Ok, so I was going for an attention grabbing title. I’m not really going to write about the evils of lotion and hair grease. But I am going to share some healthier alternatives to the usual products for the hair and skin. As we know, our skin Is our biggest organ and anything that goes on the skin will make it’s way into the body. A simple way to enhance ones health (in a time when environmental toxins are everywhere and basically unavoidable) is to choose skin and hair care products that are free of chemical additives and preservatives. The following options are not only good for the body, they can even lighten the load on your wallet since they can be used for multiple purposes!
1. Coconut oil
I use coconut oil as an all over body lotion, hair treatment and for those occasional bouts of dry, itchy scalp. It is a solid at room temperature but liquefies at around 80 degrees and quickly melts in your hands. It disappears on the skin, absorbing well and does not leave a greasy feel, especially when used immediately after bathing. Coconut oil has many wonderful properties aside from being a great moisturizer.

• Antioxidant - coconut oil aids in repairing damage caused by free-radicals (oxidation, the same thing that causes metal to rust)
• Anti-aging properties - prevents wrinkles and sagging of the skin
• Blemish reduction - it can prevent and/or diminish the appearance of age spots and skin discoloration caused by sun exposure
• Anti-microbial properties - it may aid and speed healing of infected skin and prevent skin infections including scalp issues which can be caused by fungal infections.

And of course, because it is being absorbed into the body through the skin, there may be other benefits to overall health as well. Coconut oil is proven to help control many health problems. Google it for yourself...;-) or visit http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/index.htm
Try to get extra virgin coconut oil because it has been minimally refined and will contain the highest amounts of beneficial naturally occurring agents. For extra special self-pampering, stir a few drops of essential oil into a softened cup of coconut oil, like cinnamon, ylang ylang or jasmine, to uplift your spirits and smell great.
2. Emu oil
Just a few drops of emu oil go a long way. This oil rendered from the fat of the emu bird has very unique properties that make it a must for any skin care regimen. It works wonders on acne, burns, and scarring of any kind. It is also a great moisturizer, one drop covers my whole face and leaves my skin soft and supple. One of the most interesting things about emu oil is that it has transdermal properties, which means when used after other skin care products it will carry those products into deeper layers of the skin. This is especially useful for topical creams and gels that need to penetrate deeply to be effective. Look for pure emu oil products. and remember just a few drops is really all you need for use on specific problem areas.

• Anti-microbial - great for acne
• Anti-inflammatory - can reduce swelling and pain
Non-comedogenic - will not clog pores
• Stimulates hair growth
• Reduces the appearance of scars including stretch marks
• Hypoallergenic - not known to cause skin irritation of any kind

I also use emu oil on my hair to enhance the shine and rub it into my scalp to stimulate my hair follicles.

3. Aloe Vera
It’s widely known that the gel from the aloe vera plant has many uses and benefits for the hair and skin. I use it for both. Of course we have all heard it’s great for soothing a sunburn or razor burn. But with so many other benefits and uses, it’s certainly worth keeping around the house. I always use aloe vera gel on my scalp after a chemical relaxer. It instantly - and I do mean instantly- soothes any chemical burns and speeds the healing. I also use it to relieve scalp dryness, and it makes a great styling gel too.
Some of the other benefits are:

• Moisturizer for dry hair
• Promotes hair growth
• May speed healing of infections
• Can reduce appearance of dark spots and blemishes

It’s good to look for whole leaf gel or juice because there are beneficial constituents in other parts of the leaf besides the gel. I do know a couple of people who are allergic to aloe vera, so assess your tolerance to it before ingesting or using it topically.

There are many other natural oils and plant products that are great for the skin and hair but these are a few that I use frequently. Be sure to follow my blog http://beautifulhealthybodysoul.blogspot.com or my tweets hairbycrystal for more natural health and beauty tips!
Crystal Willingham- New Media Maven, IMMS, Owner- Just Hair by Crystal
References
http://www.coconut-oil-uk.com/skin.html
http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/index.htm
http://www.google.com/patents?id=DdMmAAAAEBAJ&zoom=4&pg=PA1#v=onepage&q&f=false
http://www.emuoilguide.com/
http://www.gardensablaze.com/HerbAloeMed.htm