Benefits of the butters I use: As with anything in nature, plant-based body butters come in all varieties and from many parts of the world and have just as many different strengths and benefits.
These are the butters I use right now:
Cocoa butter: This butter is extracted from the seeds of cocoa trees grown in Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. Cocoa beans are roasted, peeled and then pressed to extract the oil. The remnants become cocoa powder! (this butter has a chocolate scent!)
Benefits:
- Polyphenols provide antioxidants that improve skin elasticity and tone.
- Phytochemicals improve blood flow to the skin.
- Both the polyphenols and phytochemicals slow the aging process and provide some protection against sun damage.
- Moisturizing properties that form a protective barrier to slow water loss and protect against environmental stressors.
- Reduces the appearance of scars, discoloration and stretch marks.
- Helps treat eczema, dermatitis and is effective relief from burns.
- Melts easily on skin-contact and absorbs quickly into the skin.
Kokum butter: Extracted from the high-fat seeds of the fruit-bearing Kokum trees that grow in the tropical regions of India.
Benefits:
- Rich in Vitamin E, helps skin cells protect against free-radicals.
- High levels of stearic acid offer deep moisturizing.
- Emollient properties moisturize the skin making it appear more youthful.
- Melts easily on the skin but absorbs quickly without a greasy residue.
Nilotica Shea Butter: Common Shea Butter comes from the nuts of the Shea trees in West Africa. However, I use Nilotica Shea Butter that is from the nuts of the Shea trees grown in East Africa.
Benefits:
- Contains 25% more EFAs (essential fatty acids) than West African Shea.
- Contains higher levels of Vitamins A and E than West African Shea.
- Because of its unique fatty acid profile rich in Linoleic, Stearic, Palmitic and Oleic acids, it absorbs quickly, penetrates deeply, delivering moisture and restoring the protective layer on your skin thus sealing in that moisture.
- Anti-inflammatory so it is suitable for sensitive and itchy, red skin.
- Abundance of Vitamins A, E, K, and F provides strong antioxidant activity in your skin cells that protect against free-radicals, premature aging and dull-looking skin.
- Contain triterpenes which are compounds known to stop the breakdown of collagen fibers, creates plumper skin and encourages the growth of healthy cells.
- Supports healing by helping skin tissue remodel and by providing a protective layer on the skin that helps shield superficial wounds from the outside during healing.