When you start using homemade skin care products, you may notice that a little goes a long way. The skin can easily absorb natural ingredients, and if they are like the ingredients in this body butter, they help seal in moisture. With no chemicals, no additives, and being incredibly cost-effective in the long-run, making your own beauty products is a no-brainer! Don’t believe us? Let this homemade citrus body butter convince you!
Why Should You Use A Body Butter?
Body butters are basically dense emollients that consist of plant-based oils and fat extracts. These ingredients contain skin-fortifying ingredients that protect dermal tissues and moisten dry areas of the skin. Using a body butter can help create a defensive barrier over the skin that helps lock in moisture. The ingredients tend to penetrate deep layers of the tissues that supply hydration. Plus, regular use of body butter may also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve major skin issues like eczema or psoriasis. For a closer look at the ingredients in the body butter in this article, continue reading.
Cocoa Butter
According to dermatologists, cocoa butter is a naturally-occurring moisturizer for dry skin. It exhibits impressive antioxidant activity that may help fight off free radical damage on the skin. Protecting your skin from free radicals helps reduce the risk of fine lines, dark patches, and dull-looking skin. Because cocoa butter is high in fatty acids, it helps hydrate the skin, penetrating deep dermal layers. It contains oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids, all of which nourish the skin.
Beeswax
Beeswax is a natural humectant that contains protective wax esters that draw moisture into the skin, and keep that moisture there. Providing gentle exfoliation, beeswax works to keep the skin soft and smooth. Similar to honey, beeswax exhibits antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular ingredient for people with dry skin. In fact, beeswax has an ability to soothe the skin and promote healing for skin conditions like eczema.
Sweet Almond Oil
Some people use sweet almond oil to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, scars, and wrinkles. Although people use sweet almond oil in this way, there are not many studies that support those benefits, so more research is necessary. Sweet almond oil contains beneficial fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that work to nourish the skin. Studies show that using sweet almond oil may soothe and hydrate the skin, making it beneficial for people with dry skin.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a popular ingredient in skin care products because it contains beneficial fats that nourish the skin. These fats work to enhance skin barrier function, helping to protect the skin from harmful pathogens. The essential amino acids in coconut oil also help to strengthen the skin, in addition to moistening it and keeping it as healthy as possible. Studies have shown that coconut oil has the ability to boost the level of antioxidants and collagen in the body, both of which play an integral role in the regeneration of skin cells.
Citrus Body Butter
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons beeswax
- 2 tablespoons cocoa butter
- 4 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/2 cup sweet almond oil
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon grapefruit zest
Instructions:
- In a double boiler, add the beeswax, cocoa butter, and coconut oil and bring to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and then stir in the sweet almond oil and the orange and grapefruit zest.
- Pour the mixture into two separate jars and allow it to solidify at room temperature. If you prefer a whipped body butter, allow it to solidify in a mixing bowl and then whip with an electric hand mixer until fluffy. At that point, you can spoon into jars.
- Whichever preparation method you choose, make sure to store in the fridge (if your place is hot), or store in a cool, dark place. Use when ready.
