Spring is a lovely time of the year. The weather warms up, the days get longer, and flowers bloom, giving off beautiful aromas. It’s also a time when we transition out of the dry winter weather, and the skin gets to appreciate higher humidity levels. At the very least, there is no more frigid outdoor weather followed by intense dry indoor heat, a combination that increases dryness.
If you continue to deal with dry skin and need something to enhance moisture, the body butter in this article is just right for you. It contains shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax, vitamin E oil, matcha powder, and peppermint essential oil. All of these ingredients benefit the skin, but some are better than others at helping the skin retain moisture for long periods of time. Should your skin need a little love, lather up with this body butter and enjoy the beauty benefits of natural ingredients.
Beeswax
Many beauty products that contain beeswax are EWG-certified, meaning the product goes through the Environmental Working Group’s verification process. If you don’t see that certificate on a product with beeswax, avoid it. Beeswax acts as both an emollient and a humectant. It works to draw moisture to the skin and help seal it in, filling in micro cracks to prevent moisture loss. Thanks to its antibacterial agents, beeswax has a long history of use for burn and wound treatment. One study found that beeswax products were far superior than synthetic products at managing sensitive skin conditions.
Matcha
Yes, this is the same matcha that you see in lattes and ice cream, only without the dairy in the case of this body butter recipe. Matcha contains methylxanthines, which work to stimulate microcirculation in the skin. Not only does this process promote more radiant skin, but it also contributes to an even complexion. Additionally, matcha contains EGCG, a potent antioxidant that is highly effective against free radicals. It works to neutralize oxidative stress that can accelerate cellular aging, which promotes wrinkles. Matcha also exhibits polyphenols that may protect skin from UV damage, according to some research studies. The polyphenols protect against environmental pollution as well.
Coconut Oil
Derived from coconuts, coconut oil exhibits powerful antimicrobial properties that help kill bacteria on the skin. Researchers attribute most of coconut oil’s abilities to lauric acid, which may reduce inflammation and exfoliate the outer layer of dead skin cells. One study found that coconut oil was able to suppress inflammatory markers and enhance the skin barrier function. Due to the medium-chain fatty acids, coconut oil helps the skin retain moisture without making it appear oily. Lastly, coconut oil is effective at reducing levels of trans epidermal water loss and increasing skin surface lipid levels.
Peppermint Matcha Body Butter
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup shea butter
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons beeswax pellets
- 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
- 1 tablespoon matcha powder
- 8-10 drops peppermint essential oil
Instructions:
- Melt the shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax in a pan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to ensure that they combine evenly.
- Once all of the ingredients melt, remove the pan from the heat and pour the mixture into a metal bowl of a food mixer. If you don’t have a food mixer, pour the mixture into heat-safe glass or metal bowl.
- Place in the fridge for 10 minutes, or until the top begins to gel over. You don’t want the mixture to be completely solid, though.
- Remove from the fridge and add the vitamin E oil. Use your food mixer to whisk on high for about five minutes. Alternatively, use an electric hand mixer to whip for the same amount of time.
- Stop blending and add the matcha powder and peppermint essential oil.
- Continue mixing until the mixture is green. You can add more matcha if necessary.
- Scoop the body butter into four-ounce glass jars and screw the lids on tight. Keep for yourself or gift them to others, and use as needed.
