Scope, Delimitation and Limitation of the Study

The researchers limited the main materials to Aloe Vera gel and Virgin Coconut oil. Only the

lavender essential will be added in the experiment. In testing the revitalizing effectiveness of

combined AVG and VCO it will be applied to the affected areas, it will be also applied on human

hands in order to know what other beneficial effects could the all - natural skin revitalizer could

provide. This product should not be applied to deep wounds, because this may delay the

healing. This is not advisable to take orally, thus the product is for external use only.

CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
This chapter presents the review of conceptual and research literature which has bearing

on the current study and its synthesis. This also includes the conceptual and theoretical

framework and hypothesis.

The review of the study focuses on the skin health benefits given by the combination

of the aloe vera gel and virgin coconut oil and its preparation, which can contribute in the

attainment of health and wellness by making use of our local produce. With the pollution and

lifestyle changes, people need to equip themselves with health-conscious mindset by going

natural to counteract the radical effect of modern-day living. Facts were gathered from books

and Internet as references in order to get the needed information for the study.

Conceptual Literature

Hunter, et al. (2002) says that dermatology is the study of the skin and its associated

structures, including the hair and nails, and of their diseases. It is an immense subject,

embracing some two thousand conditions, yet, paradoxically, some seventy percent of the

dermatology work in the United Kingdom is caused by only nine types of skin disorder. Similarly,
in the United States of America, nearly half of all visits to dermatologists are for one of three

diagnoses: acne, warts, and skin tumours. Things are very different in developing countries

where overcrowding and poor sanitation play a major part. There, skin disorders are even more

common, particularly in the young, but are dominated by infections and infestations the so

called ‘dermatoses of poverty’ amplified by the presence of HIV infection. A sense of perspective

is important, and this chapter presents an overview of the causes, prevalence and impact of

skin disease.

The skin is the boundary between ourselves and the world around us. It is an important

sense organ, and controls heat and water loss. It reflects internal changes and reacts to external

ones. Usually, it adapts easily and returns to a normal state, but sometimes it fails to do so and

a skin disorder appears. Often several will be operating at the same time; just as often, no

obvious cause for a skin abnormality can be found and here lies much of the difficulty of

dermatology. Nevertheless, when a cause is obvious, such as the washing of dishes and the

appearance of irritant hand dermatitis, or sunburn and the development of melanoma,

education and prevention are just as important as treatment.

The skin is the interface between humans and their environment is the largest organ in

the body. It weighs an average of four kilogram and covers an area of two square meters. It

acts as a barrier, protecting the body from harsh external conditions and preventing the loss of

important body constituents, especially water. A death from destruction of skin, as in a burn, or

in toxic epidermal necrolysis, and the misery of unpleasant acne, remind us of its many

important functions, which range from the vital to the cosmetic. The skin has two layers. The

outer is epithelial, the epidermis, which is firmly attached to, and supported by connective tissue

in the
underlying dermis. Beneath the dermis is loose connective tissue, the subcutis or hypodermis

which usually contains abundant fat.

Page (2011) stated that acne is a disorder of the pilosebaceous unit which may present

with comedones, inflammatory papules or pustules. Nodules and scarring can also occur. The

precursor lesion of all acne lesions is the microcomedone which, under the influence of

androgens, develops into non inflammatory lesions or comedones and inflammatory lesions or

papules and pustules. Lesions of acne vary considerably with time, but in acne

vulgaris comedones are always present and are a diagnostic sign. Most patients notice

a fluctuation in the number and severity of spots. In young women, this is often related to the

menstrual cycle. The first problems are usually encountered in adolescence. In girls, this may

be as early as ten years. In both sexes, incidence peaks at thirteen to sixteen years, although

it may continue into the forties. Exceptions to this are: infantile/juvenile acne, typically seen in

infants and children at three to twelve months: lesions usually subside after four to five years,

but adolescence often heralds a severe aggravation; late-onset acne, where first signs develop

in the twenties: this is more commonly seen in women and often has a marked premenstrual

exacerbation; there will be endocrine involvement, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, in some

individuals.

