Nourishing body butters are effective to treat dry skin: Skincare experts

Packed in aesthetic boxes and marketed as premium products that promise to help moisturise and protect the skin body butters are appealing to those who love taking care of their skin Moreover skin care experts are endorsing it tooWhile the benefits of body butter are promising understanding how it helps one boost their skin health is essential We spoke to Dr Batul Patel celebrity dermatologist founder and medical director The Bombay Skin Clinic and Dr Shefali Trasi Nerurkar MBBS MD dermatology consultant dermatologist Dr Trasi Clinic and La Piel Skin Clinic who delve into the application and benefits of body buttersFirstly what is body butter ldquoBody butter is a thick and creamy skin moisturiser made from natural oils and butters such as shea butter cocoa butter and mango butter It often contains essential oils or other natural fragrances for added benefitsrdquo says PatelIn addition to this Nerurkar says body butters are of two kinds ldquoThey are either made from natural ingredients like extracts of nuts seeds and plant oils or are formulated chemicallyrdquoThey are different from body lotionsThe key difference is in their texture Body butter is always thicker than creams and lotions It contains very little water content Besides these products have a higher concentration of natural butter and oilsDue to its high oil content it often provides longlasting moisture Further unlike creams and lotions that get absorbed into the skin faster due to their water content body butter takes more timeBenefits of body butter1 Body butter is an excellent skin moisturiser for extremely dry skin Its thick texture and natural formulation contain the essential vitamins that make the skin soft and supple2 Body butter also contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants to help increase collagen formation Further they protect your skin from free radicals that are responsible for premature ageing of the skinThis skincare product is also great for cracked hands and feet It seals the cracks and hydrates the skin This said body butter can largely benefit those suffering from skin conditions like eczema psoriasis or dermatitis although professional guidance is recommendedBody butters can also also help fight lip dryness as they as excellent lubricants and will help restore their natural softnessThough body butters have their own set of advantages for the skin those who have naturally oily skin and are prone to developing acne must refrain from using body butters Further any person with an active skin infection should avoid using the butter temporarily till the infection subsidesAlso Read Ultimate bridal skincare guide Say lsquoI dorsquo to radiant skin on your big dayBest time of applicationSince body butter is thick and creamy it is best to apply it after having bathsAfter the bath pat the skin dry Then apply the body butter on the slightly wet skin which helps in the easy spreadability Further since the skinrsquos pores are open after showers applying body butter will seal the pores and prevent any water loss from the skin It will also help in locking the skinrsquos moistureFor the complete benefits of the product experts suggest purchasing natural body butters as they contain good antioxidants and nutrients for the skin as well as the hairThere are many body butters available in the market that you can try These include1 Shea ButterIt is derived from the nut of the shea tree native to Africa It consists of essential fatty acids like oleic acid linolenic acid and palmitic acid that ensure deep moisturising for dry skin It also has potent antiinflammatory properties which aid in decreasing irritation swelling and redness in the skin2 Almond ButterDerived from almond nuts it contains vitamin E and omega6 fatty acids It has intense emollient properties to repair dry and damaged skin It also helps in maintaining skin elasticity to significantly fade the visibility of stretch marks cellulite and dented folds and tissues3 Cocoa ButterObtained from the seeds of the cacao plant this thick creamy concoction is a boon for dry skin Additionally it is also great for dry scalp and dandruff It helps stimulate hair follicles for a strong and silky hair textureWhile these three are the most common ones you can also try palm butter mango butter kokum butter soy butter avocado butter and aloe vera butterAlways opt for reputable brands whose products are free of chemicals Check the ingredients before making a purchase Be cautious if you have allergies especially to tree nuts or fragrancesPatel suggests the following products1 The Body Shop It is known for its wide range of options and natural ingredients2 Josie Maran It offers highquality organic argan oilbased body butter3 Alba Botanica These offer vegetarian and crueltyfree options and is good for sensitive skinAlso Read Acne scars Skincare experts share effective home remedies to get rid of them