Tuesday 31 May 2016

Homemade Body Butter!

Hi everyone! 

Been wanting to do a post on my homemade body butter for ages but never got around to it. I guess the universe wanted it because I recently had to make a batch for my first daughter who is currently suffering from a mild case of dermatitis, and who also recently sustained some injuries on her face (injuries which I have purposed in my heart will leave no scars, yes, I'm vain like that. A mommy is allowed such vanities.)


Because my primary concern is prevention/reduction of scarring, this butter has a high amount of cocoa butter in proportion to the other ingredients which are skin loving and moisturizing. Just before I get into the recipe, I will give a few details about the benefits of the ingredients which went into the mix so you all have an idea what they do.
  • Cocoa Butter
    • Is ultra hydrating
    • Is great for healing dry, sensitive skin
    • Is great at preventing skin dryness and peeling 
    • Heals chapped lips 
    • Soothes burns, rashes and infections
    • Has very effective healing properties. Its antioxidants battle scars, scratches and stretch marks as it accelerates the process of regeneration
  • Shea Butter
    • Is incredibly moisturising making it an amazing skin conditioning agent
    • Aids in the skin’s natural collagen production and contains oleic, stearic, palmitic and linolenic acids that protect and nourish the skin to prevent drying.
    • Repairs scars
    • Heals minor cuts and burns
  • Coconut Oil
    • Retains the moisture content of the skin, as the fats in it eliminate moisture loss through the pores on skin
    • Contains fatty acids which have strong disinfectant and antimicrobial properties As a result, when applied on the skin, coconut oil protects from microbial infections that can get into open wounds or even enter the body through the pores
    • Contains Vitamin E which is essential for healthy skin growth, repair of wear & tear on the skin, keeping skin smooth and protecting against cracking
    • Is rich in many proteins. These proteins keep skin healthy and rejuvenated, both internally and externally. They also contribute to cellular health and tissue reap
  • Olive Oil
    • Moisturises skin
    • Relieves dry, itchy and inflamed skin
    • Provides antioxidant protection
  • Almond Oil
    • Is a natural moisturiser
    • has both the ability to soothe as well as treat skin allergies. Minor wounds, chapped skin, and other skin infections can also be treated using almond oil
    • can help reverse the damages brought about by sun exposure
    • restores the normal PH of the skin and allows the skin to glow
  • Honey
    • acts as a great anti-aging agent and moisturiser
    • helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays and facilitate the skin’s ability to rejuvenate
Recipe
4 tbsp cocoa butter (heaped)
1 tbsp shea butter
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp almond oil
1 tbsp honey (preferably raw honey)

1. Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and place bowl in a bigger bowl which contains hot water. Doing this will melt the cocoa butter and shea butter which are solid at room temperature and also help combine all the ingredients together.



2. Once melted, give the mixture a good stir, pour into a clean dry bowl and place in the refrigerator to cool and start solidifying. It should be firm but yet soft enough for a whisk to press through.




3. Start whisking, doing this will incorporate some air into the mixture making it light. I used a hand whisk but you can also use an electric hand mixer if you have one.




4. After whisking for a couple of minutes, place back into the refrigerator for about a minute or two and whisk again. The final result is a light mixture which holds itself.



Your body butter is now ready. Scoop out the mixture into a container and place in the refrigerator to harden. What you have made is a soft, whipped body butter that literally melts in your hands and is easily absorbed into the skin.




Why not give it a try and let me know how it goes. You won't be disappointed with the results I'm sure.

Till next time, stay blessed and beautiful!

Love,

ShukShuk

Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged - Hebrews 6: 17 - 18 (NIV)

References: 
http://draxe.com/cocoa-butter/
http://womanitely.com/wonderful-benefits-cocoa-butter/
http://wellnessmama.com/27324/shea-butter-benefits/
http://www.naturepurity.com/holistic/sheabutter.html
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/oils/coconut-oil-for-skin.html
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/benefits-of-olive-oil-for-skin/
http://www.newhealthguide.org/Almond-Oil-For-Skin.html
http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/7-benefits-and-uses-of-honey/