragrances, hair spray, and cosmetics as a photostabilizer which protects the product from light damage.

What to look for instead: Look for natural sunscreens that use zinc oxide as a base instead of Oxybenzone. Try using organic lip balms that use biodegradable ingredients to protect your lips from the sun instead of SPF. Try buying brands who use plant based aromas instead of synthetic fragrances where Oxybenzone can also hide. Lastly, avoid products in clear containers, they usually need more photostabilizers to protect the product inside from the sun.  

Triclosan

What: Triclosan is an antibacterial and antifungal agent.

Why: When triclosan runs into waterways it can change the biochemistry of marine life and aquatic plants due to it’s non biodegradable build up. It then reacts with other chemicals found in water to form harmful dioxins. The EWG reports that in animal studies triclosan has been linked to liver damage, hormone toxicity, developmental defects and cancer  “due to its toxicity towards a wide spectrum of microbial and algal species, triclosan may disrupt critical ecological processes performed by beneficial microorganisms in nature.” The European Union classifies this ingredient as having the potential to cause long-term adverse effects in aquatic ecologies. Triclosan is restricted in cosmetics in Japan and is classified to be toxic or harmful by the Environment Canada Domestic Substance List. Some medical professionals even blame the emergence of superbugs on an overuse of Triclosan, allowing bacteria and fungi to develop resistance. 

Where you’ll find them: Triclosan can be found in an array of personal care products including antibacterial items, anti fungal treatments, whitening toothpastes, shaving foam and deodorants. Look for ‘Triclosan’, ‘TSC’, ‘triclocarban’ and ‘TCC’ on product labels. The EPA warn that “manufacturers can add antimicrobial chemicals to any consumer product they choose. As a result, people may be exposed to multiple sources of antimicrobial pesticides in their own homes, often without their knowledge and without a chance to make an informed decision“.

What to look for instead: Look for products that do not have Triclosan on the label. Even better, try using an organic alternative that uses biodegradable antimicrobial properties such as Oregano essential oil, Eucalyptus essential oil, Tree essential oil or organic coconut oil (the lauric acid in its fat is converted by the human body into monolaurin and this gives it its antibiotic, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties). Go one step further and try a tea tree infused coconut oil product for a double action!

In need of a product to whiten up your teeth? Try using an activated charcoal product or try oil pulling will coconut oil to draw out bacteria and stains.

And wherever possible, use soap and water over antibacterial gel. Thordarson, a professor at the School of Chemistry in Sydney, explains that “nothing beats soap — the virus detaches from the skin and falls apart readily in soapy water. Supramolecular chemistry and nanoscience tell us not only a lot about how the virus self-assembles into a functional, active menace, but also how we can beat viruses with something as simple as soap.”

Parabens

What: Parabens are chemicals used as artificial preservatives in cosmetic and body care products.

Why: A recent study discussed by the EWG reports that Parabens are not only linked to human endocrine disruption but also ecological harm. “Low levels of butylparaben can kill coral. Parabens have been detected in surface waters, fish and sediments. When parabens are combined with chlorinated tap water, a number of chlorinated paraben byproducts can also form” and add to the threat.

Where you’ll find them: Parabens can be found in personal care items such as shampoos, conditioners, lotions, face wash, body wash and exfoliating scrubs. Parabens are usually easy to spot because they end in ‘paraben’, such as ‘Ethylparaben’, ‘butylparaben’, ‘methylparaben’, ‘propylparaben’, ‘isobutylparaben’ and ‘isopropylparaben’.

What to look for instead: Look for products that do not contain parabens. Because parabens are commonly talked about, brands that say no to parabens will usually make it clear that their product is paraben free on the packaging. Look for alternatives to toxic preservatives such as naturally derived Citric Acid (from citrus) and Caprylhydroxamic Acid (from coconut oil).

Siloxanes

What: Siloxanes are types of Silicones used in personal care products for their smoothing properties.

Why: Another ingredient said to be harmful to the human reproductive system, has also found to be harmful to the Earth. The Norwegian Institute for Air Research and the Swedish Environmental Research Institute reported concerns about the build up of silicones after increasing levels of siloxanes were found in samples taken from several locations in the Nordic countries. It has also been found in fish from The Great Lakes, raising the alarm about the toxin being passed through the food chain.

Where you’ll find them: Used in anti-aging products, moisturizing lotions, makeup and hair care products. These silicone-based compounds are used to temporarily soften, smooth and fill. You can spot them in ingredients by looking for words that end in ‘cones’, ‘conols’, ‘silanes’ and the full form ‘Siloxanes’.

What to look for instead: After offering you a temporary smoothing effect, these ingredients clog pores and dull skin, so choose Silicone free skin care instead. Choose something with a naturally derived smoothing agent instead, such as naturally occurring fats like you find in nut extracts, to give you a silky texture. Coconut oil for anti aging with its high lauric acid content is a good example of a safe alternative. 

Synthetic fragrances

What: This is a broad term, that covers any synthetic ingredients that go into creating product scents and fragrances in skincare.

Why: Synthetic fragrances are often the culprits of allergic outbreaks on human skin. Irritation from synthetic scents are so common that many people are turning to unscented skincare products because of this very reason. But they also affect our Earth too. Wastewater treatment plants don’t break them down, which means they sneak into ours rivers and oceans. The National Geographic reported that they “compromise a cell defense mechanism that normally prevents toxins from entering cells.” That means the toxins can inhibit an organism’s ability to defend itself from other types of toxins which could cause permanent damage.

Where you’ll find them: Synthetic fragrances are commonly added to perfumes, shampoos, soaps, cleansers, moisturizers, sunscreens, and much more. The difficulty here is trying to pin down a synthetic fragrance, being as brands are allowed to hide ingredients behind a catch all term like ‘fragrance’, ‘scent’ or ‘parfum’.

What to look for instead: Either look for ‘fragrance free’ or ‘unscented skincare’, or look for naturally derived fragrances. The main sources of organic aromas are essential oils and the essence of botanicals. If a product has created a nice scent from something truly natural, they’ll usually be excited to share that with you. 

Skincare ingredients will either get absorbed by your skin, or end up in the Earth’s waterways. Toxins bioaccumulate and cause issues to the environment, wildlife and humans via the food chain. 

