If you’re one of the few who hasn’t yet tried coconut oil, you are missing out on some great benefits that it has to offer, and that’s especially true when it comes to your skin and hair. Here’s some of the ways you can add coconut oil to your routine to capture the beauty benefits of coconut oil for silky, smooth skin and luxurious locks.

Skin

Coconut oil is rich in vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates, and is also high in fatty acids. These include a range of saturated fats and short- and medium-chain fatty acids, particularly lauric acid. These fatty acids make coconut oil very hydrating for your skin, and help to protect your skin’s barrier by preventing water loss.  Once it is absorbed into your skin, it’ll keep it smooth to the touch for a long period of time. Coconut oil makes a wonderful moisturizer for your legs, arms, and elbows.  If you have super-dry skin, applying coconut oil will definitely help rehydrate it.

The best way to benefit from coconut oil for your skin is to apply immediately after showering, when your skin is still moist. This will help trap water into the skin, leaving it supple and smooth with a pretty sheen. Our Caribbean Trading Coconut Body Oil is enriched with vegetable butter and extracts and will instantly rescue your skin from dryness caused by extreme dehydration and intense sun exposure. It naturally softens, smooths and hydrates the skin. This oil will nourish your skin and help promote elasticity, helping to diminish the signs of aging. 

Make Your Own Body Scrub

You can even use coconut oil to make your own body scrub for smooth, glowing skin. It’s super easy, and only needs two ingredients!

Mix together:

• ½ cup of Caribbean Trading Coconut Body Oil
• ¼ cup granulated sugar. Try Caribbean Trading’s gourmet flavored Lime Cane Sugar for a tropical treat (or any of the 5 varieties available)
• Lightly rub on arms and legs to exfoliate, leaving skin soft and silky!
• Store remaining scrub in a small container or jar to keep on hand for your next bath.

You can use coconut oil on your face, however, this isn’t recommended for those with very oily skin.  While it’s great for your arms and legs, it’s a comedogenic oil, which means it can clog pores due to its occlusive nature. This makes it great for sealing in moisture on your body, but on the face it can also trap dirt and bacteria leading to breakouts. Instead, dot a small amount lightly on areas of your face you’d like to give a little highlight to, like the top of your cheekbones, or massage it into your eyebrows.

Tip: Use coconut oil as a cuticle moisturizer! With all the handwashing we’re doing these days, you might find your cuticles are looking a little ragged and dry.  Rub coconut oil directly on top of them and allow it to  penetrate for about 30 minutes. This will help strengthen your cuticles and moisturize the skin around your nails. 

Hair

Another beauty benefit of coconut oil is that it can keep your hair healthy and strong. Coconut oil has long been used to achieve soft, smooth, strong locks and is great for treating dry or damaged hair. Coconut oil contains vitamins and essential fatty acids that nourish both the scalp and hair strands. It helps to keep hair strong, discouraging breakage. 

• Shine: Rub a few drops of coconut oil between your hands and smooth over your hair to achieve a beautiful, healthy-looking sheen. 

• Conditioning: Coconut oil can help strengthen the hair shaft and prevent breakage. Use it instead of a standard conditioner. To achieve even greater smoothing, add a few drops of coconut oil to your usual conditioner. 

• Pre-wash protector: Apply coconut oil approximately 15 to 30 minutes before you wash your hair, and it’ll stop your hair from soaking up too much water, which helps with damage and dryness.  Concentrate on the midsection and ends of your hair.

• Frizz Fighter:  Useful in moisturizing and preventing frizz by acting as a protective barrier. When applying, only apply about a dime-sized amount of coconut oil to your hair. Too much could weigh your hair down. Check out our Cold Pressed/Triple Filtered Coconut Oil to help tame those frizzies!

• Chlorine Combatant: Love to take a dip in the pool, but hate how chlorine makes your hair feel afterwards? Before diving into the pool, coat your hair with coconut oil.  The oil acts as a barrier between your strands and the water.

