The time has come to make some fluffy, smooth, skin-firming body cream! While it won’t turn your flab into fab, it may help you maintain tight skin during your weight loss journey. The ingredients in this body cream, which is more like a body butter, are 100% natural and work to nourish the skin.
One thing to know about this body cream is that it is slightly greasy, even though the skin can easily absorb the ingredients. The shea butter tends to leave a little shine, though, making your skin glisten in the sun. A little greasiness aside, you may want to accompany the use of this body cream with some dry brushing. If you haven’t started dry brushing, it’s a great way to boost circulation and even out skin tone. Click here to learn more about dry brushing and continue reading to learn how this body cream can help tighten your skin.
Camellia Oil
Perhaps the unsung hero of skin care, camellia oil is naturally rich in omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants. From boosting hydration to reducing stretch marks, this oil does wonders for your skin. Camellia oil works to restore the skin’s elasticity, while simultaneously tightening and toning the skin. It may also help diminish visible fine lines and wrinkles to keep your skin looking youthful.
Mango Butter
In India, the mango is considered the “king of fruits” because it is the source of the emollient mango butter. The primary chemical constituents of mango butter are oleic acid, stearic, acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, and vitamins A, C, and E. Together these nutrients work to maintain softness and suppleness, while also reducing the signs of premature aging. Mango butter’s emollience also boosts skin elasticity, which makes the skin look firmer and smoother.
Shea Butter
Shea butter is the fat extracted from the nut of the shea tree. It has been used in cosmetic applications for centuries because of the high concentration of vitamins and fatty acids. Shea butter contains vitamin A, which works to nourish the skin and help fight early signs of aging. Additionally, shea butter encourages collagen production, keeping your skin nice and firm. It also contains vitamin F (a mixture of two essential fatty acids), which keeps the skin hydrated and soft; thus, helping your skin maintain its elasticity.
Hemp Seed Oil
This light green oil comes from the cold-pressing of hemp seeds. Fear not, because hemp seeds don’t contain the active ingredient that causes psychotropic reactions in the brain. It is a standardized oil that almost everyone can use. In addition to softening the skin, hemp seed oil forms a protective barrier on the skin, preventing it from losing moisture. It does this because hemp seed oil is a humectant, which draws environmental moisture to the skin. Hemp seed oil may also firm and tighten the skin, contributing to a more beautiful complexion.
DIY Skin Firming Body Cream
Ingredients:
- 50 grams mango butter
- 40 grams shea butter
- 10 grams camellia oil
- 5 grams hemp seed oil
- 5 drops each: patchouli, geranium, and bergamot essential oil
- 4 drops vitamin E oil
Instructions:
- Prepare a water bath by adding about one inch of water to a wide pan. Bring the water to a low simmer over medium-low heat.
- Add the mango and shea butters to a heat-safe glass measuring cup and place the cup into the pan with the water. Remove the glass cup from the pan once the butters are thoroughly melted. Give the melted butters a quick whisk to combine.
- Allow the mixture to cool down completely before adding it to a bowl along with the camellia and hemp seed oils. Use an electric mixer to whip the ingredients into a fluffy cream that resembles frosting. You’re not done yet, though.
- Whip for a few more minutes and then place it in the fridge for two minutes. Remove from the fridge and whip for another few minutes before placing it in the fridge again.
- Remove from the fridge once more, add the essential oils, and whip again. Transfer the mixture to your container/jar of choice and use when ready.