Tips for switching to an Earth friendly skin care regime

  1. Learn: Knowledge is power! Learn about ingredients and their effects. Learn about natural alternatives.
  2. Don’t get green washed: Bypass marketing and go straight for the ingredients listings, you’ll find (mostly) everything you need to know there. Look for certifications and what standards their certifying bodies look for. 
  3. Evaluate: Take your knowledge and evaluate what you are currently using in your skin and hair care regime. 
  4. Take it slow: replace each product with an environmentally friendly one – one at a time. Don’t try to replace everything at once, it will become too overwhelming. Be realistic and make small and steady changes for the better. 
  5. Create mindful habits: Being environmentally friendly in your personal care regime starts with mindfulness. This just means – be aware and be present. Stop to think before you purchase, assess before you use, and consider the journey of the product and its packaging after you have used it.

Small habitual changes made by many = a big global impact for the environment

Come together in 2020

So let us come together for Earth Day 2020, even during quarantine! EarthDay.org puts it perfectly “seize all the tools and actions that we have, big and small, to change our lives and change our world, not for one day, but forever. While the coronavirus may force us to keep our distance, it will not force us to keep our voices down. The only thing that will change the world is a bold and unified demand for a new way forward. We may be apart, but through the power of digital media, we’re also more connected than ever!” 

On April 22, join EarthDay.org for 24 hours of action. No matter where you are, you can make a difference. And you’re not alone, because together, we can save the Earth!

Start your quest for environmentally friendly skincare products 

Organic Fiji says a big NO THANK YOU to any ingredients that are harmful to you, or the Earth. Organic Fiji is committed to offering high-quality coconut oil infused products that are made from the cleanest of ingredients and created within an ethical and socially responsible production setting. 

A note from organic Fiji’s president, Reycel Baysa. “We look inward towards our company and products, making sure that we create marine safe, wilderness friendly and biodegradable personal care that won’t harm our customers or the beautiful ecology and precious wildlife around us. We apply environmentally friendly production and shipping methods wherever possible – recycling materials and even using biodegradable packing peanuts. There is still a lot of work for us to do to live a greener life and improve the protection we give to nature, but it is a start. As well as what we do in-house, we decided to offer a $1 donation to The Surfrider Foundation for every ecommerce order we receive. And we want to remind our customers that every order placed is creating a wave of change, so thank you.”  You can read more about Organic Fiji’s plan to pay it forward here. 

Your gift to the Earth – start switching to environmentally friendly skincare today

What makes Organic Fiji eco-friendly?

  • Clean, pure & plant based ingredients that are human-friendly and eco-friendly 
  • Ethical ingredient sourcing that does not negatively impact the environment
  • Responsible production that operates under eco-friendly and fair trade working methods

Organic Fiji says NO to:

  • Microbeads
  • BHA / BTA
  • Oxybenzone
  • Triclosan
  • Siloxanes
  • Parabens
  • Synthetic fragrances
  • Phthalates
  • Sulfates
  • Animal byproducts
  • Artificial colors
  • Chemicals & toxic ingredients

Organic Fiji’s mission is to bring you the traditions of island life and all the benefits earth’s harvest has to offer your body and soul. The active ingredient in all our products is organic, cold pressed, extra virgin coconut oil. We create unique, artisanal personal care and culinary items, inspired by the tropics of the Fiji Islands. We will never compromise the quality of performance or the cleanliness of ingredients when designing our organic wellness range.

⚠️ ORGANIC FIJI COVID-19 UPDATE: We are open, we are getting your orders out the door within 24 hours and we have lowered pricing / free shipping minimums to better serve you during this challenging pandemic. Read full COVID-19 address here.

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DIY Skin Care Face Masks

SAFER AT HOME SPA DAYS

Safer at Home Spa Days: DIY, Organic Coconut Oil Face Masks with Patti 

  • Spa days are now safer at home.
  • Make an easy DIY face mask with our spa and wellness correspondent Patti. 
  • Explore the fresh ingredients you have at home, so many benefits!
  • Source, mix and enjoy!

Your local spa may be closed due to the current pandemic, but we are here to help you bring those pampering and health promoting spa and beauty treatments right to the comfort of your own home. We turn to our expert Spa and Wellness correspondent Patti Coughlin for all the latest home spa hacks.

Patti is a licensed massage therapist and esthetician with a masters degree in exercise physiology. She combines her experience in clinical research, bodywork and skin care to offer customized services that address the specific needs of her clients. She has worked in environments such as managing high end spas all the way to working with professional athletes. She is an enthusiastic ambassador of the clean beauty movement and an all round beauty and wellness guru.

Speech marks

DIY skin care masks at home:

With the world on collective pause, now is a great time to take a break from your daily makeup routine, giving your complexion a chance to hit the refresh button. To further enhance your skin’s ability to perform and heal naturally, we’ve curated some DIY natural face mask suggestions that you can make at home with some of the earth’s apothecary items that you already have in your panty. 

Why use a face mask?

Although with encouraging a little luxury, facial masks deliver nutrients to skin in a concentrated form and provide some instant gratification while addressing specific skin conditions. First, a little science to keep in mind. Your skin’s pH is about 5.5, so choosing a mask with ingredients that preserve your skin’s acid mantle is key to keeping its barrier function intact. Secondly, whenever possible, use ingredients that are organic, raw and ethically sourced. 

Getting started:

DIY at home face mask recipes are plenty, so it is important to use ingredients that address your skin type and condition, are not irritating to the skin, that you are not allergic to, and can be easily applied and removed. Pay particular attention to the amount of time you leave a mask on your face. A general rule of thumb is 10-15 minutes. One real benefit to DIY masks is that they are free of toxins, synthetic byproducts, chemicals and preservatives, making them especially beneficial for sensitive skin. That being said, these masks are meant for one time usage and should not be stored. Taking some time to lower your stress level while being #saferathome is especially important, so whenever possible, use facial masking as an opportunity to indulge with a spa-at-home experience. Light some candles and enjoy one of life’s little pleasures using ingredients that you have on hand.

