Body Care

Body butters are thicker, richer formulations with a high proportion of plant butters and oils (shea, cocoa, mango) and little or no water. They are intensely moisturising and better suited to very dry skin, elbows, heels, and winter use. Body lotions contain more water and absorb faster, making them better for everyday all-over use on normal to dry skin.

The most effective time is immediately after bathing or showering, within three minutes of stepping out. Applying moisturiser to slightly damp skin seals in moisture more effectively than applying to completely dry skin. Pat dry gently rather than rubbing, then apply moisturiser while skin is still slightly warm.

Coconut oil is an effective body moisturiser for most people. It is high in lauric acid, has natural antibacterial properties, and absorbs reasonably quickly. It is not recommended as a facial moisturiser as it is comedogenic for some skin types. As a body moisturiser it works well, particularly for dry skin and rough areas. Virgin, unrefined coconut oil retains more of its natural properties than refined versions.

Shea butter is the most widely recommended ingredient for very dry skin: it contains high concentrations of fatty acids and vitamins A and E and is non-comedogenic. Other effective options are mango butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, argan oil, and rosehip oil. For severely dry skin, an intensive treatment using pure shea butter or a shea-rich body butter applied after bathing provides the best results.

Dry body brushing involves brushing the dry skin surface before bathing using a firm natural bristle brush with long strokes toward the heart. It exfoliates dead skin, stimulates circulation and the lymphatic system, and improves skin texture with regular use. Use two to three times per week before showering. Natural bristle body brushes are available from health and wellness stores in NZ.