Body butter is a type of skin moisturizer used by many for dry skin. It is heavier than creams and lotions, as it has less water in it. Due to the fact that it is made from nutrient-rich ingredients, it is used to hydrate and protect the skin. Most use a seed or nut oil as their base ingredient to produce the most hydrating formula possible.
To create the protective and hydrating lotion, the seed or nut of choice is ground up to release its oil. The ground nuts or seeds are often cooked to help release as much oil as possible. The oil is then extracted from the pulp and mixed with other ingredients, such as fragrant essential oils. While there are many brands available for purchase, the product is quite easy to make at home.
The desired results are what often determine the type of nut or seed that is chosen as the base of the body butter recipe. Shea butter, created from Shea nuts, has high levels of vitamins A, E and F. These vitamins help to keep the skin moisturized and clear, plus they help to protect and rejuvenate the skin. Shea butter can reduce fine lines and wrinkles and is beneficial for many skin complaints, including sun-damaged skin and some skin conditions, such as eczema.
Other examples of seeds and nuts used for body butter are cocoa beans, mangoes and kukui nuts. Cocoa beans are high in antioxidants and many minerals, such as iron and potassium, so they are often used for protective and restorative body butters. The seed of a mango is high in vitamins E and A and beta carotene, so it is used to moisturize and heal skin. Finally, kukui nuts are used because they have a high level of vitamins and fatty acids, making them especially beneficial to the skin.
There are many different benefits to using body butter, when compared to creams and lotions. Natural body butter is made using only natural ingredients, which are better for your skin and your body in general. It contains a higher level of emollients, which are absorbed into the skin and keep it moisturized. Body butter forms a protective layer over the skin, helping reduce the effects of the sun and hot and cold air. Many find that their skin is much softer and less prone to cracking or becoming inflamed when they use body butter.