Oh yes, the change in seasons certainly brings about a sense of excitement and joy in people of all ages, while witnessing the sun and clouds play hide and seek as spring and summer transform into monsoon and winter. However, as enjoyable as the skies are in delivering spells of rain and snow along with a chill breeze, wet and cold weather do not bode well for the skin – the body’s largest organ.
For amongst the numerous beauty woes ailing the system in these harsh environmental conditions, dry skin undeniably tops the list. Amid this turmoil, there exists the knight in shining armour that comes to the rescue of not only dryness but also various other skin concerns such as peeling, dark spots, acne, stretch marks, ageing, rashes, eczema, known as Body Butter.
Also Read: Eczema: Soothe Your Skin With These Amazing Natural Remedies
What Are Body Butters?
Body butters are essentially dense emollients made up of plant-based oils and fat extracts, which abound in nutrient-rich, skin-fortifying components that protect the dermal tissues and moisten the parched regions of skin. A body butter composed of organic ingredients generally has a semi-solid consistency at room temperature, unlike a moisturising lotion which is either a gel-based or cream-based fluid, while also being thicker than conventional hydrating salves.
Pure, 100 % body butters are effective as an intense moisturiser for damaged skin, while light body butters infused with essential oils are ideal for regular use. Popular examples of body butters include shea butter, almond butter, kokum butter, cocoa butter and mango butter, which are a fantastic remedy for dryness as well as being suitable for sensitive skin.
The Excellent Benefits Of Body Butters For Healthy Skin:
Body butters confer spectacular benefits for smooth, velvety-soft, blemish-free skin, including:
- Creates a defensive barrier over the skin to lock in moisture
- Penetrates deep layers of tissues to supply immense hydration
- Diminishes wrinkles, creases, crow’s feet, neck lines and other signs of ageing
- Heals major issues of sunburns, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea and rashes
- Rectifies skin folds and scars from stretch marks, cellulite
- Provides soft hands, feet and mends excessive dryness in elbows, knees
- Conditions and cleanses itchy, flaky scalp and promotes hair growth
5 Astonishing Natural Body Butters That Enrich Skin Texture:
Shea Butter
Derived from the mushy nut of the shea tree native to Africa, shea butter is laden with valuable fatty acids namely oleic acid, linolenic acid, palmitic acid that offer remarkable moisturisation for dry skin. Moreover, its potent anti-inflammatory traits aid in decreasing irritation, swelling, redness in the skin.
Also Read: The Brilliant Advantages Of Using Shea Butter Based Skincare Products
Mango Butter
While the interior pulp of the luscious mango fruit is indeed delicious, the seeds contain a beneficial butter for skin wellness. Enriched with vitamins C and A that portray strong antioxidant characteristics, mango butter minimises dark spots, suntans and discolouration to reveal an even skin tone.
Almond Butter
The earthy almond nuts yield a natural butter residue that is packed with nurturing vitamin E and omega 6 fatty acids. These constituents possess tremendous emollient traits to repair dry, ravaged zones, aside from boosting skin elasticity to significantly fade the visibility of stretch marks, cellulite and dented folds and tissues.
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is obtained from the seeds of the cacao plant that are most famously relished as chocolate and in several other baked pastries. This thick creamy concoction is a boon for a dry scalp, thwarting dandruff, impurities, cleansing the skin tissues on the head and stimulating hair follicles for a strong, silky and shiny mane.
Kokum Butter
Blessed with the goodness of organic fatty acids, antioxidants and a slick, easy-to-spread consistency, kokum butter is an absolute solution for undue dryness in the skin. Procured from the seeds of the sour kokum fruit, this body butter calms aggravated skin in chronic conditions of eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. It can also be applied on the face, neck, arms, legs and body and is safe to use for all skin types after a shower or even post-waxing, shaving, or epilating to pacify coarse, sore skin following hair removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is body butter different from lotion?
Body butter is thicker and richer than lotion, providing more intense hydration and forming a protective barrier on the skin to lock in moisture.
Can body butter be used on all skin types?
Yes, body butter can be used on all skin types, but it's especially beneficial for dry, rough, or flaky skin due to its intense moisturizing properties.
When should you apply body butter?
The best time to apply body butter is after a shower or bath when your skin is still damp, as it helps to lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated.
Can body butter help with stretch marks?
Yes, regular use of body butter can help improve the appearance of stretch marks by keeping the skin well-hydrated and promoting elasticity.
Is body butter safe for sensitive skin?
Many body butters are safe for sensitive skin, especially those with natural and gentle ingredients. However, ensure you always do a patch test first to avoid any sort of irritation.
(This article is reviewed by Preeti Sharma Wellness Expert)
Author Profile
Soumita Basu:
Soumita Basu holds a Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy and is keenly interested in Ayurveda, home remedies, yoga, fitness, diagnostics, and beauty. With nearly 6 years of experience, she produces evidence-based health content, including articles, videos, and infographics, to provide valuable insights to her audience.
References:
1. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant OilsAuthors: Tzu-Kai Lin,1 Lily Zhong,2,* and Juan Luis Santiago3,*
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/
2. FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF SKIN WHITENING BODY BUTTERAuthors: Pallavi Suthar*, Patel Ishika Rakeshbhai, Patel Yagni S. and Patel Vraj K.
https://www.wjpps.com/Wjpps_controller/abstract_id/18630
