The coconut is one of nature’s most versatile creations – there’s no surprise why it’s loved for its hydrating water, rich milk, and dense fruit. Its aroma immediately envelops our senses, sending our imaginations to tropical climates with salty ocean air and palm trees gently rustling in the breeze.
Which is why we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to bring you certified organic body and hair products containing Coconut Oil in its purest form. Our new Avalon Organics® Moisturizing Coconut Collection features Organic, Unrefined Virgin Coconut Oil, alongside other deeply hydrating and nourishing Earth-sourced ingredients like Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, and Shea Butter.
Not all coconut oil found on grocery store shelves or in hair and body products is the same, however, and you may be wondering what makes Coconut Oil “unrefined.” The process by which Coconut Oil is extracted from the coconut and its journey afterward determine whether it is considered refined or unrefined.
Refined coconut oil is dry milled, meaning that the coconuts have been baked prior to extraction. The oil is then filtered, resulting in a milder flavor and clear appearance. This processed outcome is further away from Coconut Oil’s natural state, containing less polyphenols and important fatty acids – both which offer valuable antioxidant properties.
Unrefined, Virgin Coconut Oil, on the other hand, is wet milled, meaning that it’s extracted from fresh coconuts that are spun in a centrifuge. It also foregoes the filtration process, leaving it in its most pure state, resulting in a stronger coconut aroma and less clear appearance. As a result, Unrefined, Virgin Coconut Oil is also full of nutrients and body-loving antioxidants.
Our commitment to using nature’s ingredients in their purest forms is meant to serve the Earth and its inhabitants. Our Avalon Organics® Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner are EWG VERIFIED™, meaning that the formulas are gentle, minimally processed, held to a high ingredient standard and are manufactured in a safe, clean setting. The Conditioner has been clinically tested, with 91% of users reporting that their hair is moisturized, soft and easy to detangle after use.
The new Moisturizing Coconut Bath & Shower Gel is made with 100% vegan ingredients to purify, hydrate, and refresh skin. Along with the Moisturizing Coconut Hand & Body Lotion, each are NSF/ANSI 305 certified, and contain no harsh sulfates, synthetic fragrances or colors, phthalates, parabens, or GMOs. They are also biodegradable, helping us maintain a cleaner water supply.
Experience the power of Unrefined, Virgin Coconut Oil for yourself with the new collection on AvalonOrganics.com, or head to your nearest retailer to discover Moisturizing Coconut in person.
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However, we want to ensure that you enjoy the outdoors safely, and keep your skin protected from potential harm. Environmental aggressors like UV rays and pollution create free radicals on the skin that can cause premature signs of visible aging. Taking steps to reduce exposure to these elements is not only smart, but important. Read on for best ways to do so.
Keep skin hydrated.
When you become dehydrated, your body prioritizes sending water to internal organs and deprioritizes sending water to skin – leaving it out to dry. When skin cells lose access to water, they are unable to function at their prime, which doesn’t bode well for keeping skin healthy and youthful in appearance.
Always have a reusable water bottle on hand, preferably filled with refreshing, filtered water. For added flavor and an antioxidant boost, add slices of organic lemons and oranges to your water, and a fresh squeeze of their juice, too. Both fruits are high in Vitamin C – a noteworthy antioxidant when it comes to supporting skin health and neutralizing free radicals1,2.
Use a lightweight lotion rich in antioxidants, like our Avalon Organics® Intense Defense™ Oil-Free Moisturizer, to help seal in skin’s moisture. Lemon, White Tea, and Vitamin C work together to support skin and neutralize free radicals.
Dress intentionally.
As the temperature increases outside, opt for wearing lightweight fabrics like organic cotton and linen that can provide coverage against the sun’s rays. Long sleeved tops and pants help offset exposure while still keeping you cool, and a lightweight scarf can come in handy when trying to protect the back of your neck or top of shoulders.
We also recommend keeping a sunhat within reach, as a wide brim can help to shade hair, eyes, and skin from harmful rays.
Use SPF and antioxidant-rich products.
A daily sunscreen can go a long way when it comes to protecting skin against environmental stressors, specifically the sun. Our Avalon Organics® Intense Defense™ Sheer Moisture SPF 10 is an antioxidant-rich lotion that nourishes skin while using active mineral sunscreen ingredients to reflect UVA and UVB rays. Apply this lotion liberally after cleansing and toning with other Intense Defense™ skin care products to defend skin and support its renewal cycle. Using products certified to an organic standard is not only better for you, but also the Earth.
How are you planning to enjoy spring? Document your season and tag us with #AvalonOrganics on social media so we can see how you’re enjoying the weather.
Sources:
1 https://www.livestrong.com/article/410729-what-citrus-fruit-has-the-most-vitamin-c/
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While lemonade may first come to mind when you think of lemons, there are actually a number of ways to use this year-round citrus fruit. From the pucker-inducing fruit and juice, bright yellow peel, and the essential oil it yields – lemons are incredibly versatile beyond the kitchen.
First, let’s discuss the lemon’s benefits.
Lemons, like their other citrus companions, are known for being a good source of Vitamin C, an important component when it comes to battling germs, encouraging wounds to heal, and absorbing iron. Your body doesn’t produce Vitamin C on its own, so it’s necessary to seek it from outside sources.1
Lemons are full of Vitamin C, a type of antioxidant that works to neutralize unstable oxygen molecules that have the potential to damage cells and tissues in your body.1 Including antioxidant-rich sources in your diet and using bath & body products with antioxidant-rich ingredients like Lemon Essential Oil can help promote a stronger wellbeing, inside and out.
Mind: Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon Essential Oil is derived from the lemon peel, and it’s simple enough to make at home. Essential oils are created from molecules taken from seeds, leaves, bark, peels, and other natural plant-based materials. These oils are impressive for a number of reasons, chief among them is their concentrated scent that can influence both the mind and body. For example, studies have shown that Lemon Essential Oil can help increase serotonin production in our brain – a neurotransmitter that can increase feelings of happiness.2
Body: Nourish your hair and skin
Why not start your day then with the scent of fresh lemon? Avalon Organics® has a variety of bath & body products certified to an organic standard that include Lemon Essential Oil. Our Refreshing Lemon Bath & Shower Gel gently cleanses skin without the use of any synthetic fragrances or colors. Hydrate skin after each shower with Avalon Organics® Refreshing Lemon Hand & Body Lotion. Formulated with Shea Butter and Safflower Oil, a daily dose helps keep skin soft and nourished.
Lemon can also help break down dulling oils and dead skin cells, making it a wonderful ingredient for cleansing hair and scalp. On top of that, our Clarifying Lemon Shampoo and Conditioner help leave behind a lustrous finish. The duo is EWG VERIFIED™, ensuring that their ingredients and formulas are held to a high standard that supports environmental sustainability.
Soul: Fill your home.
To deepen the presence of lemon in your home, create a simple simmer pot using Lemons, Cardamom, and Sage.
Materials:
Medium sauce pot
Water
10-20 Cardamom Pods
2 Sprigs of Sage
2 Lemons, thickly sliced
Lemon Essential Oil
Instructions:
Fill your pot up 2/3 of the way with water.
Add in 10-20 Cardamom Pods.
Add Lemon Slices and Sage.
Add 10-20 drops Lemon Essential Oil.
Bring pot to a boil, then turn down to a simmer.
Add more water every 30 minutes or so to continue steaming.
We hope you enjoy the refreshing and bright effects that lemon offers, both inside and out.
Sources:
1 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jsfa.4164
2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4354743/