Acne occurs on the face, chest and back depending on the distribution of sebaceous

follicles in the individual. Type of lesion Non-inflammatory lesions: open comedones or

blackheads; closed comedones or whiteheads. Inflammatory lesions: Papules and pustules –

the majority of patients with comedonal acne develop papules and pustules. They are the well-

known little red spots or pustules on a red base. They may be itchy or quite painful. Papules

develop rapidly over a few hours and frequently become pustular as they evolve. They

generally resolve over a few days. Nodules and cysts – as the inflammation within the
pilosebaceous unit progresses and extends deeper into the dermis, the size of visible and

palpable lesions increases, resulting in deep-seated nodules. Secondary lesions: Scars -

the inflammatory process of acne can cause scarring. Characteristically, small, deep “ice-pick”

scars occur, but more severe disease will leave gross changes with atrophy or keloid formation.

Individual lesions usually last less than two weeks but deeper papules may persist for months.

The average “acne life” is twelve years.

According to Atherton (2000), Aloe vera has the capacity to heal damaged skin. By

drinking the juice of the plant, all the micronutrients and trace elements needed to produce

new skin cells can be ingested naturally, by applying aloe vera topically, the healing process is

stimulated by reducing inflammation, preventing infection, and encouraging the growth of skin

cells called fibroblasts. These fibers are laid down in wounds and damaged skin. They facilitate

healing by contracting, closing the wound. They also act as a framework for new skin cells to

grow over.

The effects of aloe vera on skin have long made it popular with the cosmetics industry,

which promotes it as a means of helping people to stay young and beautiful. However, aloe

vera’s remarkable healing properties mean that it can be a significant help in managing

common skin complaints. These include: Eczema and dermatitis: both these conditions

respond well to aloe vera, especially the chronic variety where there is often an allergic

element. According to experiences they also found that juvenile or atopic eczemas respond

particularly well to aloe vera combined with moisturizers Children with this type of eczema

tend to scratch a lot, even in their sleep. Since aloe vera contains a natural

anihistamine, itchiness can be reduced, giving the rash a better chance to settle down. This

is important, because when eczema is scratched by dirty finger nails, there is considerable

risk of infection, which will cause the eczema to spread very rapidly.
 Psoriasis: This is actually a disorder of the immune system. Psoriasis is a general

medical condition that can manifest itself as a skin complaint. There is plenty of anecdotal

evidence to support the fact that the same types of psoriasis respond excellently to drinking

aloe vera and applying it topically. In a few cases, it completely disappears, although this is not

true in all cases. A clinical trial carried out in Sweden has demonstrated the effectiveness of a

topical aloe product on psoriasis. It showed an eighty three percent cure rate for those using

aloe vera compared to six and six tenths percent of those using a placebo.

Acne: Common acne or Vulgaris and rosacea which is found in older people respond to

topical applications of aloe vera. It can reduce inflammation, making the skin appear less red,

especially in rosacea. It also has the ability to kill the bacteria that are part of the cause of

common acne. In addition, aloe can also reduce the tendency towards scarring, which is very

important for acne sufferers. - Fungal infections: Complaint such as ringworm and athlete’s

foot respond very well to topically applied aloe. This is because aloe contains properties that

can kill fungi and yeasts.

Chronic ulcers and bed sores: These are notoriously difficult to treat, often because there

is an underlying problem with the blood supply to the affected area. However, where the blood

supply is just about adequate, an occlusive dressing with an appropriate aloe product can often

stimulate healing. Such treatment needs to be carried out persistently, though, in order to

achieve healing.

Aloe has a powerful anti-inflammatory action when ingested. As a result, it can have a

significant effect on conditions related to the immune system. Medford (2013) concludes that

through the years, coconut oil has received bad publicity in the United States because of its

high level of saturated fat.

