The coconut tree is often called the tree of life because almost every part of it, from the roots, trunk, leaves, and fruit, is used to sustain human life. It not only provides food, but also shelter, medicine, and fuel. Coconuts offer many benefits to the body, such as helping to promote energy production and aiding in better digestion. Coconut oil also offers significant skin benefits. It helps to hydrate, moisturize, and soften skin; repairs the skin’s barrier; and works to reduce transepidermal water loss. “Coconut oil and coconut milk help smooth the complexion and reinforce the skin’s natural barrier by reducing moisture loss and improving overall suppleness,” says Natalie Pergar, lead skin care trainer at Eminence Organic Skin Care. “Coconut water helps tone skin and balances the richness of coconut oils in some professional treatments and formulas.”
Sip, Sip, Hooray
Guests at The Spa at Trobbu Tulum (Mexico) can request the Tropical Sunset Mocktail as they relax post-treatment.
Recipe:
1 passion fruit (pulp and seeds)
4 ounces of pineapple juice
1 ounce of coconut water
½ ounce of lime juice
½ ounce of grenadine
Ice cubes
Combine ingredients and garnish with a pineapple leaf and shredded coconut.
Sweet Treat
Learn about some of the coconut-based treatments available at spas today.
Guests at Rainforest Spa at Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort (St. Lucia) can experience the Coconut Bliss ($325, 1 hour 50 minutes), a signature ritual that helps to reveal velvety soft skin with a natural coconut and spices scrub and a coconut milk healing massage.
The Seagate Spa at The Seagate (Delray Beach, FL) offers the Organic Coconut Oil Scalp Ritual ($90, 30 minutes), which uses coconut oil to hydrate the skin and add luster and shine to the hair. A deep scalp massage helps to ease away tension and stress.
The Ultimate Body Facial ($325, 50 minutes; $390, 1 hour 40 minutes) at The Beach House Spa at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club (Brewster, MA) includes a coconut sugar exfoliation and stone crop body wrap to smooth, firm, hydrate, and visibly improve skin’s tone and texture.
Shell Success
What are some top uses of coconut-based products and treatments in a spa setting?
“Coconut-based products integrate well into a wide range of professional services, including facials and body treatments. Because they’re so versatile, you’ll often find coconut derivatives in products like cleansers, moisturizers, body lotions, and massage mediums. I like to use them in hydrating facials, restorative treatments for mature or dry and dehydrated skin, and for clients who need extra barrier support. Products with coconut oil also offer excellent slip for gentle massage and work well in body wraps or hand and foot treatments. Essentially, if the skin needs extra replenishment and comfort, coconut-based products can be a really nice way to elevate the treatment experience.”—Pergar
How can spa professionals make sure coconut-based products and treatments are suitable for their clients?
“As with any professional product, we always recommend performing a patch test prior to treatment. A patch test involves applying a small amount of product to the client’s inner wrist or behind the ear for the same duration the product will remain on the face, allowing you to assess for any sensitivities before beginning the facial. Patch testing can easily be incorporated into the consultation process and serves as an important precaution to help ensure a safe and comfortable treatment experience. This is also why thorough intake forms are essential. They provide an opportunity to identify allergies, sensitivities, or previous reactions before selecting products for the service.”—Stormy Palmer, director of marketing, Skin Script