The shift in the weather is apparent. Parks and tree-lined streets are covered with orange-hued autumn leaves, and days are cool and crisp. The only thing not so great about this weather is my dry, flaky skin that’s sometimes itchy and inflamed. But I’m glad I can soothe and nourish my parched skin with a layer of thick and luxuriant body butter that is healing and leaves a natural sheen on my skin.
What Is Body Butter
Let’s start with the basics. Body butter is a richer, thicker lotion, which is usually made with cocoa butter, shea butter, mango butter, Vitamin E, and several plant oils like avocado and almond oil. Some body butters are fragrance-free and have a natural nutty fragrance from cocoa and shea butter. Others contain essential oils like lavender, lemon, and vanilla for a light but pleasant smell.
They’re usually prepared in small batches using the double boiler method by melting together all the oils and butters along with essential oils. This mix is then cooled and whipped until it turns into a lighter, fluffier body butter.
Body Butter v/s Body Lotion
The number one difference between body lotion and body butter is that body lotions are more water-based. What that means is that when you apply a body lotion, it may seem hydrating at first but your skin feels dry and parched within an hour or two.
On the other hand, body butter is richer in texture and forms a protective layer over your skin to keep it moisturized for longer. Plant oils like coconut and avocado oil help fade stretch marks and reduce the itchiness on the skin.
Another difference between the two is that mass-produced body lotions are usually laced with chemicals and artificial fragrances that may be harmful to the body as they can penetrate through the skin into the bloodstream whereas body butter is made using wholesome and unrefined ingredients that moisturize and nourish the skin while being 100% safe and natural.
5 Benefits Of Using Body Butter
Body butter is rich in fatty acids and it nourishes the skin with Vitamins C, A, and E. It creates a protective barrier over the skin to lock in moisture and leaves the skin feeling soft, supple, and hydrated.
Some of the benefits of using body butter include:
Ultra Moisturizing
Body butter creates a natural layer of protection against environmental factors such as weather and pollution while locking in moisture so that your skin doesn’t feel parched and dry. They’re also ultra-moisturizing because they contain natural fatty acids that are hydrating without being too heavy for the skin.
Fights Signs Of Aging
People with dry skin tend to get wrinkles much sooner than those with oily skin. Body butter helps fight early signs of aging such as fine lines, dark patches, skin discoloration, and wrinkles by hydrating and tightening the skin.
Did you know that dryness can cause stretch marks and cellulite? Body butter contains coconut oil and shea butter which not only help heal the skin but also help prevent stretch marks.
Improves Skin Elasticity
With age, our skin tends to lose its elasticity but body butter contains Omega 3s (also known as good fats) which can naturally help restore the firmness and elasticity of your skin. As we age, the production of collagen also reduces, which can lead to wrinkles and fine lines. Body butter can help boost collagen production as it is packed with Vitamin F (which plays a crucial role in firming the skin).
Soothes Skin Conditions
People with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis often experience itchy, dry skin, especially during cooler months. Body butter is an excellent remedy for these skin conditions as it hydrates and calms the skin. Cocoa butter, in particular, is known to have healing properties, and even though it is dense in texture, it gets easily absorbed by the skin and doesn’t leave it feeling greasy and oily.
Anti-Inflammatory
Body butter, especially those made with shea and mango butter, has anti-inflammatory properties and helps soothe itchy, dry, and inflamed skin. Unlike body lotions with chemicals and harsh sulfates, it does not clog the pores or trigger skin allergies, making it appropriate for any skin type.
6 Different Ways To Use Body Butter
A must-have for your bathroom, here are six different ways to use body butter:
- It’s great for dry areas like elbows, knees, and soles of the feet. You can even rub some on your feet before bed to help improve blood circulation, thereby improving your sleep quality.
- Ran out of make-up remover? No problem! Gently apply some body butter to your face and it’ll break everything down so you don’t have to scrub the make-up off. Wipe it off with a sponge or a washcloth and you’ll not only have squeaky-clean skin but it’ll also feel moisturized and hydrated.
- Use it as a shaving cream.
- Apply it on inflamed skin after sun exposure to help reduce inflammation.
- Use it for a luxurious at-home manicure.
- Breast-feeding mothers can use it as a salve to soothe chafed, sore nipples.
Final Thoughts
Unlike other brands available in the market, what’s great about my ultra-luxurious Lemon Pound Cake Body Butter is that it glides on the skin and contains high-quality shea butter, cocoa butter, mango butter, and essential oils for a natural, lemony smell that’s refreshing but not overpowering.
The best part is that this body butter is paraben-free, vegan, and cruelty-free. It comes in a convenient tub with a wide mouth so that it’s easy to use and the fresh citrusy smell lingers on all day. Easy to carry during travels or for everyday use, I am obsessed with it and can’t get through the winter months without it!
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