The great thing about homemade body butter is that you can select ingredients and formulations that cater to your skin’s needs. Not only can you experiment with texture, but you can also tweak the moisture content. Although some people enjoy having body butters that are specific to different times of the year, there is something special about having a body butter you can use no matter the season.
This mango body butter contains four ingredients: mango butter, avocado oil, vitamin E oil, and arrowroot powder. The first three ingredients work nourish the skin, while arrowroot powder enables the body butter to have a more appealing, lightweight texture. Additionally, arrowroot powder helps you avoid a greasy finish to the skin after application. You just have to mix in the arrowroot powder after you melt, mix, and then chill the butters and oils that you’re using. It will truly give your body butter a luxurious texture.
Mango Butter
Although scientific studies on mango butter are minimal, mango butter may be an under-the-radar anti-aging ingredient. Researchers have pointed out the many potential skin-nourishing benefits of mango butter, especially in regards to anti-aging, because of the compounds it contains. A high percentage of tocopherols (vitamin E) may help environmental stressors like visible light, UV rays, and pollution. Because it has a butter-like texture, mango butter is a powerful emollient for dry skin. Dermatologists agree that it forms a naturally occlusive barrier on the skin that not only protects it, but also hydrates it. Additionally, mango butter may support collagen health because of the large amount of vitamin C.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil contains lots of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, D, and E, in addition to a few other minerals like potassium. These nutrients work to moisturize the skin, specifically the epidermis, the skin’s outermost layer. The antioxidants in avocado oil may help alleviate dry or irritated skin. Although it is not an eczema or psoriasis remedy, people with those skin conditions may help relieve symptoms via topical application of avocado oil. Lastly, some studies found that consuming avocado oil may help the skin retain its elasticity. More research is necessary, but initial research is promising.
Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil is known for two key features: antioxidant properties and moisturizing properties. As a common ingredient in many moisturizers, vitamin E oil may help prevent dry, flaking skin. A 2013 animal study found that, when given vitamin E supplements, mice were less likely to develop skin cancer, even when exposed to lots of UV light. Studies on humans, however, have not found any skin cancer prevention associated with vitamin E use. For those who experience dry or itchy skin from eczema, vitamin E oil may help provide relief. One study found that topical vitamin E use was able to reduce psoriasis symptoms.
DIY Mango Body Butter
Ingredients:
- 5.6 ounces mango butter
- 2.2 ounces avocado oil
- 0.1 ounce vitamin E oil
- 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder
Instructions:
- Melt the mango butter in a double boiler over medium-low heat. You can melt it in the microwave, but you have better control with the double boiler method.
- Once melted, remove the double boiler from the heat and stir in the avocado oil and vitamin E oil. Mix well, pour into a heat-safe bowl, and then place in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes.
- Remove the bowl from the fridge and then whip the mixture using a hand mixer. Whip for about five to seven minutes, or until light and fluffy.
- Transfer the body butter to your favorite container and then keep it in a cool place, using as needed.