Recipe 1: Healthy Glow Natural, Organic Face Mask

When it comes to skin boosting benefits, coconut oil, honey, and matcha are the triple crown winners. This coconut oil DIY homemade face mask repairs and balances and is packed full of antioxidants and bacteria fighting properties making it good for most skin types.

The benefits of these ingredients:

Honey: Hydrates and moisturizes skin and contains anti-bacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which help fight acne and may fade scars as it exfoliates skin cells.
Source: I prefer Manuka Honey. 

Matcha: The polyphenols (EGCG) in matcha possess potent antioxidant and skin-soothing properties, and show significant promise for improving the appearance of sun-damaged skin. 
Source: I prefer Organic Matcha.

Coconut Oil: Organic raw coconut oil has so many benefits for the skin. Here’s a breakdown of its components:
Lauric Acid – Kills acne-causing bacteria.
Capric Acid – Contains strong antimicrobial and antiviral properties.
Caprylic Acid – Provides nurturing benefits to sensitive and oily skin plus anti-oxidant protection.
Vitamin C – Stimulates collagen production and fights off free radicals which cause premature aging. Promotes skin tautness and elasticity.
Vitamin E – Bolsters the skin’s UV protection. Slows down skin aging, decreasing fine lines while keeping connective tissues strong helping prevent skin sagging.
MCFA – Medium Chain Fatty Acids Protect skin from infections and bacteria by creating a skin pH that fights off acne-causing bacteria (propionibacterium).
MCT – Medium Chain Triglycerides Penetrate and unclog skin pores removing dirt, pollution and germs. Dissolve oils that cause acne and blackheads.
Source: I prefer organic cold pressed raw coconut oil. 

Which type of coconut oil should I use?

The best coconut oil to use with DIY facials is one that is certified organic by a reputable certifying agent. If that certification is to a food standard – even better! (Personal care organic standards are often lower than food). Raw and cold pressed coconut oil has a high content of lauric acid and medium-chain fatty acids which have not gone through any molecular adjustments, processing or fractionation. Totally clean and with the highest concentration of naturally occuring benefits!

I had the good fortune of being introduced to Organic Fiji products about 17 years ago. While I had been searching for a better alternative to the oils and lotions I had been using, the benefits of organic cold pressed coconut oil went far beyond its versatility. My eyes were open to the newly emerging natural products industry. The importance of knowing how ingredients are sourced and certified truly built my massage and facial practice. It became a passion of mine to share this knowledge with my clients, family and friends, using tools like The EWG to help them make educated choices. Offering services that provided “uncompromised health and beauty” became my tagline, thanks to Organic Fiji.

Let’s get mixing our simple DIY skin care face mask!

1. 1 teaspoon organic coconut oil – I prefer Organic Fiji’s Unscented USDA Organic Cold Pressed Raw Coconut Oil for it’s quality

2. 2 tablespoons honey – I prefer Manuka Honey for its added benefits

3. 1 tablespoon matcha – I prefer any organic matcha for its purity

4. Add all ingredients to a small bowl and mix well with a small spatula

5. Apply the mixture evenly to clean skin using an upward motion. Be sure to cover all parts of your face, neck and décolleté.

6. Let the mask set for 10 minutes.

7. Remove by gently applying lukewarm water. Using a warm washcloth is also helpful.

8. Pat face lightly with a soft towel, then let dry naturally.

9. If needed, follow with a natural moisturizer – I love Organic Fiji’s Grapefruit Face & Body Lotion for an instant uplifting infusion of hydrating goodness.

10. For best results, mask 2 times weekly. 

Download ‘Healthy Glow’ DIY face mask recipe (PDF)

Time of change:

Stay-at-home DIY natural facials are a great way to allow your skin to “detox” while embracing this time of change. Stay tuned for another #saferathome natural face mask recipe and other health and beauty tips that we hope will provide some comfort for you and your loved ones.

Unique benefits of Organic Fiji’s Coconut Oil:

  • Certified USDA Organic coconut oil by Oregon Tilth
  • Cold pressed coconut oil
  • Extra virgin coconut oil
  • Unrefined, unfiltered, raw coconut oil
  • Unique moisturizing & healing properties due to lauric acid content and molecular structure
  • Whole body treatment: for hair, skin & holistic wellness
  • Hand crafted using an ancient Fijian recipe
  • Unscented or scented available. Aromas created using pure and organic essential oils
  • Vegan and cruelty free ingredients, sourcing and production
  • Clean pure & plant based – free of chemicals, synthetics and harmful toxins
  • Biodegradable, Marine Safe and Wilderness Friendly
  • Ethically sourced and produced

Organic Fiji’s says NO to:

  • GMOs
  • Gluten
  • Parabens
  • Phthalates
  • Sulfates
  • Animal byproducts
  • Artificial colors
  • Artificial fragrances
  • Chemicals & toxic ingredients

Organic Fiji’s mission is to bring you the traditions of island life and all the benefits earth’s harvest has to offer your body and soul. The active ingredient in all our products is certified organic, cold pressed, extra virgin coconut oil. We create unique, artisanal personal care and culinary items, inspired by the tropics of the Fiji Islands. We will never compromise the quality of performance or the cleanliness of ingredients when designing our organic wellness range.

⚠️ ORGANIC FIJI COVID-19 UPDATE: We are open, we are getting your orders out the door within 24 hours and we have lowered pricing / free shipping minimums to better serve you during this challenging pandemic. Read full COVID-19 address here.

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The Science Behind Soap

THE SCIENCE BEHIND SOAP

The Science Behind Soap – Quick reference: 

  • Washing your hands with soap prevents the spread of viruses. 
  • It is hard to break up viral particles, but it can be done with soap. 
  • We touch our faces… a lot.
  • Water isn’t enough – we need soap because it dissolves the glue that holds a virus together.
  • Hand sanitizer is helpful, but nothing beats soap! 
  • At the molecular level soap works to break things apart, but at a societal level, it holds everything together. We have a social responsibility to wash our hands frequently with soap. 


What the CDC really wants you to know about hand washing and why it’s important:

The act of hand washing has been ingrained in us since our earliest years. But a deadly pandemic now forces us to ask the question… are we actually doing it right?