 Unfortunately, the negative press about coconut oil was the result of one

study conducted four decades ago, using hydrogenated oil, and not virgin coconut

oil. Researchers fed animals a hydrogenated coconut oil and subsequently,

their cholesterol levels increased. The same thing has happened when other highly

hydrogenated oils were used such as cottonseed, soybean or corn oils. So the problem

with the coconut oil was that it was hydrogenated, not because it was coconut oil. As a

matter of fact, when unprocessed coconut oil is added to an otherwise normal diet, there

is no change in cholesterol. Most of the oils that people are using, both personally and

commercially are vegetable oils or polyunsaturated oils. It’s nearly impossible to eat at

restaurants or buy packaged foods that don’t contain these polyunsaturated “vegetable

oils.” However, these are the oils that are most damaging to our health. According to

nutrition research, polyunsaturated oils are highly subject to rancidity. Excess

consumption of polyunsaturated oils is associated with increasing rates of cancer, heart

disease and weight gain. A 1994 study appearing in the Lancet showed that almost three

quarters of the fat in artery clogs is “unsaturated.” Coconut oil has been used

throughout Asia and the Pacific for thousands of years as both a food and a medicine.

Even today it holds a highly respected position in the Ayurvedic medicine of India.

Unfortunately, only recently has modern medical research confirmed the many health

benefits traditionally attributed to this remarkable oil. On many islands coconuts are a

staple in the diet, which provides the majority of the food eaten. Studies have clearly

shown that the traditional Asian cultures that eat significant amounts of coconut in their

diet do not suffer from modern diseases seen in Western cultures that promote a low-

fat diet.
 Before World War II, and for about thirty years after, people in such countries as the

Philippines consumed a diet of rice, coconuts, vegetables and root crops. They were rarely

sick and you had to look really hard to find anyone who was overweight. Conditions such as

diabetes, cancer and heart disease were virtually unheard of. People who did visit a doctor did

so to have wounds treated or to receive help for tropical diseases such as malaria or dengue

fever. Coconut oil, meat and milk were consumed daily and meals were high in saturated fat

from the coconut. The oil was often made by hand through a process of fermentation or

boiling.

Not only were coconuts an integral part of traditional diets, they were also used in

medicine. Health problems such as coughs, constipation, jaundice, lice, malnutrition, bruises,

burns, colds, skin infections, typhoid, toothaches, wounds, scabies, gingivitis, earaches, fevers

and flus were often treated using coconuts, especially coconut oil. With dramatic changes in

the way food was processed after World War II, things began to unravel. Sadly, Western food

made its way to the tropical cultures and health began to decline. Many of the traditional

methods of preparing food, including coconut oil, were replaced by modern, mechanical

processes.

Large coconut refineries were built to supply the United States with the oil. Although some

people still made their coconut oil by hand, many opted for the cheaper product that was readily

available in the marketplace. Coconut oil was in demand in America for some time after the

war, however, this too ended as the oil was quickly replaced with unhealthy, hydrogenated

oils. Many people in countries such as the Philippines were forced to leave their coconut

farms behind and move into cities in search of jobs. In addition to this, people began to adopt

Western-style diets. Cheaper, mass-produced food replaced local traditional fare and few
people cultivated their own food. Fast foods, including those made with highly-refined coconut

oil, rice grown with chemical fertilizers, and soft drinks loaded with sugar were consumed in

abundance. Obesity became more prevalent, as did Western diseases such as heart disease,

diabetes and cancer.

Fortunately, over the last decade, more research is being uncovered revealing the

incredible health benefits of unrefined coconut oil. As the volume of research continues to

amplify, people all over the world are accepting what Asian and Pacific islanders have known

for thousands of years: coconut oil is a delicious, nutritious superfood with medicinal

characteristics that should not be ignored.

Today most of the world’s coconut production comes from small farms in Asia. The crop

is easy to grow even in difficult environments and can take poor soil and drought. It also plays

a very important role in maintaining the fragile ecosystem of island and coastal regions. Over

seventy percent of coconut crops are consumed locally as food, drink and cooking oil. Fibers

are fashioned into rope and twine, husks are used for flooring material, shells are made into

bowls, utensils and jewelry, leaves become brooms, baskets and mats, and trunks are

fashioned into furniture or even homes. In fact, all parts of the tree and coconut are useful in

some way or another.

Just a quick search on the Internet reveals the popularity of detoxes. Although many of

the detoxes touted on the Internet are built around fads and are not scientifically grounded, a

true and safe detox has many health promoting benefits: elimination of bacteria, improved

digestion, enhanced immunity, improved energy, increased metabolism.

