To say our skin is tested during seasonal transitions would be an understatement; especially as we move from winter to spring. Depending on your skin type, a range of ailments can pop up; dry patches, oily breakouts, and redness just to name a few.
And, although perusing beauty products is one of our favorite past times, the overwhelming amount of options can make a final decision seem impossible. Typically, lighter formulas are suggested for warmer temperatures, but skin moisturizers aren’t one size fits all. Weather is just one of many factors to consider before committing to one.
Our March 2016 BeautyBox makes the search a little easier with Pomegranate Kiss Body Butter from La Belle Femme. Its star ingredient, jojoba wax, naturally mixes with the sebum, leaving it protected and breathable year round. Not only does it feel like luxury in a jar; a little goes a long way, too. And did we mention that La Belle Femme is a black owned business?
We recently caught up with the founder to learn just what it takes to survive the beauty biz. Press play for your insider’s look and keep reading for a crash course on the biggest differences between body butter and body lotion.
Body Lotion: Body lotion is a universal product most people own. It sits on our bathroom counter, at our work desk and in our purses. It can be hacked endlessly and eliminate visibly dry skin instantly. Sure, it’s a staple for some, but lotion isn’t the best option for every skin type.
It’s core biological makeup is water and oil held together by an emulsifier. The strength of an emulsifier usually determines whether the product is considered a lotion or cream. The thicker it is, the more likely it is to be the latter.
Because our skin is partially made of water, it absorbs this type of moisturizer most easily. At the same time, the lightweight/non-greasy formula only does a so-so job of creating a protective skin barrier. The results vary according to brand, but drier skin types ultimately don’t benefit because you’ll have to keep reapplying throughout the day.
Lotion is best recommended for normal or sensitive skin that isn’t prone to flaking. However, be sure to use a lotion that’s infused with a thick moisturizer, like shea butter or coconut oil, during colder months.
Body Butter: If body lotion is the top tier of product familiarity, body butter is a close second. Although companies aren’t required to put actual butter in them, the texture is fragrant, luxurious and buttery! This type of moisturizer typically doesn’t contain water, which explains the super thick consistency.
Body butters are made of two things: minerals extracted from natural ingredients and oils that hold and deliver those minerals to the skin. When combined, the oil and minerals also double as a protective barrier against severe weather. That’s why we tend to use heavier products in the winter, when moisture is drained from the skin.
Contrary to popular belief, body butter isn’t exclusive to colder months; especially for those with dry skin. The benefits depend a lot on when and how you apply. For maximum absorption, use at night directly after a shower. While you’re sleeping, the product will have ample time to absorb into the skin, so you don’t feel sticky throughout the day.
If you don’t have severely dry skin and want to avoid lotion, aim for butters infused with sebum-friendly ingredients (jojoba) so it doesn’t feel super heavy upon application.Additionally, if you’re dedicated to an eco-friendly lifestyle, body butters, like La Belle Femme, are less likely to use harmful ingredients.
Body butters and body lotions have their respective pros and cons, but which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments and stay in the know by signing up for your Essence BeautyBox.
