Body butters are nourishing and richer alternatives to body moisturizers. So, if you hope to keep your skin hydrated and healthy, this product is a must-have. Applying body butter directly to your skin brings many benefits. It can rejuvenate dry skin, soften skin, and make rough skin feel silky smooth.
In this article, we will answer the question: what is body butter and how do you use it?
What Is Body Butter?
Body butters are skin moisturizers that consist of coconut oil, shea butter, essential fatty acids, vegetable-based butter, and other oils.
Body butter is known for being thicker than moisturizers and body lotions. That is why they are packed in a jar to avoid problems taking out the desired quantity, even if it is a dime-sized amount.
It is recommended to add body butter to your skincare routine for its intense hydration benefits. Body butters are effective in hydrating and nourishing dry skin, whether you apply them all over or only on problem areas.
What Is Body Butter Made Of?
Body butters typically contain natural butters and oils such as shea butter, cocoa butter, mango butter, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, almond oil, and jojoba oil.
Coconut oil and shea butter both have moisturizing and hydrating properties, which is why they are two of the main ingredients of any body butter. If you live in a cold climate or have excessively dry skin, then you might need the moisturizing properties of rich body butter.
How To Use Body Butter?
The best way to utilize body butter is by applying it after you have had your bath or after showering. These steps will help you discover how to use body butters properly.
Choose a Spreadable Body Butter
Look for body butters that are easy to scoop and apply to the body. Check for mixtures consisting of oils or butters that are liquid at room temperature. Some of these body butters are labeled as whipped.
Leave A Little Moisture On Your Skin
When you are done bathing, you should try to get most of the water off your skin but be sure to leave a bit. If there is too much water on your skin, it might be challenging to apply the body butter as it can only seal in a light layer of moisture.
Use A Small Amount Of Body Butter
You should work with small amounts of body butter as it is thicker than regular body lotion. Use a spatula or your fingers to scoop out the butter.
Wait For The Body Butter To Melt
It is recommended to wait a few seconds for the natural warmth from your body to soften the butter before you rub it in. The body butter will be softer and easier to apply.
Start Rubbing With Firm and Long Strokes
Start using a firm circular motion to rub it in, and stop when you have evened it out. You can also use the palm of your hands.
Apply Before Going To Bed For Intense Hydration
If you want to enjoy an intense moisture treatment, the best time to use body butter is before going to bed, as it has more time to soak in. If you have dry hands and feet, use cotton socks or gloves to cover them as you sleep.
What Are The Benefits Of Body Butter
Natural body butter can be used on normal or oily skin without worrying about irritating your skin. The natural ingredients in body butter provide many benefits when you treat your skin with it.
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Effective in reducing scars and stretch marks because it is high in fatty acids and nutritious vitamins, which are proficient in helping to revitalize and nourish the skin.
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Contains essential oils and antioxidants such as vitamin E, A, and C.
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Suitable for different skin types and can help treat damaged skin, leaving the skin soft and clean.
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Applying a daily layer of body butter helps form a protective layer around your skin.
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It helps deal with eczema, sunburn skin rashes, and reduces wrinkles.
What Are The Different Types Of Body Butter?
Whether you have dehydrated skin, sensitive skin, or are trying to fix dry patches on your skin, there is a body butter out there for you. These skin care products usually contain thick butters and oils, including cocoa butter and coconut oil.
The different types of body butters available include cocoa butter, almond butter, shea butter, hemp seed butter, olive butter, mango butter, and kokum butter.
You can gently massage these body butters into your skin for an overnight treatment to soften your skin.
How Long Does Body Butter Last?
There is no straightforward answer to how long body butters are expected to last as their shelf life is often impacted by a few factors.
Since body butters are oil-based mixtures, you can expect to get at least one year out of it. The following factors have a role in determining how long body butters last:
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Storage: Depending on how and where you store your body butter, you can increase or reduce its lifespan. Keeping it in a bright and warm environment will shorten its shelf life. Store it in a cool, dark place if you want it to last longer.
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Contamination: If water gets into your body butter, it can drastically shorten its shelf life.
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Ingredient shelf life: The shelf life of your body butter can be determined by its ingredient with the shortest shelf life.
How To Store Body Butter?
Follow these steps to ensure your body butter doesn't melt or spoil.
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As soon as you get your body butter, open it. It can melt if it's left in sunlight, no matter how it is packed.
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If it has already melted by the time you open it, you can toss it into the fridge until it hardens.
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You can also utilize an electric mixer to make your body butter light and fluffy. Then it's easier to scoop it out of the fridge.
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Since body butters can be affected by humidity, it is best not to store them in the bathroom. Pay special attention to your product and store it where it isn't too humid or hot. A pantry or cabinet is ideal.