The key to a successful detox is choosing the right detox method. There is no shortage

of options from juicing to full week retreats. However, you don’t need to break the bank in order
to successfully cleanse. Coconut oil contains so many healing properties that is an integral

part of a number of very popular detox programs. In some programs, coconut oil is used as a

food replacement. The idea is that every time you are hungry, you take two tablespoons of

coconut oil. Since it is easy to digest and provides immediate energy, it is a great substitute for

a heavy meal. If you plan on using coconut oil in this manner, it is always best to contact

a health professional before beginning. Other popular detoxes combine coconut oil and

juicing. The MCTs in the oil act like a carbohydrate in the body, providing an immediate energy

boost without spiking insulin. No matter what type of detox you choose, coconut oil is an

excellent complement that will keep you energized and feeling full.

Oil pulling is a highly powerful way to detoxify the body. Oil pulling is one of the most

remarkable methods of detoxification and healing I have ever experienced in my career as a

naturopathic physician.” This process removes bacteria, toxins and parasites from the mouth

and also loosens sinuses and congestion while encouraging the lymph system to move toxins

out of the body.

A study conducted in 2008 at the Skin and Cancer Foundation in the Philippines

compared virgin coconut oil and virgin olive oil in moisturizing dryness and removing bacteria

from colonized atopic dermatitis. The study, a double-blind controlled trial, found that coconut

oil was more effective than olive oil in killing bacteria, mostly because of its lauric acid

content. A 2009 study at the Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of

California, San Diego, looked at the antimicrobial properties of lauric acid and its potential to

heal acne. The results were favorable for using lauric acid in place of antibiotics for treatment

of acne. Coconut oil helps to clear away dead skin cells and can also be combined with coconut

crystals, sea salt or other natural exfoliating substances to make a very useful facial scrub that

leaves the skin feeling soft and clean.

 No need to spend money on special products when you can use coconut oil. A simple

scrub can be made by mixing one cup of coconut crystals with a half cup of organic coconut

oil. People living in the tropics have beautiful, wrinkle-free skin and this is due, in part, to their

use of coconut oil. This medium-chain fatty acid protects and heals the skin at the same time.

Coconut oil is also an effective sunscreen, blocking out twenty percent of harmful rays.

Coconut oil puts nutrients back into your skin, as opposed to other oils and commercial

products that suffocate the skin and provide no nutritional benefits. If you want to use coconut

oil as a moisturizer, be sure to start with a very small amount. If you put too much on your skin,

it will not be able to drink it all in. A little goes a long way and this makes it an extremely

economical choice for a moisturizer. Coconut oil is safe for children of all ages, including

babies, and can help heal up a mean diaper rash in no time.

Floracopeia (2014) states that aromatherapy has become a household term, yet most

do not understand how powerful it can be. The benefits of using pure essential oils are profound

and immediate. A small selection of essential oils offers a wide range of applications, and a

small amount of essential oil goes a long way. To get a picture of how powerful essential oils

are, consider this: It requires one million and four hundred thousand handpicked rose blossoms

to produce a liter of rose essential oil. A single ounce of this oil contains the essence of forty

thousand rose blossoms, and sixty-seven roses give only one drop of essential oil. While

every plant yields a different amount of essential oil based on its seasonal influences

and design, this helps illustrate the profound process that produces these highly concentrated

botanical treasures.

There are two primary reasons why do plants produce essential oils in the first place:

Protection: Plants use essential oils for protection from pathogens such
as fungus, pests, even other invasive plants or animals. They produce essential oils as part of

their stress response to changes in climate or to protect themselves from harsh environmental

conditions; Attraction: Plants also use essential oils to lure in pollinators with their irresistible

fragrances. Like plants, there are two primary ways that humans can benefit from the regular

use of essential oils: Protection: Because essential oils are produced by the immune

intelligence of the plants, people can use essential oils to support their wellness and healthy

stress response. When we use essential oils we gain enormous benefit from the vitality and

health-producing effects of the oils. The modern world is bringing aromatherapy into building

designs and medical practices for this purpose. Hospitals are now incorporating essential oils

into their treatments, and businesses around the world are using aromatherapy for stress

reduction in the workplace; Attraction: Plants also create essential oils as a way to attract

pollinators. These aromatic molecules, when used by humans, serve a similar purpose. When

a man or woman is wearing a pure, botanical aromatic treasure, the power of their attraction

is naturally enhanced. Night Blooming Jasmine can make a woman irresistible to her lover. A

drop of rose attar placed on the center of the chest can open the channels of love and

compassion. Natural fragrance offers emotional benefits in addition to a fragrance that is

harmonious with the constitution and chemistry of the wearer.