Many diseases and viruses are spread quickly by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water. The CDC advises to “lather your hands by rubbing them together with soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Lathering and scrubbing hands creates friction, which helps lift dirt, grease, and microbes from skin. Microbes are present on all surfaces of the hand, often in particularly high concentration under the nails, so scrub the entire hand for at least 20 seconds.”

So can it really be true that deadly viruses, such as the new coronavirus, are no match for good old fashioned bar soap? We explore the science behind how soap removes bacteria from the skin and what makes it so effective. Read on for a breakdown explanation. 

The science behind soap’s virus fighting techniques:

Soap dissolves and disassembles the fat membrane of a virus, and then it falls apart and becomes inactive. Viruses can be active outside the body for hours, even days, so it is important to be frequently washing your hands with soap to really combat the spread of viruses. 

The structure of a virus – Palli Thordarson, a professor at the School of Chemistry at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, explains the building blocks of a virus “Most viruses consist of three key building blocks: RNA, proteins and lipids. The RNA is the viral genetic material — it is similar to DNA. The proteins have several roles, including breaking into the target cell, assisting with virus replication and basically being a key building block (like a brick in a house) in the virus structure. The lipids then form a coat around the virus, both for protection and to assist with its spread and cellular invasion. The RNA, proteins and lipids self-assemble to form the virus. Critically, there are no strong “covalent” bonds holding these units together. Instead, the viral self-assembly is based on weak “non-covalent” interactions between the proteins, RNA and lipids. Together, these act together like Velcro, so it is hard to break up the self-assembled viral particle. Still, we can do it — with soap!”

The New Coronavirus COVID19 – We can apply this understanding of virus structure to the new coronavirus too. Thordarson continues by explaining “most viruses, including the coronavirus, are between 50-200 nanometers — so they truly are nanoparticles. Nanoparticles have complex interactions with surfaces they are on; it’s the same with viruses. Skin, steel, timber, fabric, paint and porcelain are very different surfaces. When a virus invades a cell, the RNA “hijacks” the cellular machinery like a computer virus and forces the cell to make fresh copies of its own RNA and the various proteins that make up the virus. These new RNA and protein molecules self-assemble with lipids (readily present in the cell) to form new copies of the virus. That is, the virus does not photocopy itself; it makes copies of the building blocks, which then self-assemble into new viruses. All those new viruses eventually overwhelm the cell, and it dies or explodes, releasing viruses that then go on to infect more cells.”

Deadly viruses end up in the airways, so when you cough or sneeze, tiny little droplets can travel up to 30 feet from your airways to another surface. The larger carrier, such as Coronavirus, are said to be able to travel 7 feet or more. Covering your coughs and sneezes, followed by thorough hand washing, is now more important than ever. 

⚠️ ORGANIC FIJI COVID-19 UPDATE: We are open, we are getting your orders out the door within 24 hours and we have lowered pricing / free shipping minimums to better serve you during this challenging pandemic. Read full COVID-19 address here.

The Coronavirus on your skin and other surfaces – Our hands are the most common area of the skin to come into contact with germs and virus microorganisms. Thordarson explains why the skin is such a perfect surface for viruses to thrive on. “These tiny droplets end up on surfaces and dry out quickly. But the viruses are still active. What happens next is all about supramolecular chemistry and how self-assembled nanoparticles (like the viruses) interact with their environment. Now it is time to introduce a powerful supramolecular chemistry concept that effectively says: Similar molecules appear to interact more strongly with each other than dissimilar ones. Wood, fabric and skin interact fairly strongly with viruses. Contrast this with steel, porcelain and at least some plastics, such as Teflon. The surface structure also matters. The flatter the surface, the less the virus will “stick” to the surface. Rougher surfaces can actually pull the virus apart. So why are surfaces different? The virus is held together by a combination of hydrogen bonds (like those in water) and hydrophilic, or “fat-like,” interactions. The surface of fibers or wood, for instance, can form a lot of hydrogen bonds with the virus. In contrast, steel, porcelain or Teflon do not form much of a hydrogen bond with the virus. So the virus is not strongly bound to those surfaces and is quite stable. For how long does the virus stay active? It depends. The novel coronavirus is thought to stay active on favorable surfaces for hours, possibly a day. What makes the virus less stable? Moisture (“dissolves”), sunlight (UV light) and heat (molecular motions). The skin is an ideal surface for a virus. It is organic, of course, and the proteins and fatty acids in the dead cells on the surface interact with the virus through both hydrogen bonds and the “fat-like” hydrophilic interactions. So when you touch a steel surface with a virus particle on it, it will stick to your skin and, hence, get transferred on to your hands. But you are not (yet) infected. If you touch your face, though, the virus can get transferred. And now the virus is dangerously close to the airways and the mucus-type membranes in and around your mouth and eyes. So the virus can get in and — voila! — you are infected. That is, unless your immune system kills the virus. If the virus is on your hands, you can pass it on by shaking someone’s else hand. Kisses, well, that’s pretty obvious. It goes without saying that if someone sneezes in your face, you’re stuck. So how often do you touch your face? It turns out most people touch the face once every two to five minutes. So you’re at high risk once the virus gets on your hands, unless you wash off the active virus. So let’s try washing it off with plain water. It might just work. But water “only” competes with the strong “glue-like” interactions between the skin and virus via hydrogen bonds. The virus is sticky and may not budge. Water isn’t enough.”



How soap fights viruses – Science journalist Ferris Jabr states “People typically think of soap as gentle and soothing, but from the perspective of microorganisms, it is often extremely destructive. A drop of ordinary soap diluted in water is sufficient to rupture and kill many types of bacteria and viruses, including the new coronavirus that is currently circling the globe. The secret to soap’s impressive might is its hybrid structure”.

Thordarson goes even further into the make up of soap by explaining that “soap contains fat-like substances known as amphiphiles, some structurally similar to the lipids in the virus membrane. The soap molecules “compete” with the lipids in the virus membrane. That is more or less how soap also removes normal dirt of the skin (see graphic at the top of this article). The soap molecules also compete with a lot other non-covalent bonds that help the proteins, RNA and the lipids to stick together. The soap is effectively “dissolving” the glue that holds the virus together. Add to that all the water. The soap also outcompetes the interactions between the virus and the skin surface. Soon the virus gets detached and falls apart like a house of cards due to the combined action of the soap and water. Boom, the virus is gone!”


