What you need to know about Body Butter!

Before you pick up your next body butter, read over my list of synthetics commonly used in body butter formulas below. When looking for products for body care that contain these rich butters avoid formulas that use harsh cosmetic chemicals such as propylene glycol, artificial colors, artificial fragrances and petroleum based ingredients. In addition, avoid formulas that including mineral oil as this can be drying and irritating to the skin! Natural Alternatives & Solutions; Plant butters such as cocoa butter and shea butter can actually very beneficial and healing for the skin. They are desired for their revitalizing properties and can often be found in natural formulas for face and body care.  For the skin to benefit from the use of these ingredients, the formula should contain at least 1 to 3% of some type of butter along with other nourishing and synergistic ingredients. Here the different butters and their remarkable healing benefits are explained: Shea Butter:  A fatty, rich oil extracted from the nut of the African Shea trees coming primarily from West and Central Africa.  The use of shea butter by aboriginal people of these African  regions to revitalize dry skin and heal wounds or skin conditions dates back hundreds of years.  Its primary benefit in cosmetic formulas is to target signs of age and promote skin revitalization.  Raw, unrefined shea butter is the purest source as it retains the most nutrients and vitamins.   Cocoa Butter: The most widely used butter in the cosmetic industry, cocoa butter is created from the  cacao bean and has a mild chocolate scent.  Its powerful anti-oxidant properties have shown to help soothe and heal dry/irritated skin and improve the look of stretch marks     Mango Butter: Originating from India, this butter is extracted from the seeds of the mango.  It was traditionally  used as a natural emollient, for wound healing and skin regeneration for mature skintypes. It also has shown to promote healing of sun burns, and soothes muscle fatigue. Rich in anti-oxidants it can help to repair skin exposed to harsh environmental factors. Olive Butter: Created from the Mediterranean and cold pressed from the fruit of the olive, this butter is  rich  in fatty acids.  It helps to deeply moisturize, heal and nourish the skin while reducing the effects from the environment.   Capuacu Butter: Harvested from the Amazon Rainforest, this butter is renowned for its high water absorption factor and acting as a humectant.  It aids in skin recovery, improvement in skin’s moisture levels and improvement in the skin’s elasticity.  It is rich in phytosterols which help to regulate the lipid barrier of the skin.     Our Natural Solutions:  From our spa line we recommend our Seaweed Body Butter it's packed with fresh Pacific Seaweed, Anti-oxidants including Green Tea, Grapeseed and Vitamins, Pure essential oils and exotic butters.  This natural formula is super moisturizing but won't leave your skin feeling oily or greasy.  Where to buy? At a spa near you or on line www.beautythroughbalance.ca (click on our shopping link)     Do It Yourself Body Butter: While making your own product is not as advanced as one that is properly developed by formulators, this one is a simple and easy recipe you can try at home as an alternative Melt 1 cup of your favorite butter and 1/2 cup of semi solid or solid coconut oil in a double boiler. When melted let cool for 20-30minutes then add in 1/2 cup of a natural carrier oil of your choice(almond oil, jojoba) , plus 5 to 7 drops of your favorite essential oil. mix until all ingredients are properly blended. let cool in the fridge or freezer.  Once oil solidifies you can mix/whip.  store in glass jar and in  cool dry place.   Enjoy If you have any questions or comments please post them here or contact me directly!  thank you!