WHY USE A NATURAL BODY BUTTER?
Many people experience different negative reactions to synthetic ingredients. Some of these reactions are redness, itchiness, and bumps. Some reactions are more serious and resemble symptoms of allergic reactions such as breaking out in hives or anaphylactic shock. Using a natural body butter reduces your body's exposure to synthetic irritants that are contained in most beauty products. Replacing traditional moisturizers, conditioners, and even cleaners with a natural body butter will help reduce the discomfort associated with having skin sensitivities.
SO WHAT'S IN BROWN SUGAR BODY BUTTER?
Well... it is made from cocoa butter, shea butter, coconut oil, shea oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, and scented with lavender and jasmine essential oils. All of these ingredients are used in a raw unrefined state. The process that I use to make the butter is gentle so that the nutrients of the ingredients are preserved. The hard butters (cocoa and shea) are melted over a double boiler (bowl sitting on top of a pot of simmering water) and then combined with the liquid oils and cooled to room temperature. The essential oils are then added and the mixture is whipped to a light and fluffy consistency.
WHY THESE INGREDIENTS?
I chose these ingredients for the benefits that they offer. I will list them here:
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is an excellent emollient. It melts at body temperature and is quickly and easily absorbed into the skin, penetrating not only the top layer of skin but the dermis layer as well, which is where the body is more able to retain moisture. Cocoa butter contains compounds called cocoa mass polyphenols, which some studies have found can help diminish signs of aging, plus soothe sensitive skin suffering from dermatitis or rashes. The polyphenols found in cocoa butter have been found to counteract skin degeneration, sensitivities, and even cell mutations (NCBI). Cocoa butter has also been shown to improve skin elasticity and skin tone, promote collagen retention and production, and increase skin hydration
Shea Butter & Oil
Shea butter is a natural humectant; it acts as a natural moisture barrier that hydrates and protects the skin. It contains cinnamic acid that provides protection from UV rays and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Shea Butter also contains fatty acids and vitamins A & E that protect against free radical damage, moisturize the skin and hair, and increase elasticity. It helps tissue cell regeneration and softening of the skin, which reduces wrinkles and has also been shown to boost collagen production.
Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil is one of the few oils that have the ability to penetrate the hair shaft adding strength and shine to dry/frizzy hair. Its fatty acid content (Caprylic and Lauric) helps improve elasticity in the skin and hair and helps minimize the appearance of stretch marks, scars, and other forms of hyperpigmentation. The fatty acids in coconut oil reduce inflammation and moisturize which makes them a great solution for all types of skin conditions. The antimicrobial properties of coconut oil balance out the fungal sources that can cause many skin conditions.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is very similar to the natural oil produced by our skin and scalp (sebum). Using it topically, jojoba oil acts like sebum and moisturizes your skin and hair when our body stops doing it naturally. It also removes excess oil; keeping oil levels balanced. Jojoba oil is an emollient and forms an oily layer on the top of the skin that traps water in the skin. it is high in iodine which fights bacteria that can cause breakouts. It also stimulates collagen synthesis
Sweet Almond Oil
Almond oil has antioxidative properties and is known for protecting the skin from UV rays along with keeping the skin soft and supple. It can also fight acne because it contains vitamin A. It is a light oil that easily absorbs into the skin, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin. Almond oil is used as a natural remedy for eczema and psoriasis because of its anti-inflammatory nature.
Jasmine & Lavender Essential Oils
Though I use both of these oils because I love the scent, there are also other benefits. Lavender essential oil is not just a relaxing fragrance, it also benefits the skin by slowing aging with powerful antioxidants. Jasmine essential oil is antibiotic and antiviral that can help calm skin irritation and inflammation. It helps reduce blemishes and soothe irritated skin.
Well, I hope this information was helpful. If you have any questions please let me know!
If you are wondering where to get is wonderful butter it is available here.