Peppers are measured according to the Scoville Heat Unit (SHU).  It’s a way of calculating how spicy a pepper is by measuring the capsaicinoids. Capsaicin is the chemical in peppers that gives that blazin’ hot sensation.  So, here goes:

Carolina Reaper – 2,200,000 SHU

To put that into perspective: that’s 200 times hotter than a jalapeno!  The Carolina Reaper is a hybrid cross between the Ghost Pepper and a Red Habanero. The heat is off the charts, but it also offers a nice fruity taste also.  It is currently (2020) considered the hottest pepper in the world and you can enjoy it with our

• • Carolina Reaper Madness Crushed Pepper Sauce

Trinidad Moruga Scorpion – 2,009,231 SHU

So this was a pepper that was only recently came on the scene, and quickly became a favorite Caribbean pepper.  It is native to the town of Moruga in Trinidad and Tobago, and is part of the Bonnet family of peppers.  You can experience it with our

• • Trinidad Moruga Scorpion Crushed Pepper Sauce

Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia) – 1,041,427 SHU

It exploded in popularity on YouTube and other social sites where pepperheads ate whole Ghost Peppers as part of a viral online challenge.

This is the first pepper to scientifically test over 1 million scovilles.  It quickly exploded on the scene and become very well-known due to a social media viral challenge of eating these Ghost Peppers.  But as you can see, it’s not even close to being the hottest anymore – although it is still plenty hot.  You can get your hands on some Ghost Pepper with these hot sauces:

• • Pure Naga Bhut Jolokia Ghost Pepper Crushed Pepper Sauce
  • Off the Chart Garlic Habañero Naga Jolokia Crushed Pepper Sauce

Red Savina Habanero – 500,000 SHU

Red Savina Habanero was cultivated and bred over many generations from the Caribbean Red Habanero.  How it was done is not exactly known, but for the longest time it was considered the World’s Hottest pepper for 12 years from 1994 to 2006. It is 65 times hotter than a Jalapeno, and is known for it’s fruity taste in addition to its heat.  You can get some Red Savina too:

• • Red Savina Citrus Slammer Crushed Pepper Sauce

Looking to add a bit of Caribbean flair to your life? Check out our online shop  for gourmet hot sauces, seasonings and other Caribbean treats and Caribbean bath and body items.

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Body Butter

Body Butter is thick and has the consistency of- you guessed it – butter!  It lasts the longest and is made of a base of fats and minerls extracted from natural ingredients such as palm, cocoa, coconut or nuts.  Carrier oils bind and deliver the essential ingredients to your skin.  It is particularly good at retaining moisture in the skin, lubricating and nourishing the skin.  It is great for helping with pregnancy stretch marks, and also as a styling aid for dry, coarse hair.

Caribbean Trading’s line of Body Butters are made with Cocoa butter.  It can help improve the elasticity in your skin with its natural collagen stimulants and elastin properties. If you are looking for a moisturizer that will also reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks, then these cocoa body butters are the best skin care products for you.  Available in Unscented, Coconut, Mango, Papaya, and Raw.

Best for: Chapped or dry skin or in dry or cold environmental conditions

Use for: Hard-core areas like knees, elbows, legs, hands and lips; scars and stretch marks

When to Use: After a shower or bath.  At night you can apply on hands or feet and cover with socks for some overnight rehydration.

Creams

Lotions have the same ingredients as butters, but also have water and water-based ingredients such as aloe vera, herbal infusion and hydrosol. They are lighter in texture and so are more easily absorbed into the skin.

Caribbean Trading’s line of Moisturizing Creams are made with natural ingredients.  They are enriched with antioxidants, coconut oil, shea butter, natural collagen and vitamin E.  Palm-Oil Free. Available in Aloe Vera, Cocoa Butter, Coconut, Mango, and Papaya.

Best for:   An everyday moisturizer. Suitable for dry and all skin types.  Great for use in hotter, more humid climates. Also for after-sun skin care.