Soap vs hand sanitizer:

Hand sanitizers aren’t always as dependable as soap. With a high concentration of ethanol, they can act similarly to soap by targeting bacteria and viruses and weakening their lipid membranes. However, there are some viruses that don’t even need lipid membranes to infect your cells, so they need more than sanitizer alone. This is where soap really shines. Robust scrubbing of your skin with a moisturizing soap and clean water not only focuses on the lipid membranes but also abolishes microbes from the skin, which is one of the reasons why hand-washing is more effective than sanitizer.

When you’re out and about an alcohol-based sanitizer can be a good backup when soap and water are not accessible. Just make sure you wash with a high lathering soap at your earliest convenience.

Thordarson states that “Alcohol-based products include all “disinfectants” and “antibacterial” products that contain a high share of alcohol solution, typically 60%-80% ethanol, sometimes with a bit of isopropanol, water and a bit of soap. Ethanol and other types of alcohol do not only readily form hydrogen bonds with the virus material but, as a solvent, are more lipophilic than water. Hence, alcohol does dissolve the lipid membrane and disrupt other supramolecular interactions in the virus. However, you need a fairly high concentration (maybe 60%-plus) of the alcohol to get a rapid dissolution of the virus. Vodka or whiskey (usually 40% ethanol) won’t dissolve the virus as quickly. Overall, alcohol is not as good as soap at this task. Nearly all antibacterial products contain alcohol and some soap, and that does help kill viruses. But some also include “active” bacterial killing agents, such as triclosan. Those, however, do basically nothing to the virus.”

Jonathan Corum


The professionals advice on beating the coronavirus with the wonders of soap – Thordarson concludes that “Nothing beats soap — the virus detaches from the skin and falls apart readily in soapy water. Supramolecular chemistry and nanoscience tell us not only a lot about how the virus self-assembles into a functional, active menace, but also how we can beat viruses with something as simple as soap.”

Jabr also expresses how effective good old fashioned soap can be – “Washing with soap and water is one of the key public health practices that can significantly slow the rate of a pandemic and limit the number of infections, preventing a disastrous overburdening of hospitals and clinics. But the technique works only if everyone washes their hands frequently and thoroughly. As the Canadian health officer Bonnie Henry said recently, ‘Wash your hands like you’ve been chopping jalapeños and you need to change your contacts!’ Even people who are relatively young and healthy should regularly wash their hands, especially during a pandemic, because they can spread the disease to those who are more vulnerable. Soap is more than a personal protectant; when used properly, it becomes part of a communal safety net. At the molecular level, soap works by breaking things apart, but at the level of society, it helps hold everything together. Remember this the next time you have the impulse to bypass the sink: Other people’s lives are in your hands.”


Which type of soap is best to use? 

🔸High lather performance soaps help to effectively scrub away germs and optimal virus protection 
🔸Natural soaps are gentle enough to perform frequent hand washing without damaging skin
🔸Soaps free from artificial colors and fragrances are less likely to strip your skin of needed nutrients
🔸Soaps with added ingredients such as raw coconut oil and other nourishing botanicals quench dry skin, preventing irritation and cracked skin

Organic Fiji’s Coconut Oil Infused Soap

Free of:
🔸GMOs
🔸Gluten
🔸PEGs
🔸Parabens
🔸Phthalates
🔸Sulfates
🔸Animal byproducts
🔸Artificial colors
🔸Artificial fragrances
🔸Chemicals & toxic ingredients

Unique benefits:
🔸Rich & creamy coconut oil lather
🔸Infused with high grade raw coconut oil
🔸Hand crafted using an ancient Fijian recipe
🔸Scented with pure and organic essential oils
🔸Vegan and cruelty free
🔸Clean pure & plant based
🔸Biodegradable
🔸Marine and wilderness safe
🔸Ethically sourced and produced

Organic Fiji’s mission is to bring you the traditions of island life and all the benefits earth’s harvest has to offer your body and soul. The active ingredient in all our products is certified organic, cold pressed, extra virgin coconut oil. We create unique, artisanal personal care and nutritional items, inspired by the tropics of the Fiji Islands. We will never compromise the quality of performance or the cleanliness of ingredients when designing our organic wellness range.

⚠️ ORGANIC FIJI COVID-19 UPDATE: We are open, we are getting your orders out the door within 24 hours and we have lowered pricing / free shipping minimums to better serve you during this challenging pandemic. Read full COVID-19 address here.

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Eczema and Psoriasis Treatment with Organic Coconut Oil

Coconut oil and your skin conditions

Eczema and psoriasis are two notorious skin conditions that cause discomfort to their victims. As far as their respective pathophysiologic processes are concerned, both of the conditions cause significant inflammation. Although both conditions seem interchangeable, eczema presents itself with red and oozing bumps—encompassing many more inflammatory skin diseases, while the hallmark sign of psoriasis is the development of red skin with white and scale patches.

Upon diagnosis, the management of these conditions has to be prioritized. Commercially prepared medications are readily available, but some people would prefer natural or organic measures, especially when the skin is affected. This alternative approach to treating skin disorders is actually deemed safer, with minimal side effects—oftentimes, even none at all. The use of coconut oil is one of the most effective natural remedies to manage eczema and psoriasis.Organic Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids (MFCA) that destroy free radicals—harmful compounds that trigger skin inflammation that also promote the development of skin cancer. Organic Coconut oil may not cure skin diseases overnight, but the moment the oil is applied to the skin, the microbes on the skin will react with the MFCA, transforming them into free fatty acids that help reduce the chronic inflammation that patients with eczema and psoriasis suffer.

Cold-Pressed Benefits

However, not all coconut oil products are created in the same way, with the same therapeutic benefits. The most effective type for eczema and psoriasis is the cold-pressed coconut oil or virgin coconut oil, which is pressed from mature coconut kernels below 115°F in temperature. Cold-pressed coconut oil is quite rich in lauric acid content, another fatty acid with potent anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes cold-pressed coconut oil the perfect topical treatment for the skin, where most bacteria, viruses and fungi make their initial contact.

