As someone who has an extensive body care routine, I LOVE using body butters to moisturize my skin. Body butter is known for its rich texture and deep moisturizing benefits which makes it perfect for my dry, mature skin. But it’s important to use it the right way which will make a significant difference in how well it works. A lot of people use body butter like a regular lotion, but this often leads to a greasy feel or poor absorption. So today, I am sharing a guide on how to use body butter so your skin feels hydrated, smooth, and not weighed down.
How To Use Body Butter
Body butter is a thick, oil-based formula that behaves differently than lighter moisturizers. It can be a highly effective way to improve skin texture and maintain long-lasting moisture when applied properly. It’s important to focus on proper timing, targeted application, and layering it correctly with other products which will allow you to lock in moisture while avoiding heaviness or buildup.
What Is Body Butter?
Body butter is a dense, oil-based moisturizer made from ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and plant oils. It is designed to seal moisture into the skin rather than provide hydration on its own.
What Does Body Butter Do?
Creates a barrier that locks in moisture
Because of most body butter’s oil-based formulation, they create a barrier that prevents moisture loss better than body lotions.
Softens rough, dry, or flaky skin
The rich texture is often perfect for smoothing very dry skin and helping smooth out rough or flaky spots.
Helps support the skin barrier
Supporting the skin barrier on the body is just as important as on the face. Especially as we get older, our skin loses moisture faster. It’s important to use richer products that will help to boost and reinforce the skin barrier.
Is Body Butter the Same as Body Lotion?
Body butter is oil-based and thicker in texture/feel. Body lotion is usually water-based and lightweight, providing less intensive moisturizing benefits. Body butter provides longer-lasting moisture, while lotion absorbs faster. There is usually more time needed to let body butter fully sink in and dry so it’s best used in the evening or when you have more time. Body lotion is a great option for times when you need something quick to moisturize the body but without needing any time for it to properly sink in.
What Is Body Butter Used For?
- Treating very dry or rough skin
- Hydrating areas like elbows, knees, heels, and hands
- Supporting skin recovery in dry climates or colder seasons
How To Apply Body Butter
Step 1: Apply to clean, slightly damp skin
Since it’s typically oil-based, it’s best to apply body butter to lightly dampened skin to lock in moisture.
Step 2: Scoop a small amount
Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
Step 3: Warm it between your hands
Warming it up between your hands allows the product to break down a bit becoming easier to massage in.
Step 4: Massage into skin in circular motions
This isn’t necessary but it can help to stimulate circulation while massaging in the body butter.
Step 5: Let it absorb before dressing
Body butter does take a bit longer to absorb so throw on a robe to allow it time to fully sink in before getting dressed.
When To Use Body Butter
After showering for best absorption
For years, I was applying my body lotions, butters and creams on bone dry skin. It wasn’t until I began applying them to lightly damp skin did I really see a difference in how they made my skin feel.
At night for deeper hydration
I typically apply all my rich body butters at night before getting dressed for bed. For the daytime, I prefer lighter weight formulas that absorb quickly.
During colder months or in dry environments
If you don’t feel the need to use body butter all year round, be sure to add them into your routine in the winter. Or if you live somewhere that is especially dry, it’s best to apply a body butter a few times a week to combat dehydration.
Top 3 Body Butters For Mature Skin
Mutha Body Butter (discount code: MAREE15)
This body butter is uniquely different from every other body product I own. This is a true body BUTTER. It’s thick and rich – almost like a solid balm. In addition to moisturizing my skin like never before, it’s intensely firming and also leaves the most gorgeous hydrated glow on the skin. It’s pricey but honestly I have never tried anything this luxe before.
Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Firming Body Butter
I’ve gone through three tubs of this and always repurchase when I run out. An airy whipped texture is the best way to describe this body butter. Light and fluffy but intensely rich and hydrating.
Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Butter
Naturium is still one of the best affordable skincare brands on the market. If you love the Glow Getter Body Wash, the Body Butter is a must try! It’s a multi-oil body butter that intensely nourishes, hydrates and soothes the skin. It has a light vanilla/coconut scent that isn’t overpowering or lingering once absorbed into the skin. There is a reason that this continues to be a top seller for the brand because it’s one of the best body butters I’ve ever tried.
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