Use for:  Applied to the arms, stomach, and thighs.

When to Use: Best when applied after a shave, shower or bath.

Body oil

Body oils are not water-based and soothe and nourish the skin.  It is the most emollients and will absorb quicker and deeper than lotions or butters, working to soften the skin.  It doesn’t clog pores, but it is not recommended for those with acne concerns.

Caribbean Trading’s line of Body Oils are made with natural ingredients.  They soſten, smooth and hydrate the skin, naturally. The oil will nourish your skin and help promote elasticity, helping to diminish the signs of aging. The body oils are available in Chocolate, Coconut, Eucalyptsu, Hibiscus, Mango, and Rosehip.

Best for:  Dry, rough skin. Anti-aging.

Use for: Use it as a daily moisturizer, massage oil, bath oil, eye makeup remover, hot oil hair treatment or as a hair treatment before/after blowing drying your hair.

When to Use: applied to warm, damp skin, like after a shower or bath

Looking to add a bit of Caribbean flair to your life? Check out our online shop  for gourmet hot sauces, seasonings and other Caribbean treats and Caribbean bath and body items.

Liked this article about the best skin care products? Join the Crew and Start the Journey! Connect with Us for News, Events, Lifestyle, and all things Caribbean by joining our Newsletter – Click Here to Join or find us on Facebook or Instagram.

The wax melts come in 6 fragrances:

• Azucena Gardenia
• Pomegranate
• Ocean Breeze
• Orange Ginger
• Sweet Jasmine
• Mango Papaya

What is so Great about Caribbean Trading Soy Wax Melts?

• Wax Tarts heat up quickly, thereby emitting aroma faster than candles.

• Wax Tarts do not have an open flame and do not produce any smoke if burned properly (see burning tips below).

• Wax Tarts are an inexpensive way to try new scents or experiment with blending your own unique fragrances.

• You can control the strength of the aroma in your home depending upon how many melts you place in your burner at one time.

• Wax Tarts provide an easy way to have a variety of scents in different rooms of your home.
• You can create your own unique fragrances by melting different scented tarts together.  Be creative and experiment!

• Some believe they have a stronger, longer lasting aroma than candles.

• Soy Wax Tarts  or Soy Wax Melts are used in an oil burner instead of oil and water to release wonderful fragrances in your home or work place. Tarts and melts are solid wax and do not have a wick, and the best quality tarts are made primarily of soy wax (rather than petrol based paraffin wax).
• Tarts can be used as they are without melting them as natural air fresheners – place one on a small piece of baking paper or aluminium foil in a clothes cupboard, clothes drawer, bathroom or even in your car (although in the car be aware the tart can melt in summer as temperatures in a car can reach very high levels).

As you can see both our Tesoro del Sol coffee and our coffee postcards have been featured….

Produced for Caribbean Trading Company at the top of the Uroyan mountains, 2300 feet high in the heart of western Puerto Rico.  The farm uses no pesticides and the coffee is handpicked when fully ripe, carefully depulped, washed, sun dried and stored under strictly controlled humidity conditions.  This extra prime coffee is then roasted to perfection with great care given to maintaining its superior quality.   100 % café arabico, our coffee is soft bodied with a sweet aroma, giving it that legendary “Old Caribbean” character.

More Information:

If you are interested in purchasing the book, it can be found HERE

If you are interested in trying our our awesome Tesoro del Sol coffee, it can be purchased HERE.

And…. if you would like to learn more about the coffee industry and it’s history, here are links to two of my favorite resource websites:

• https://www.enciclopediapr.org/esp/article.cfm?ref=13071109 
• https://biografiadelasriquezaspr.weebly.com/haciendas.html

You can expect to see lots of local art in the stores, new Tshirt designs (designed specifically for the store in Rincon Puerto Rico), more Caribbean Trading Company products, and lots of high-quality souvenirs, and of course cigars!

