Coconut Oil's Downfall

Kale.  Let's start there.  It turns out that kale isn't the be-all-and-end-all for leafy green vegetables.  I suppose this isn't news, nor is it surprising for those who have some common sense, even though common sense seems to be getting less common.  Everything in moderation seems to be a more suitable mantra these days.  Especially with the superfood craze and social media's propensity to inundate the layperson with somewhat ridiculous fountain-of-youth claims.

Anyway.  Getting back to the point here.  Coconut oil is wonderful.  It's healthful properties don't get destroyed at high cooking temperatures, it can be used internally to battle candida, it helps make an awesome 'magic shell' topping for ice cream, it's a fantastic moisturizer, it even kills lice. 

So what's my beef?  Well, coconut oil is rated 4 out of 5 on the comedogenic scale.  This means it clogs pores!  For those who struggle with breakouts or already-oily skin, this is bad news.  The good news?  There are lots of alternatives that are just as cost-effective for making your own plant-based facial care products.  My favourites are shea butter, sweet almond oil and jojoba oil.