Moisture

On top of its therapeutic properties, coconut oil has strong moisturizing powers, an added benefit for individuals with eczema and psoriasis. Because these skin conditions tend to cause dryness of the skin, the hydrating properties of coconut oil will help restore the natural moisture content of the skin. It rarely causes adverse reactions because it is completely organic and free from harmful chemicals and preservatives. On top of its therapeutic properties, coconut oil has strong moisturizing powers, an added benefit for individuals with eczema and psoriasis. Because these skin conditions tend to cause dryness of the skin, the hydrating properties of coconut oil will help restore the natural moisture content of the skin. It rarely causes adverse reactions because it is completely organic and free from harmful chemicals and preservatives.     Organic Coconut Oil is also a lot better than retinol, a derivative of vitamin A known to promote optimum skin health. Coconut oil contains high levels of fat-soluble vitamins, specifically vitamin A and E, making it a good addition to one’s skin care regimen.

Relief

Coconut oil provides excellent symptomatic relief, surpassing even the best of commercially prepared medication. Its soothing qualities will ease the pain and discomfort, then its healing properties will get to work to clear up the problem.

  At Organic Fiji we highly recommend our line of Organic Cold Pressed Coconut Oil for the treatment of Eczema, Psoriasis and other skin conditions.

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Naturally Healthy Skin This Winter

Winter Is Coming

Winter, the time of snowy wonderlands, Santa’s sleigh tracks, playing on the slopes, hot chocolate with marshmallows and snowball fights! But, as the temperature drops and we enter the colder months your skin can start to suffer. Winter can dry out your skin, imbalance your complexion, leave your lips cracked and enhance the tenderness of certain skin conditions. Organic Fiji has some natural, soothing tips and ideas on how to combat the cold weather problems with the natural goodness of organic coconut oil.

Cold Weather Problems – A Closer Look

When temperatures drop the humidity usually does too, which simply means drier skin, especially skin that’s exposed like your face, lips and hands. Cold, dry weather can strip away your natural oils. As we get older, our ability to make more sebum (natural skin oil) goes down so it’s important to replenish it. Chilly winds also deprive skin of moisture, leaving your skin dry, red and sore. Some skin conditions such as eczema can also flare up or get worse in the winter. Whatever the temperature, protecting your skin against sun damage should always be a top priority too.

Winter Activities

Winter sports and activities in particular can leave your skin feeling vulnerable against the elements. Cold air, harsh winds and strong sun can take their toll on you, leaving your skin dehydrated and sore. Try using a natural, nourishing coconut oil lotion to start your ski or snowboard days with, putting your skin one step ahead of the game. After a day out in the cold and the snow treat your skin, body and hair to an intensive coconut oil hydration treatment. Try using one of Organic Fiji’s organic, cold pressed coconut oils to conduct a face mask, hair treatment or full body massage. Also, be sure to keep an Organic Fiji USDA coconut oil lip balm handy in one of your ski coat pockets to pull out on the slope. Lips can get chapped and cracked more easily when exposed to the harsh weather, the organic coconut oil and other organic essential oils will help sooth and protect your lips. This will even give them a natural SPF against the mountain top sunshine. When your feet are sore from a whole day in snow boots, try massaging them with one of our natural pure coconut oils to relax, soothe and heal them ready for your fun on the slopes the following day. Our hands are often the part of our body that suffer most in winter, be sure to treat and moisturize hands with one of our organic coconut oil products to stop them from getting dry and sore. Enjoy all the magic and fun winter has to offer without putting your skin, body & hair through anguish.

TIP: Forgot to wear your gloves out in the cold? Hands chapped and sore around the knuckles and nails? Soak your dry hands in a layer of organic coconut oil while you watch tv -OR- try rubbing organic coconut oil over hands and inserting them into rubber gloves for an extended amount of time for an intensive hand treatment!

Hot Bath

Organic Fiji recommends using organic coconut oil products in a hot bath to warm up your toes, moisturize your skin, treat your hair and enliven your island spirit! It’s a wonderful, luxurious way to quench and protect your skin whilst relaxing with one of Earth’s most beneficial treasures – pure coconut oil! Take a bottle of our organic, cold pressed oil, (Lavender, Lemongrass Tangerine, Pineapple Coconut or Fragrance Free) and float it with the lid on in your warm bath while you relax. After a few minutes the pure coconut oil should be fully liquefied. (Read more on why coconut oil solidifies). Pour a small amount into your hand and smooth over the whole of your body. You can also pour a little into the bath water so the coconut oil soaks into your warm, open pores. It’s perfect for a wholesome, natural facial treatment too! Let the organic coconut oil get to work at healing your winter skin, soothing any skin conditions, replenishing natural oils and moisturizing your body as you exhale your worries away in the comfort of the steamy waters. If you have a partner in the bath, perhaps you’re lucky enough to use the oil to hydrate and soothe the other with a tranquil massage. The same method can be used with one of our organic sugar scrubs as a natural body polish. As the organic cane sugar exfoliates and smooths your skin, freeing it from dead skin cells, the USDA organic coconut oil gets to work moisturizing and treating your dry skin. After your coconut oil treatments, be sure not to soap off any oil so it can continue soaking into your skin and then towel dry with gentle pats. This ensures your body gets the most from the natural benefits of this wondrous unrefined coconut oil.

TIP: If your hair needs some natural nourishing you can also use the time in the bath to complete an Organic Fiji intensive conditioning hair treatment. Coconut oil hair masks can do wonders for tired, dry locks. Moisturize, treat and heal your wintery split ends with coconut oil, leaving your hair glossy, smooth and healthy. Read more to find out how.

Products

Try Organic Fiji’s tropical skin care product range inspired by the wonders of the Fiji Islands to shoo away your winter blues and keep your skin nourished. Our organic lip balms, travel sized coconut oil lotions and mini raw coconut oils are handy products to have in your pocket / purse during the cold months to keep your skin and hair healthy. We recommend our full sized raw coconut oils and jars of coconut oil body scrubs to use at home and as a luxurious addition to winter baths. Replacing cleansers or soaps that strip natural oils with one of our natural coconut oil soaps is a great idea too (especially our Teatree Spearmint soap for skin conditions such as eczema!). Finally, don’t forget to try using our organic, cold pressed, nutritional coconut oil in all of your favorite holiday recipes for a healthy and delicious alternative to butters and cheaply made oils. Unlock all the wonders of organic coconut oil this winter!