Will keep you posted as new photos and info becomes available!  And check out our TripAdvisor reviews.

June’s Monthly Promotions Gift Goodies @ the Caribbean Trading Company Store!

Gift with Purchase

• A free KooKoo Cumin Wing Sauce or Mini Beach Bag with the purchase of $75 or more.
• * Offers cannot be combined. One free gift monthly promotions per transaction *

Soap Sample Saturday!

Buy $25 in products and get a free sample of our soap every Saturday.  You can purchase our soaps online.

Photo Board Fun

Take a souvenir photo at our Photo Board.  Post it to social media with the hashtag #caribbeantrading and receive a free 2oz. Gourmet Puerto Rican Coffee.

*You must show the Store Clerk the posting to receive monthly promotions free gift *

We are always keeping it fun here at Caribbean Trading El Yunque.  Rated #1 in Puerto Rico! Check out our TripAdvisor reviews.

Nothing is quite as relaxing, reassuring or satisfying as a cup of hot tea. Hot Tea Month encourages you to branch out and try new types of tea to fit different moods, tastes and environments; English breakfast tea is great, but why not give green tea, chai tea or other varieties a try – especially ones from the Caribbean?

Here are five awesome teas worth giving a try during hot tea month….

Caribbean Floral

Loose Leaf Tea – Brisk Tropical Essence – Organic Black Tea. It’s a bouquet of brilliant flowers in every cup. Organic flower petals add color and elegance to premium organic black tea. Imagine a cup of confetti with hibiscus, calendula, and cornflowers adding color and a touch of elegant fragrance. Ingredients: Black tea, hibiscus, natural flavor, corn flowers & calendula flowers. Get it Now

Citrus Chai

Loose Leaf Tea – Orange Spice Zing – Organic Green Tea. A spice cabinet of zesty flavor and aroma is blended with luscious organic orange peel and Indian green tea. Savor cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom with the citrusy sophistication of orange. Green tea keeps it light and uplifting. Ingredients: Green tea, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, orange peel & natural flavor. Get it Now

Tropical Dream

Tea Bags – Smooth Sultry Blend – Organic Green Tea. Lush and smooth, this is a cup of tropical goodness. Organic green tea provides the clear, crisp base, with rich notes of tropical carob and soothing chamomile on top. It adds up to a dreamy tea experience, taking you to a beautiful place. Ingredients: Green tea, chamomile, carob and natural flavor. Get it Now

Pomegranate Bliss

Tea Bags – Antioxidant Lift – Organic White Tea. Delicate white tea makes a perfect base for the elegant notes of pomegranate and flowers. Dried organic pomegranate brings tangy tartness as well as antioxidant goodness. Rosehips and hibiscus add more bright flavor touches. Ingredients: White tea, rosehips, hibiscus, dried pomegranate and natural flavor. Get it Now

Hibiscus Organic Tea

This Hibiscus tea is a refreshing detox for the kidney and urinary system, regulates blood pressure, and is an excellent source of vitamin C. Use it to fight bladder infections. Introduced to the Puerto Rican market as a way of honoring the medicinal plants and traditional remedies of our forefathers. We take these valuable plants and pack them fresh for you to take home. 100% Organic – straight from the finca! (farm) Great for iced or hot teas – this package makes ½ gallon or 6-8 cups. Size: 0.3oz. Get it Now

We are so excited to announce our new line of Caribbean candies. Offering a mix of tropical salt water taffy, gummies, and hard candies, there is a tropical flavor for for every palate. They are available in small and large sizes. The large size are for sharing, and the small sizes are perfect as part of a gift collection or as a wedding favor or pillow gift!

We can even personalize them with wedding dates or corporate logos!

Rum-Runner – Premium Salt Water Taffy

Rum lovers’ delight! Bring out your inner pirate with this delectable Caribbean rum flavor in soft, non-sticky, whipped taffy. Aargh!

