Baby, it’s still cold outside and we need to look after the biggest protector of our body – our skin! This should mean finding the best ingredients for body care, preferably natural.

We people of color usually need products for our skin that are a little heavier with the ability to penetrate its layers effectively.

Body butters and oils provide the perfect options for hydration and form a protective barrier over your skin to keep in moisture, especially during winter months. They leave your skin really soft. But just what are the top ones for Black skin? And what are their benefits?

Shea Butter is fantastic, especially when unprocessed. Yellow to ivory in color in its unrefined form, Shea or Karite butter comes from the seeds of fruit resembling almonds, of Shea trees of West Africa. Beyond mere moisturizing, Shea butter is used to treat scars, blemishes and even stiff muscles, inflammation, swelling and arthritis.

Not only does Shea butter protect and nourish skin, long-term use is said to improve softness and lessen the appearance of wrinkles. This healthy butter is also high in fatty acids, Vitamins A, E and F, with some UV protection. Shea butter’s versatility and many healing properties are why this natural butter is used to care for hair, lips and even nose during cold and flu season.

Cocoa Butter has long been a way to nourish damaged, dry and ashy skin – including those thicker areas on hands, feet, knees and elbows – for fading dark spots and increasing elasticity. African American women know of its powers for skin discoloration and fading stretch marks, especially during and after pregnancy. Regular use also aids in removing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Derived from cocoa beans, cocoa butter is used alone or combined with other components for moisturizing your skin and hair. Then there is that heavenly, chocolatey scent! Though creamy or solid in your hands, it is easy to apply and quickly melts when rubbed into your skin.

Mango Seed Butter packed with vitamin C, naturally plumps the skin. We know this tropical fruit’s firm flesh is delicious and healthy but the hard seed can be processed into oil, powder or butter that benefits your skin.

Like Shea butter, it also contains vitamin A (reducing the appearance of fine lines) as well as fatty acids like oleic acid, wonderful for tightening, firming and adding moisture your skin and lips. Mango butter is ideal for sensitive skin and offers the bonus of soothing irritation and stinging from poison ivy and insect bites.

Coconut Oil is easy to apply and softens skin immediately, especially just after bathing. The saturated fat of this versatile oil, nourishes skin. We know of its many benefits for hair and scalp but did you know it has anti-fungal properties for reducing foot odor and conditions like Athlete’s Foot?

Kukui Nut Oil or body butter has been used by Polynesians traditionally to protect babies’ skin in Hawaii. Harvested by pressing oil from the Kukui nut or candle-nut tree, this oil is easily absorbed and, contains vitamins A and E, antioxidants and fatty acids.

Beyond providing moisture,it protects against environmental stressors (like wind and sun), and is used to heal wounds, eczema, psoriasis and aging skin. Kukui nut oil is a trending ingredient in lip balm and shampoo. Since actress Lupita Nyong’o shared this organic beauty secret for smoothing her face, we paid more attention!

What about prepared products?
Quality, organic products offer a quick and easy aromatic solution for moisturizing. Look for products manufactured with “crude”, “unrefined” or “cold-pressed” ingredients, since heat tends to destroy the key nutrients found in the seed oils and butters. With so many fragrant combinations to choose from, consider purchasing a sample kit so you can commit to your favorite body butter in a larger size later.

What’s the difference between Body Butter and Body Lotion?
While they both work to hydrate the skin, the main difference is the amount of water included. Lotion contains more water, with some comprising up to 70%. This also means it doesn’t last as long and it is necessary to apply more times during the day. With body butter, which is much thicker than lotion, the humectants lock in moisture.

How to Care for Feet in Cold Weather
The skin on your feet is usually pretty dry since there aren’t oil glands. Extreme conditions like winter make it even worse.
For soft, touchable feet, rub on body butter and put on a pair of socks before bedtime. A few nights of this treatment will provide the best results.

Body butter is great for calluses and corns. Pat the feet dry after bathing. Slather on the body butter of your choice by massaging it in, particularly on the affected areas. At night, wear thick socks. Repeat until calluses disappear.

There are so many reasons to get naturally buttered up. Commit to keeping your skin soft and supple. As always …

Dedicated To Your Beauty

Juliette Samuel
Esthetician/Author/Publisher
Nyraju Skin Care