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Be Less Cliche This V-Day

Learn how to set yourself apart from nearly 75% of Valentine’s Day shoppers this year.

It’s no secret that on Valentine’s Day millions of Americans head out to the florists to get that all-important bouquet of fresh roses for their loved one. Usually, it’s men buying flowers for women, due to traditions some might view as dated or old-fashioned.

Flowers Are Far From Original

Flowers are great, don’t get us wrong. So is organic dark chocolate, which is both delicious and decent for you (dark chocolate can potentially help protect you from disease-causing free radicals, cancer, and heart problems). But there are a lot of people thinking the same thing on this special day. To avoid crowds and make sure you stand out it’s important to think outside the box.

Don’t believe us? Read on to learn the statistical breakdown of St. Valentine’s Day.

V Day by the Numbers

According to Statistic Brain, Americans come out and spend over $13,290,000,000 on Valentine’s Day. 180 million greeting cards are exchanged — 85% of which purchased by women. 198 million roses are produced — 73% of all flowers purchased by men.

Candy makes up 47.5% of gifts given on Valentine’s Day, while flowers make up 34.3%, and cards take the lion’s share at 52.1%.

You have to get that special someone something, right? It’s more important than you might think. Over 50% of people say that their partner would end the relationship if they didn’t get something for Valentine’s Day.

That’s a lot of pressure. Plus, to stand out you need to be original.

More and more people are opting for destination Valentine’s Day gifts, or experience gifts, like mini vacations or spa days. If you can pull either of these off, then good for you. If you want to bring the island tradition to your loved one without having to spend big on that plane ticket, consider Organic Fiji’s certified organic, cold-pressed coconut oil products. Choose from an array of luxurious, natural body care products, or preselected gift bags if you’re in a hurry. We’ll even gift wrap it for you and include a personalized gift card for free. We’re also a great alternative to paper cuts and thorn jabs.

Think about adding organic coconut oil to a romantic bath this Valentine’s Day, offering your loved one a pampering massage with organic coconut oil for body and hair or even preparing some chocolate covered strawberries with nutritional coconut oil for that island vibe.

Organic Fiji: Made with USDA Certified Organic Coconut Oil

Cold-pressed. Extra virgin. Gluten-free and non-GMO. Our products are cruelty-free, which not only makes for a pampering gift but an ethical one too. Have a heart this Valentine’s Day on top of being the most original gift giver in the room. We make soaps, lotions, cooking and nutritional oils, scrubs, lip balm, and more. Plenty for you to spoil your loved one with!

Happy Valentine’s Day from us to you!

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Coconut Oil for Cellulite

WHAT IS CELLULITE? 

Before we discuss the topic of coconut oil for cellulite, let’s break down what cellulite actually is. Cellulite is stubborn hypodermic fat which causes dimpling of the skin. A thin layer of fat beneath the skin pushes against connective tissue, causing the skin to gather and create the appearance of bumps and dents. Studies have shown that the severity of your cellulite could depend on elements such as your genes, your exercise regime, your diet, toxin levels and more. But don’t fret, we also have a tropical tip up our sleeves to help you along the way! Along with a healthy lifestyle, nature’s valuable gift of organic coconut oil can drastically reduce the appearance of cellulite and leave your skin looking healthy and smooth. Let’s discuss some of the best cellulite treatments using natural, holistic products.

AREAS WE NEED TO CONSIDER:

 CIRCULATION  TOXIN LEVELS  FAT LEVELS  SKIN HEALTH  LIFESTYLE  DIET  EXERCISE 

HOW COCONUT OIL CAN HELP:

Organic coconut oil has a unique molecular structure which allows it to be digested and absorbed into the skin quickly and easily. Pure, organic coconut oil combats the fatty deposits that sit underneath the skin in a multitude of ways, targeting the cause of cellulite. Organic Fiji’s USDA certified organic coconut oil can be paired with various methods to help you decrease the appearance of cellulite and enjoy naturally smooth, beautiful skin.

COCONUT OIL ~ Consumption

The good news is there is such a thing as an anti cellulite diet! Phew. What you put into your body really makes a difference to your internal and external health. Raw, organic coconut oil’s medium chain fatty acids (or MCTs) boost metabolism and give you a natural source of sustainable energy. While you’re using this extra energy to do some great cellulite busting squats, internally your metabolism is speeding up, working harder, kicking the fat cells out and fighting the cellulite. (Note: Coconut oil’s easily absorbed MCT molecules don’t become stored body fat like longer chain fatty acids can). Other benefits of consuming organic coconut oil include promoting a healthy digestive system, supporting the immune system, a natural anti-inflammatory, natural anti-bacterial, natural anti-viral and much more! {Read more on the nutritional benefits of coconut oil}

COCONUT OIL ~ Application

Applying raw coconut oil to the skin

The first step to achieving healthy skin is getting into a healthy skin care regime. Applying organic, cold pressed coconut oil to the skin not only moisturizes and nourishes your skin to keep it healthy but also treats skin issues – such as cellulite amongst other conditions. The unique molecular structure of coconut oil allows it to be absorbed into the skin quickly, strengthening the skin’s epidermis against dimpling. Coconut oil is full of antioxidants, helping your body to flush out the toxin build up which leads to cellulite. As it hydrates your skin it enhances the skin’s elasticity, supports the connective tissues and creates a protective barrier against environmental pollutions too. It also has healing properties which treats an assortment of skin problems, fades stretch marks, reduces signs of aging, aids microbial and fungal infections, soothes sunburn and much more.

Exfoliating using coconut oil as a base

Add in an exfoliating cellulite treatment to the list and you’ll get even better results! Esthetician Amber Stuntz states that “using Organic Fiji’s exfoliating body polish as an anti-cellulite scrub is a great idea”. She explains that “the coconut oil itself can really help circulation, bringing the flow of oxygen to the surface of the skin making it plumper and decreasing the appearance of cellulite“. Skin care professional Amber highly recommends a combination of Organic Fiji’s organic coconut oil’s and organic sugar scrubs to tackle skin problems, particularly cellulite.

