Natural body products are becoming very popular, and finding the right one can feel quite confusing. Between cocoa butter and coconut oil, which of these two options should you pick? Is Shea butter better? Or should you go for olive oil instead? Body butter and body oil can both moisturize your skin well. So which should you go for?
If you have ever found yourself feeling confused in the beauty products aisle, worry not. This article will simplify for you the differences between body butter and oil and which one is best for you.
Body Butter
Body butter is made up of rich natural ingredients. As the name suggests, they have a thick and creamy consistency. Body butter is typically made up of plant-based products such as shea or cocoa and natural oils to make the thick butter easier to spread.
You can find completely raw butter made without oils. Some body butter includes essential oils such as vanilla, tea tree, lavender, or chamomile.
Body butter works wonders for people with dry skin or those whose skin is affected by extreme weather conditions such as winter.
Types of Body Butter
There are three main types of natural body butter:
- Cocoa butter. This rich butter is high in Vitamin E and has fatty acids that protect the skin, nourish it and enhance elasticity. It also contains phytochemicals that protect it from sun damage.
- Shea butter. Shea butter comes from the nuts of the African shea tree. It is high in Vitamin E and A. It moisturizes the skin, has anti-inflammatory properties and
- Mango butter. Mango butter is made by cold-compressing the contents of the mango seed. It is rich in Vitamins E and C. It enhances the production of collagen, hydrates the skin, and protects the skin from environmental stressors.
Benefits of Body Butter
Besides leaving you with a wonderful glow, body butter has several benefits, such as:
- Protection from dry skin. Body butter locks in moisture and penetrates deep into the skin to nourish it.
- Last longer on the skin. Due to its components and thickness, body butter moisturizes your skin for longer. A single application can be enough to hydrate you for the day.
- Anti-aging properties. Butters are extremely moisturizing and contain vitamins and antioxidants that replenish your skin and reduce wrinkles.
- Protect the skin. Body butter provides a protective layer that prevents your skin from getting damaged.
Body Oil
Body oils come as they are and are usually lighter than body butter. Because body oils are natural products, they are absorbed better by the skin as they mimic the natural lipids found in the skin. Though anyone can use them, body oils are especially beneficial to cracked skin or skin prone to eczema.
Body oils are best applied when the body is still damp. This makes it easier to spread and locks in moisture better.
Types of Body Oil
There are different types of body oils you can be used on the skin such as black seed oil from theblessedseed.com can be a great for your skin. Below are most common ones are:
- Olive oil. As great as olive oil is for cooking, it has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties on the skin. It also contains antioxidants and fatty acids that protect the skin.
- Coconut oil. Coconut oil contains fatty acids that nourish the skin and protect it. It is also hydrating and locks in moisture.
- Jojoba oil. Jojoba oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for skin prone to eczema or acne.
- Rosehip seed oil. This oil has hydrating properties that repair the skin. It also works well for skin with scarring and stretch marks.
- Argan oil. Argan oil is high in Vitamin E, making it effective in repairing skin damage. It also moisturizes the skin and protects it from sun damage.
You can also use oil blends for a more holistic approach. Different oil blends are formulated with specific blends of carrier and essential oils to target multiple concerns. One of our favorite products is Olbas oil. This is an aromatherapy blend that has soothing ingredients such as cajeput, eucalyptus, and peppermint essential oils. It is an inhalant that also doubles up as a body massage oil and offers healing, soothing, and rejuvenating benefits.
Benefits of Body Oil
There are many benefits of using body oil, some of which include:
- Non-toxic. Oils are usually free from harsh ingredients that can damage your skin.
- Repair damaged skin. Oils can be used to repair skin that was once damaged. Because they are natural, they are usually safer for sensitive skin.
- Absorb easily. Because they are light, body oils are easily absorbed by the skin and leave no residue.
- Have a calming effect. Body oils are a great way to calm your body after a stressful day. They can also relieve aches and pains when massaged on your body.
- Are affordable. Most body oils are quite affordable, and some can even be found in the grocery aisle.
Which Should You go For?
This really comes down to:
- Preference. You can choose to go for either of these or incorporate both of them into your daily skincare routine.
- Skin type. If your skin is extra dry, body butters will work best. If you have oily skin, you can go for body oil, as it will hydrate you without leaving your skin feeling greasy. Since both products are largely made up of natural products, they can both be used by anyone with sensitive skin.
In the end, it is best to select the body butter that is right for your skin type and preference. There are all kinds of body butter available; try different ones to see what works best.