Aromatherapy is an art and science that spans civilizations and covers the globe. The

art of perfumery uses science to capture the heavenly aromas of the most intoxicating flowers

so that they can be utilized for the purposes of health, attraction, and romance. Today,

scientists use sophisticated equipment to study what our ancestors intuitively knew about the

aromatic plants around them.

The practice of aromatherapy can be as simple as sipping a cup of tea or diffusing

essential oils into the space around us. Aromatherapy can also be as elaborate as a complex
healing prescription or specific ceremonial use. The effects of aromatherapy act simultaneously

on the mind, body and spirit, offering a range of applications from the most basic skin care to

enhancing a connection with the divine.

It is important to educate yourself on aromatherapy before you begin using essential

oils. The primary reason is safety: certain oils can be very irritating to the skin or overpowering

in large amounts. Another reason is economical: if you know what you are doing with essential

oils, you will save money by using the right amount in various applications, recipes or blends.

It is also important to understand how the essential oil and perfumery world works before you

start shopping.

Aromatic plants and fragrant flowers are some of nature’s most beautiful creations. In

the long history of planetary evolution, the appearance of flowers initiated the rapid expansion

of biodiversity that created the world in which we live. Now, fragrances from flowers, leaves,

roots, seeds, and woods are an important part of every culture as medicines, food, spices,

perfumes, and incense.

The distillation of essential oils evolved over the course of at least two thousand years;

it is one of the many contributions made by alchemists in their search for health, longevity, and

spiritual knowledge. Evidence points to the possibility that simple methods for extracting

aromatic principles from plants may have been one of humanity’s earliest refinements of

botanical materials, and a major step toward later herbal preparations.

Essential oils have a profound effect on the deepest levels of the body and psyche.

Because their primary route of absorption is inhalation, they have a strong and immediate

influence on the mucous membranes of the respiratory system. Passing through the capillary

beds of the sinuses and activating the olfactory nerves, the fragrances of the oils enter the
brain, influencing the nerves, immunity, and hormones. Essential oils powerfully enhance

positive mental and emotional states, and increase our ability to stay healthy.

In Chinese terms, essential oils in general are medicines for the Shen, the spiritual

essence that resides in the heart and governs consciousness. In Ayurvedic terms, they

enhance the flow of prana or life force, nourish ojas or nutritional / immunological essence, and

brighten tejas or mental luminosity. However, the pharmacy of flowers is vast, and it contains

highly effective medicines for every kind of physical and nonphysical illness. One could study

a small number of oils for a lifetime, and still not learn everything about them.

Research Literature

DeHaven (2013) says that dry skin is also called xerosis. Complex factors contribute to

dry, flaky skin, and several of these change with age. Environmental factors such as ambient

dryness, irritants, or bathing habits may be involved, as well as individual characteristics

related to medical conditions, genetics, or aging. As the biochemistry of dry skin becomes

better understood, we are better able to treat this problem.

Dry skin is characterized by a decreased lipid content and altered ratios of these fats.

Ability to reconstitute the epidermal barrier after environmental irritation of any sort is also

delayed. Biological processes of the stratum corneum leading to dry skin, as described above,

are lower ceramide levels, deficient enzymes that break up desmosomes, lower levels of long-

chain ceramides, disruption in lipid packing shapes, essential-fatty-acid deficiency, increased

itching from a variety of mechanisms, and genetic differences. Dry skin is much more

commonly found in aged individuals, due to a number of biochemical and environmental

factors.
Karger (2011) stated that oily skin also known as seborrhea is a common cosmetic problem

that occurs when oversized sebaceous glands produce excessive amounts of sebum giving

the appearance of shiny and greasy skin. This paper overviews the main concepts of

sebaceous gland anatomy and physiology, including the biosynthesis, storage and release of

sebum, as well as its relationship to skin

hydration and water barrier function. We also address how skin oiliness may vary according to

diet, age, gender, ethnicity and hot humid climates. The deeper understanding of this skin type

provides the opportunity to better guide patients regarding skin care and also assist in the

development of sebosuppressive agents.