Trying a body exfoliation scrub is a great way to perform an at home cellulite treatment. Use circular motions to exfoliate the skin – this will get rid of dead skin cells and stimulate circulation. This helps to break up the toxins and fat deposits under the skin. At the same time, the USDA organic coconut oil gets to work on nourishing you and keeping the connective tissues in your skin taught.

Skin expert Amber also adds that “Incorporating coconut oil into a body massage or body scrub aids in nourishing the skin and the proteins in coconut oil helps to repair cellular tissues which allows the skin to look smoother.  Something that I have actually begun doing myself is using coffee grounds mixed with coconut oil as a body scrub for cellulite.  The caffeine in the coffee grounds and the proteins in the coconut oil are absorbed by your skin and they work together to dehydrate the fluid in the cellulite areas, giving your skin the look and feel of being tighter and firmer.”

Dry brushing coconut oil treatment

Natural health guru ‘Wellness Mama‘ talks about dry brushing as an anti-cellulite technique in her list of ways to organically get rid of those unwanted skin lumps and bumps. Dry brushing always hits the top of the research study charts with it’s successful results. Not only does dry brushing get rid of dead skin, but it also enhances circulation and lymphatic drainage. This assists the body in getting rid of toxins from its largest organ, the skin! This circulation and toxin treatment has a direct effect on cellulite as well as your body’s overall health, making it one of the most popular natural, home treatments available. Doubling this up with a subsequent coconut oil for cellulite treatment will really hit the spot!

LEARNING HOW TO DRY BRUSH IS SIMPLE:
1) You will need is a dry brush. Ideally natural, not synthetic. The bristles will be stiff but not sharp.
2) The best time to dry brush is in the dry shower before you turn the water on. You mustn’t get the brush wet.
3) Your brushing direction should always be towards the heart. 
4) Make long sweeping motions, avoiding going back in the other direction or any circular motion. 
5) Do not use a scrubbing technique.
6) Start with the feet and work upwards. 
7) Put the most focus on problem areas.

Jodie Smith of Bodecare states that “Research from renowned Naturopaths have shown that cellulite formation is related, in part, to local vein and lymph congestion. Proper skin brushing speeds up metabolism, this helps break down the fatty deposits or toxins into the blood stream and release the waste from the body and therefore help to alleviate this condition“.

The more dry brushing you can do, the better! However, if your skin becomes sensitive it’s advisable to wait longer between treatments. After you have dry brushed and are in the shower, use some raw coconut oil to spread over your skin. Organic coconut oil will get to work on strengthening epidermis, supporting connective tissues, enhancing elasticity and banishing toxins with its natural anti-oxidant properties – the second part of this amazing cellulite treatment. Double impact!

Citrus essential oils
Recent studies have shown that citrus fruits can be very beneficial to the skin in many ways, especially with the use of citrus essential oils (which are derived from the rind as well as the actual fruit). Citrus can enhance circulation and cleanse our skin cells. Citrus fruits naturally grow anti-microbial, which makes them great skin treatments for issues such as acne, fungal infections and cellulite.  Lemongrass Tangerine, made with the organic essential oil of tangerine citrus. A geat way to get both your pure coconut oil and citrus fix in one!

Our USDA certified Lemongrass Tangerine Coconut Oil, made with the organic essential oil of tangerine citrus, is a great way to get both your pure coconut oil and citrus fix in one!

Massage

Massaging the skin enhances circulation. It can break up the toxins that lie underneath your skin, discouraging them from pooling together and creating cellulite dimples. Organic coconut oil is a great product to use for massage due to its skin benefits, durability, glide motion and more. Be sure to drink plenty of water after a massage to flush all those broken down toxins out of your body. You can ask your massage therapist to use Organic Fiji’s Raw Coconut Oil or you can massage the oganic coconut oil into your own skin for a simple home treatment.

FOR BEST RESULTS WE RECOMMEND REPEATING THIS FOUR DAY CYCLE:
Day 1) Two organic coconut oil massage applications to the problem areas (am / pm)
Day 2) One dry brush treatment followed by one coconut oil application to problem area
Day 3) Two organic coconut oil massage applications to the problem area (am / pm)
Day 4) One intensive organic coconut oil body polish treatment on the problem area. 

Repeat for one month and assess your progress. Amend as necessary. 
If skin is sensitive - Reduce exfoliation and dry brushing steps.
For faster results on less sensitive skin - increase the exfoliation and dry brushing steps.

OTHER TIPS:

As well as integrating the tropical treasure of coconut oil into your life as an anti cellulite oil, we also have a few additional tips to help you combat cellulite: 

  • Exercise – combine strength training and fat busting exercises as a two-fold attack on cellulite. Kettlebells and squats, for example, are a great start!
  • Healthy Diet – Dr. Oz states “By eating a healthy diet, you can help reduce cellulite. Avoid too much sugar, which gets stored in fat cells and causes them to expand. Limit salt intake, since sodium causes fluid retention, making cellulite appear even worse“.
  • Detox baths – Wellness Mama suggests adding detox baths to the list to try reducing toxin levels.
  • Reduce toxins in your lifestyle – Mind Body Green suggests that “the key to reducing cellulite is to remove the accumulation of toxins from your body and prevent further buildup of toxins”. McCluskey lists these 7 steps to get you started “1) eat a clean, alkaline, unprocessed diet, 2) hydrate and flush, 3) swap your salt, 4) true detoxification – getting the waste out, 5) skin brushing and massage, 6) moving and sweating and 7) limit the use of skin thinning creams”.

PRODUCT INSPIRATION: 

Anti-Cellulite Kit: We now have an anti-cellulite kit, perfect to accomplish all the home cellulite treatments mentioned above and naturally reduce the appearance of cellulite and other skin conditions. All products are made with our signature active ingredient – USDA organic, cold pressed, extra virgin coconut oil. The kit includes a 13oz. nutritional coconut oil for diet, a 12oz raw coconut oil for body application, a 20oz. body scrub for exfoliating and a natural dry body brush. [Click here to purchase].