What are body butters?
Body butters are thick, creamy moisturizers. They use natural oils and butters like coconut oil, shea butter, or cocoa butter. Their ultra-rich texture makes them an ultimate repair tool for fighting dry, flaky skin. Body lotions are thinner and contain more water than body butters, making them a lighter option, great for everyday use or for oily skin.
Because body butters literally contain oils and butters, you might feel like your skin is a little greasy after application. Don’t panic, the feeling will fade as you rub the product in. If you prefer a lighter texture, you might be better off using a body lotion instead of a body butter.
How do I use body butters?
Start with a quarter sized amount of body butter on your skin, rubbing it evenly over your skin. Working it in with small amounts will help you avoid the greasy feeling that can naturally occur from butter and oils. If you have dry skin, eczema, or psoriasis, you might benefit from applying your body butter daily. If you have combination skin, use the butter on your dry areas daily, applying body lotion to the oilier spots. For oily skin, apply as a weekly treatment. Adjust as needed based on how your skin reacts.
Roberta Perry with ScrubzBody uses body butters daily to keep her skin moisturized from head to toe. "I recommend using just a dab and then spreading it out in a thin layer. No need to slather it on, less is more when it's a great product."
After the Shower
A great way to apply your body butter is to use it after a warm shower. Warm steam opens your pores and relaxes tension in the skin, making it easier for the butter to absorb into your skin. Make sure your shower is simply warm and not hot, as hot water can cause irritation and inflammation in your skin. Out of the shower, towel off until your skin is damp but not bone dry. The butter will help the extra water absorb into your skin, leaving it hydrated and smooth.
Robbin Turner with Violet Body uses body butter after a shower not only on her body, but her hair too. She uses body butter to moisturize from head to toe, tame frizzy hair, and protect her skin and hair from the elements. "You can use them on skin and hair eliminating excessive toiletries. Best of all, a little goes a long way."
As a Foot Rub
Your feet go through a lot throughout the day. Chasing little ones, running high power meetings, or even just making your way through the grocery store can put strain on your feet. Give them a little extra attention by applying a body butter to your feet. For an extra boost of hydration, slather on the butter just before bed, putting fluffy socks on right after application.
For a Manicure
Don’t forget about your hands either! Soak your hands in warm water, towel until just damp, and then apply your butter for soft, smooth hands. Apply a little to each nail bed to soften your cuticles to ready them to be pushed back or trimmed. Regular application can help save your hands from becoming dry and cracked and can keep your nails looking healthy and strong.
For Stretch Marks
Because body butters are ultra-moisturizing, they are a great tool for preventing and minimizing the appearance of stretch marks. Add a few drops of Rosehip Oil to your body butter for the ultimate creamy, rich moisturizer. Stretch marks occur when the skin loses elasticity and the skin literally tears and scars. Applying a thick moisturizer will help keep your skin hydrated and elastic.