Acne vulgaris or AV is a commonly diagnosed inflammatory skin condition that affects

pediatric and adult patients. Although traditionally viewed as an adolescent condition it

develops in almost ninety percent of patients starting at age twelve years, patients as young

as eight years can present with AV, and the condition can persist into adulthood up to an

average age of forty five. Adolescent patients have reported low self-esteem and symptoms of

depression leading to a lower quality of life. Psychological comorbidities, including depression

and anxiety, have largely been associated with AV, but it is unclear whether AV is the cause or

only worsens the preexisting conditions. The potential for hyperpigmentation and scarring into

adulthood affects later quality of life as well. Thus, more patients are presenting to health care

providers seeking treatment.

As remedy:

According to Nordqvist, (2017), Aloe vera is a perennial, drought-resisting, succulent

plant belonging to the Asphodelaceae family. The name, aloe, is derived from the Arabic

"alloeh" or Hebrew "halal" meaning bitter shiny substance. It has a vast traditional role in
indigenous system of medicine like ayurveda, siddha, Unani and homoeopathy. Aloe

barbadensis miller or Aloe vera, a semi tropical plant is one of the two hundred fifty species of

Aloe. Most commonly used for its medicinal properties, Aloe Vera or the Sanskrit name "Ghee

kunwar" is a member of Lilly family. The plant has lance-shaped, sharp pointed, and jagged &

edged leaves. Aloe vera is found as the wild herb along the coast of south India. It is under

cultivation in fairly large areas in many parts of India viz; Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra etc.

Aloes are often thought to only grow in hot and dry climates but they actually grow in a variety

of climates including desert, grassland, and coastal or even alpine locations. There are more

than two hundred compounds found in Aloe barbadensis, about seventy five of which have

biological activity, Aloe vera leaves contain a diverse array of compounds, including

anthraquinones (e.g. aloe-emodin), anthrones and their glycosides (e.g. 10-(1, 5’

anhydroglucosyl)-aloeemodin- 9- anthrone, also known as aloin A and B), chromones,

carbohydrates, proteins, glycoproteins, amino acids, organic acids, lipids, sugars, vitamins and

minerals. Aloe vera has number of uses and mainly they are used as a food preservative

and medicine. Commercially, aloe can be found in pills, sprays, ointments, lotions, liquids,

drinks, jellies, and creams. Numerous aloe species around the world are used for conditions

ranging from dermatitis to cancer. Various studies have revealed that Aloe vera leaf possesses

many pharmaceutical activities, including antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant, antidiabetic,

antiulcer, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory and many more activities. Many of the health

benefits associated with Aloe vera have been attributed to the polysaccharides contained in the

gel of the leaves.

Rethinam (2012) stated that Virgin coconut oil is the naturally processed, chemically free

and additive free product from fresh coconut meat or its derivatives, which has not undergone

any chemical processing after extraction. It is the purest form of coconut oil, water white in
color, contains natural vitamin E and has not undergone hydrolytic or atmospheric oxidation as

attested by its very low free fatty acid content and peroxide value. It has a mild to intense fresh

coconut scent depending on the type of process used for production. Virgin Coconut Oil or

VCO is extracted from fresh coconut milk obtained from matured coconut of twelve months

old. VCO can be consumed in its natural state without the need for further processing. Virgin

coconut oil is known for its medium chain tryglycerides (MCTs). The most important medium

chain fatty acid found in VCO is lauric acid. It constitutes forty eight of VCO. Lauric acid

possess powerful anti-microbial properties capable of destroying disease causing bacteria,

fungi, viruses and parasites. Researches show that the presence of medium chain fatty acids

in mother’s milk is the primary ingredient that protects new born infants from infections for the

first few months of their life, while their immune system is still developing. Dr. Jon J Kabara,