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Even if your body butter has a high melting point, it probably isn't enough to stand the heat from the sun, so keep it away from direct sunlight.
What Are The Precautions When Using Body Butter?
Take note of these precautions to use body butter and reap its full benefits.
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Don't use body butter to treat a rash or acne: Body butter could worsen these conditions. It is important to note that body butters can clog your pores, aggravating the issue. You should pick products specifically made for treating these conditions or see a doctor.
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Try to use unscented body butter: It is a well-known fact that fragrances can irritate the skin and cause all kinds of reactions. This is why it is not advisable to use scented body butter on cracked or damaged skin. When you want to purchase body butter, you should check it is fragrance-free.
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Avoid hot water: The idea of a steamy hot shower can indeed be tempting at times, but you should know that it is not the best option for your skin's health. Hot baths and showers can cause inflammation of the skin in addition to causing itching, dryness, and redness. It also strips your skin of its needed proteins, fats, and oils. Lower the temperature of the water and spend fewer minutes in the warmth of your tub. This will help to retain your skin's moisture before you apply the body butter.
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Do not use body butter on your face: Body butter is very concentrated and thick, which is why it could end up clogging your pores. Applying body butter on your face is a bad move as it might lead to unwanted pimples. If you need to rub something on your face, get a moisturizer specifically made for that purpose.
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Apply body butter sparingly: Avoid using a thick layer of body butter as it might leave your skin feeling greasy. Start with a thin layer and rub it into your body using soothing, circular motions and broad strokes until fully absorbed. You can add a second layer to the areas of your skin looking cracked and dry.
How To Decide What Body Butter To Use Based On Skin Type?
You must read the label of whatever body butter product you want to buy. Body butter is usually made for different skin types, including dry, normal, and oily skin. This is why you need to consider your skin condition before you purchase body butters.
If you have dry skin, you should opt for a body butter that is heavy in texture and oil-based. The formula will help hydrate your skin and keep it enriched.
If your skin is oily, you should order a body butter that is light in texture. Your oily skin might not benefit from a thicker body butter.
If you have combination skin, then the answer you need is a body butter that is neither too dry nor too oily. If you are battling sensitive skin, you should look for body butters that are non-comedogenic.
Also, if you live a lifestyle where you spend most of your time outdoors, ensure you choose a body butter with SPF.
What Is The Difference Between Body Butter And Body Lotion?
During the winter months, you might wonder which product to use to maintain moisturized skin. Body butter and body lotion are both excellent products, but you need to know when to use them.
Are you trying to decide whether to use body butter or body lotion? The main differences are outlined below.
Body Butter is Raw And Body Lotions Are Refined
If you need an intensive moisturizer treatment, you should use body butter, as it is perfect for rough skin. These butters don't spread as much as body lotions and carry less water. Body lotions are more refined, while body butters are basic and raw.
Body butters are better used at night, before sleeping, when our bodies enter repair mode.
Body Lotion Is Lighter Than Body Butter
Body lotions are generally lighter than body butter and don't leave your skin feeling greasy. They are ideal for people with not-so-dry skin as they contain a blend of oils and water. Your face only needs a little moisture, so it's best to apply body lotion to it.
On the other hand, body butter is heavier and is excellent for problem patches like the knees and elbows. It is also great for massaging tired feet and hands.
Body Butter Can Clog Pores Unlike Lotions
Body butter is a skin moisturizer typically formulated from shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, or other vegetable-based oils. It has a thicker consistency than lotion, which makes it extremely effective in tackling problem areas.
However, you need to be careful how and where you apply the body butter as it can clog your pores, especially the ones on your face.
Conclusion
Body butter is a great choice for people looking to rejuvenate dry skin and prevent other skin issues like dry spots and stretch marks. You can add it to your weekly treatment for skin to combat dryness and moisturize it.
Whether you decide to make your own honey-whipped body butter at home or pick up one from the store, you can rest assured that it will work its magic, making your skin feel soft and giving you all the other benefits.
FAQ
Do You Wash Body Butter Off?
Ideally, you are not expected to wash off the body butter as it is like a moisturizing cream or lotion, so you have to leave it on your skin. Some people like applying body butter to their hair; if that's the case, you can rinse it off with warm water.
Can You Use Body Butter On Face?
The thick consistency of body butter can clog pores on your face. So, it is not advisable to use body butter on your face as it could result in pimples. You should only use a moisturizer formulated for the face.
Can You Put On Body Butter In Shower?
It is best to apply body butter when you are done with your daily shower. One tip to follow is to keep your skin slightly moisturized (pat your body dry with a towel but not completely dry) before applying it. You can also rub the body butter into your skin in the shower, but once you have turned the water off are left with just your wet skin.
