How to use body butter (3 simple steps)

Is your skin feeling dry, irritated, or tight? If so, it might be time to add body butter to your skincare routine. Body butter is a thick and creamy moisturizer that can be made with natural ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and coconut oil. Unlike lotions and other light moisturizers, body butters can provide long-lasting hydration to help heal dry skin. 

Here's a quick guide on how to use body butter: 

Step One: Pick the Right Body Butter 

Not all body butters are created equal. In fact, some body butters can even make dry skin worse. That being said, when shopping for body butter, look for one that contains natural ingredients (like shea butter, cocoa butter, or coconut oil). These ingredients will help to soothe and protect your skin. You should also try to avoid body butters that contain synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, or sulfates. 

Step Two: Apply to Clean Skin 

The best time to apply body butter is right after you shower, while your skin is still damp. This will help lock in moisture and prevent your skin from feeling dry and irritated. Simply scoop a small amount of body butter into your hands and massage it into your skin until it's fully absorbed. Be sure to pay extra attention to any areas that are particularly dry such as your knees, elbows, and feet. 

Step Three: Use as Needed 

You can use body butter as often as you need to depending on the condition of your skin. If your skin is feeling extra dry, you may need to apply body butter multiple times per day. However, if your skin is only mildly dry, you may only need to apply body butter once per day or even once per week. Listen to your skin and let it be your guide!

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How to choose the right body butter for your skin

The first step in finding the best body butter for you is to identify your skin type. Do you have dry skin? Oily skin? Sensitive skin? Combination skin? Once you know your skin type, you can start to narrow down your options.

If you have dry skin, you'll want to look for a body butter that is rich and creamy. It should be made with ingredients that are known to hydrate and nourish the skin, such as shea butter, cocoa butter, or avocado oil. You may also want to consider a body butter that contains antioxidants, such as vitamin E or green tea extract. These ingredients will help protect your skin from environmental damage and keep it looking its best.

If you have oily skin, you'll want to look for a body butter that is light and non-greasy. It should be made with ingredients that are known to control excess oil production, such as jojoba oil or grapeseed oil. You may also want to consider a body butter that contains antiseptic properties, such as tea tree oil or lavender oil. These ingredients can help keep your skin clean and clear.

If you have sensitive skin, you'll want to look for a body butter that is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. It should be made with ingredients that are known to soothe and calm the skin, such as chamomile extract or aloe vera gel. You may also want to consider a body butter that contains anti-inflammatory properties, such as cucumber extract or witch hazel. These ingredients will help to reduce redness and irritation.

If you have combination skin, you'll want to look for a body butter that is light but still provides enough moisture. It should be made with ingredients that are known to balance both dry and oily areas of the skin, such as jojoba oil or avocado oil. You may also want to consider a body butter that contains calming properties, such as chamomile extract or lavender oil. These ingredients can help even out your skin tone and texture. 

Too much to keep track of? If you can find an all-natural body butter with no synthetic fragrances or other add-ins, you should be good to go. Depending on your skin type, you may simply need to use more or less of the body butter - or apply it more or less often. Ultimately, you should pay attention to what your skin feels and looks like and also how your skin reacts to certain levels of body butter. Your skin talks! Listen to it.

Want to keep reading? Check out the 5 most impressive benefits of body butter