Ph.D of Michigan State University and Consultant, USA has done pioneered studies on the

antimicrobial properties of fatty acids in the 1980s. Two of his most important conclusions are

that lauric acid is the most active antimicrobial fatty acid and that monolaurin is the most

effective antimicrobial compound that can be derived from coco chemicals. According to him,

medium chain fats in coconut oil are similar to fats in mother’s milk and have

similar nutraceutical benefits. VCO has considerable potential for therapeutic uses such

as antimicrobial, anti HIV/AIDS drug, for anti-cancer therapy and for the treatment

of Alzhiemer’s disease. VCO is the best possible remedy to various skin ailments. Ms. Vermen

M Verallo Rowell, Founder and program Director of VMV Skin Research Center + Clinic

(VSRC), Philippine has told that since year 2000, VCO was used at VSRC for patients with dry

and often microbially colonized psoriasis, acne, atopic, contact dermatitis and rosacea lesion.

VCO is the best skin care solution for babies, free from all chemical formulations and assures

good protection to the baby skin. Study by Department of Nutrition, University of Indonesia
reveals that VCO also helps to improve blood glucose and lipid profile of type two diabetics,

due to its readiness to provide energy to body cells.

As fragrant:

Hui (2011), Lavenders are a genus of about twenty to thirty five species of flowering

plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae, native to the Mediterranean region south to tropical Africa

and to the many regions of Asia. The genus includes annuals, herbaceous plants, subshrubs,

and small shrubs. Lavender has been used for centuries as an herbal remedy. Lavender yields

a highly effective essential oil with very sweet overtones, and can be used in balms, salves,

perfumes, cosmetics, and

topical applications. Internally, Lavender essential oil is believed to be of benefit for a multitude

of problems, including stress, anxiety, exhaustion, irritability, headaches, migraines, insomnia,

depression, colds, digestion, flatulence, upset stomach, liver and gallbladder problems,

nervousness, loss of appetite, and as a breath freshener and mouthwash.

Synthesis

Ravensthorpe (2015) stated that Aloe Vera is a succulent and mucilaginous plant with

green, spear-shaped leaves. It is widely used for its ability to soothe, heal and rejuvenate skin,

it is still one of the best natural remedies for eczema, psoriasis, burns and rashes.

The Journal of Dermatological Treatment published a study according to which aloe vera is

super effective in treating acne. The study involved sixty individuals with mild to moderate acne

problems, and the trial lasted for eight weeks. Scientists treated participants with a formulation

of tretinoin cream and aloe vera topical gel or tretinoin cream and a placebo. The trial showed
some pretty amazing results: The combination TR/AVG was well tolerated and significantly

more effective than TR and the placebo for the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris.

The daily treatment of Aloe Vera will reduce swelling, redness and inflammation caused by

acne, and also prevent any outbreaks.

Same as aloe vera, coconut oil is praised for its skin-boosting properties. It is widely used as

an anti-aging cream, natural sunscreen, lip gel, moisturizer and a massage oil. Coconut oil has

shown to be effective in treating skin disorders, blisters, pimples, sores, rashes and other

problems.

In 2009, Chinese researchers found that lauric acid, a saturated fatty acid contained in

coconut oil, has strong antibacterial activity against acne when compared to palmitic acid or

oleic acid. Moreover, lauric acid packed with liposomes, or vesicles that administer nutrients,

has shown to fuse with the membranes of acnes and release the carried lauric acid directly into

the bacterial membranes, thereby killing the bacteria effectively. When applied topically,

coconut oil can help in treating acne. For optimal benefits, raw coconut oil, preferably cold-

pressed and extra virgin oil will smell of coconut, meaning it has undergone minimal

processing.

Hubbard (2013) suggested that, aloe vera gel is great for superficial wounds and burns,

never use it on really deep wounds or third degree burns—the ones that go into the fatty layer

or muscle. For some reason it can delay healing. Honey is a better choice for those until one

can get expert medical help. A person can also be allergic to the gel. It is pretty rare, but it can

cause an allergic skin reaction just like any other kind of lotion or cream.