Fruit Fiesta – Premium Salt Water Taffy

Have a party in your mouth with this explosion of tropical fruit flavor! Guava, Coconut, Mango, and Lime combine for a fiesta of flavor in a soft, non-sticky, whipped taffy.

Piña Colada – Premium Candy Doubloons

If you love Piña Coladas and getting caught in the rain, these buttons are a yummy Pina Colada concoction that will keep you coming back for more.

Lime Lickers – Premium Candy Doubloons

Tart and tangy citrus sweetness tantalize your taste buds transporting you to your own island retreat. Limealicious!

Island Bears – Premium Gummy Delights

Sophisticated fruity flavors meld Pink Grapefruit, Mango, Pineapple and Strawberry Banana showering the essence of the tropics in a luxurious gummy chew. Yummy Caribbean candies!

Tropical Fish – Premium Gummy Delights

Catch some of these little fishies before they swim away! These tasty gummies are bursting with strawberry flavor and a luxurious enjoyable chew.

Coqui Frogs – Premium Gummy Delights – Available Fall 2015

Grab ahold of these coqui   frogs before they leap away! These delicious gummies are jumping with fresh strawberry flavor and a luxurious pleasurable chew.

This article was written by Captain Tim and the Crew of Caribbean Trading Company.

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Here is some more details on each of the available flavors (click on the name to purchase):

Iced Sunshine

Iced Tea – Tropical Fruit Medley – Organic Black Tea. The ripe essences of mango, passion fruit, and guava brings fragrance, flavor, and smoothness to South Indian organic black tea. The sunshine of the tropics goes wonderfully on ice. Add a touch of sweetener, a squeeze of lemon, or a splash of orange or apple juice. Garnish with fresh fruit. Ingredients: Black tea & Mango, Passion fruit and Guava natural flavors.

Iced Mojito

Iced Tea – Citrus Mint Refresher – Organic Herbal Tea. Herbal tea on ice is nice! A bright balance of spearmint with citrusy Australian lemon myrtle and a twist of lemon peel. The aromas are exhilarating, the herb blend is relaxing, the natural sweetness is especially refreshing on ice. Ingredients: Spearmint, lemon peel & lemon myrtle.

Caribbean Floral

Loose Leaf Tea – Brisk Tropical Essence – Organic Black Tea. It’s a bouquet of brilliant flowers in every cup. Organic flower petals add color and elegance to premium organic black tea. Imagine a cup of confetti with hibiscus, calendula, and cornflowers adding color and a touch of elegant fragrance. Ingredients: Black tea, hibiscus, natural flavor, corn flowers & calendula flowers.

Citrus Chai

Loose Leaf Tea – Orange Spice Zing – Organic Green Tea. A spice cabinet of zesty flavor and aroma is blended with luscious organic orange peel and Indian green tea. Savor cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom with the citrusy sophistication of orange. Green tea keeps it light and uplifting. ngredients: Green tea, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, orange peel & natural flavor.

Tropical Dream

Tea Bags – Smooth Sultry Blend – Organic Green Tea. Lush and smooth, this is a cup of tropical goodness. Organic green tea provides the clear, crisp base, with rich notes of tropical carob and soothing chamomile on top. It adds up to a dreamy tea experience, taking you to a beautiful place. Ingredients: Green tea, chamomile, carob and natural flavor.

Pomegranate Bliss

Tea Bags – Antioxidant Lift – Organic White Tea. Delicate white tea makes a perfect base for the elegant notes of pomegranate and flowers. Dried organic pomegranate brings tangy tartness as well as antioxidant goodness. Rosehips and hibiscus add more bright flavor touches. Ingredients: White tea, rosehips, hibiscus, dried pomegranate and natural flavor.

This article was written by Captain Tim and the Crew of Caribbean Trading Company.

Liked this article? Join the Crew and Start the Journey! Connect with Us for News, Events, Lifestyle, and all things Caribbean by joining our Newsletter – Click Here to Join or find us on Facebook or Instagram.