RS Recommends: Nourish Your Skin With These Hydrating Body Butters
Moisturizing by way of body lotion is an inexpensive way to nourish your skin, and an important practice that everyone should be implementing in their daily routine. During the day, our skin becomes drier as it’s exposed to the sun and air, whether you live in a hot, cold or temperate region, so it’s important to apply some tender love and care so your skin can prepare, and recover, from the events of the day. Lotion can rehydrate our skin, and lock that moisture in so it retains its elasticity and natural sheen. The act of applying lotion can also be a relaxing activity after a particularly trying day; not only are you treating your body, but your mind as well.
Everything has its limits, however, and that includes lotion. Depending on your skin type, you may need a lotion that packs more of a punch; maybe you live in a hotter or drier area, your skin is extremely dry and sensitive or you’ve been spending more time outside than you normally do. Consider body butter, which can provide the added moisturizing experience you’re seeking.
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What Is Body Butter?
The key difference between your average lotion and body butter is in their textures. As its name suggests, the best body butters are thicker, and therefore provide a more hydrating experience that also lasts longer. They’re especially effective at bringing moisture to areas on your body that might be prone to dryness, such as your elbows, and preventing dry patches from appearing again. By comparison, lotions have a higher water content, making them faster absorbing, though not as hydrating.
How and When to Use Body Butter
The optimal time to apply your body butter or lotion is after a shower or bath. This will not only lock in the moisture, but make your skin feel supple and silky smooth. If you don’t moisturize after cleansing your skin, you run the risk of drying it out. Not only does this feel unpleasant, but it puts your skin at a higher risk of inflammation, sustaining sunburn and other conditions.
It’s important to remember that body butter is specifically developed for the skin on your body, not your face. Unlike the skin on your body, your facial tissues are thinner and less durable. We do not recommend applying body butter to your face due to its thick consistency, as this may actually agitate the skin and lead to a breakout. If you’re looking to give your face that same luxuriating experience that your body is receiving, consider investing in a handy night cream.
What to Look for in Body Butter
You should always do a little homework before introducing your skin to a new product. Consider the following before choosing the best body butter for you.
Skin Type: Everyone’s skin is different, so while recommendations are nice, you’ll always want to view your selection through the prism of how your skin behaves. Is it drier than the average person, or is it more sensitive? Are you more prone to breakouts? If you’re not sure what type of skin you have, consider speaking with a dermatologist.
Body Butter Type: Not all body butters are the same, and there are a few different variations. The most popular are shea butter, almond butter, kokum butter, cocoa butter and mango butter. While they all provide a restorative experience for your skin, they each have their own benefits. For example, mango butter is effective at helping to eliminate dark spots, whereas almond butter has been proven to be adept at helping to treat stretch marks and cellulite. Some have even used cocoa butter to help fight against dry scalps and dandruff.
Additionally, make sure to read the label on the front of the container which will note if that particular body butter is best for certain skin types, such as oily or dry skin.
Ingredients: You should always be looking at what goes into formulating anything you’re going to put on your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. For the best results, we recommend going with body butters that are non-comedogenic, which means they won’t clog your pores.
What Is the Best Body Butter?
Take a look at our list of the most nourishing body butters which are all highly-rated by users and available to buy online.
1. Supergoop! Body Butter
Amazon
This body butter from Supergoop! kills two birds with one stone; not only do the antioxidants and natural oils its formulated with provide a hydrating experience for your skin, the body butter also protects your skin from harmful UV rays. The fragrant scent of eucalyptus, clove and vanilla is the cherry on top.
Buy: Supergoop! Body Butter $38.00
2. Fig Leaf Cupuaçu Body Butter
Klorane Usa
This body butter may be lightweight, but it still is thoroughly moisturizing for you and your body thanks to organic cupuaçu butter; watch in awe as it melts into your skin and leaves it feeling softer than ever before, like magic!
3. Fenty Skin Butta Drop Whipped Oil Body Cream
Amazon
To say that Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty is a smash success is a bit of an understatement, but with products like their Skin Butta it’s easy to see why. Jam packed with a lot of nourishing ingredients like antioxidants, cherry extract, mango butter and shea butter, this body butter will hydrate even the driest spots on your body with a non-greasy finish and fragrant aroma to boot. In fact, it’s so good we’re almost willing to forgive Rihanna for making us wait so long for new music.
4. Take Care + Nourish Advanced Hydration Body Moisturizer
Tula Skincare
This body butter comes with a creamy consistency that leaves your body feeling supple with a natural (but not greasy or sticky) glow. The vanilla and coconut scent is equally nourishing for your mind and body.
5. Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Soy Milk and Honey Whipped Body Butter
Amazon
A winning combination of milk, honey, glycerin, shea and jojoba butter makes this body butter a luxurious experience, resulting in smoother, more supple skin. Kiehl’s is known for their formulations, which help to nourish and heal. This one is particularly good for people with extra dry skin.
Buy: Kiehl’s Creme de Corps $46.85
6. ASUTRA Melt Pain Away Magnesium Body Butter
Amazon
Not only is this body butter extremely hydrating, it’s also effective at helping managing pain as well, whether you’re struggling after a strenuous workout or if you suffer from chronic pain, thanks to the magnesium it’s formulated with. Those struggling with dry and cracked skin can benefit a lot from the sweet almond oil extract, which penetrates the surface to soothe and nourish from deep within. This body butter is also endorsed by tennis legend Venus Williams, who has raved about its effectiveness at soothing pain.
Buy: ASUTRA Body Butter $21.99
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