Derbyshire (2017) says, it is true that coconut oil is found in many sunscreens, coconut

oil on its own has an SPF of around one. The NHS recommends that when you are in the sun
you should be using a sunscreen with SPF fifteen at the very least. Therefore coconut oil alone

is not going to be enough to protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays, a major cause of skin

cancer. Coconut oil is considered a four on the zero to five comedogenicity scale, which is a

list of pore-blocking ingredients with zero being non-pore-blocking and five being incredibly

pore blocking which can cause a skin break out.

Undeniably, these two natural products separately do have lot of skin benefits and rather

have their disadvantages as two different products. There may be banes on both ingredients,

when combined, their health benefits will be also collided. Concluding that one is lacking the

other one will contain.

Coconut oil and aloe vera gel are two natural moisturizers for the skin. By combining

coconut oil and aloe vera gel on can get an excellent moisturizer for treating dry and flaky skin.

With regular use, the coconut oil and aloe vera gel mixture helps in slowing down skin aging.

The antifungal property of coconut oil helps in providing relief from fungal infections of the skin.

The fatty acids in coconut oil help in soothing the skin and make it soft and smooth. Aloe vera

gel is loaded with nutrients that help in rejuvenating the skin, it is often used for treating skin

irritation and sunburn.

Conceptual Framework

Below is the paradigm of the conceptual framework of the study using Input Process-Output

Model as the Framework of Evaluation

 Input Process Output
1. The difference 1. Data gathering about 1. The outcome of the
of combined Aloe Vera the variables to be use tested project
gel and Virgin 2. Testing of the said 2. The determined
Coconut oil to AVG project difference Of combined
and VCO alone. Aloe Vera gel and
Virgin Coconut oil to
2. The effectiveness AVG and VCO alone.
of the 3. The implications of the
proposed project to findings of the study
acne, dry skin,
and oiliness.

Figure No. 1 Paradigm of the Conceptual Framework

The first frame in the paradigm reflects the input of the study. This includes (1) the difference

of combined Aloe Vera gel and Virgin Coconut oil to AVG and VCO alone, in terms of materials,

viscosity, and scent. (2) The effectiveness of the proposed project to acne, dry skin, and

oiliness. The second frame shows the process needed in the research. This includes the data

gathering about the variables to be use and the testing of project. The third frame shows the

output which includes the expected outcome after conducting the study. This includes (1) The

outcome of the tested project, (2) the determined difference of combined Aloe Vera gel and

Virgin Coconut oil to AVG and VCO alone. (3) The implications of the findings of the study.

Theoretical Framework

The Researchers conclude that the combination of the Aloe Vera Gel and Coconut oil brings

the added value on revitalizing the skin. Each of the two has its own properties, and combining

the two brings the added advantage, so if for example one thing does not work for the certain

skin condition, the other will work. Coconut oil and aloe vera gel are two natural moisturizers
for the skin. By combining coconut oil and aloe vera gel you get an excellent moisturizer for

treating dry and flaky skin. With regular use, the coconut oil and aloe vera gel mixture helps in

slowing down skin aging. The antifungal property of coconut oil helps in providing relief from

fungal infections of the skin. The fatty acids in coconut oil help in soothing the skin and make

it soft and smooth. Aloe vera gel is loaded with nutrients that help in rejuvenating the skin.

Definition of Terms

1. Flaky – Webster’s English Dictionary suggested that it is breaking or separating easily into

small thin pieces.

- Within the context of the study, it is the description to a skin concern. o Flaky dry skin is one

of the common skin problems nowadays.

Revitalize – Cambridge Dictionary stated that it is an act to give new life, energy, activity, or

success to something.

- In this study, Revitalize is to repair or gain back.

o AVG+VCO can revitalize the skin.

Cosmetics – MedlinePlus says that those are products you use on your body to clean it,

beautify it, or change how it looks.

- In this research, those are beauty products in trend.

o Production in the field of cosmetics arose.

Healing – According to Oxford Dictionary it is the process of the restoration of health from an

unbalanced, diseased or damaged organism.

- In this study, it is the ability of the organic products to restore the skin.
o Aloe vera and coconut oil are highly valued for their healing properties.

Antioxidants – Medline Plus states that those are man-made or natural substances that may

prevent or delay some types of cell damage.

- Within the context of the study, it is contained by the organic products.

o Aloe vera and coconut oil contains antioxidants that protect the body from various illnesses.