What Is Body Butter For? Know The Difference With Body Cream And Body Lotion

Illustration of what body butter is for (Unsplash/Nati Melnychuk)

JAKARTA – There are three types of products that are formulated to moisturize, soften, and add essential nutrients to the body's skin, namely body lotion, body cream, and body butter. Apparently, all three need to be used when the right skin needs. So what's the difference?

As reported by the Health Shots page, Monday, November 1, although there are many products such as butter, lotion, and cream, it is still important to realize that different skin types require different products. Here are the differences in the benefits and ingredients and what skin conditions are suitable for wearing them.

Body Lotion

Most women have a stock of body lotion on their dressing table. Body lotion, according to Pooja Nagdev –arometherapist, beautician, and founder of Inatur- said that lotion is lighter than body butter. Absorbs quickly and doesn't leave a greasy sensation on the skin.

Lotion is good to use to keep the skin from getting too dry. The lotion is also a mixture of water and oil emulsion so it is more hydrating and not sticky. The water content in it is higher and some are formulated to contain SPF which can be used during the day, as well as at night.

Illustration of the difference between body cream and body lotion (Unsplash/Sincerely Media)

Usually, the lotion is applied to the arms, hands, stomach, thighs, and feet. Compared to body butter and body cream, the texture of the lotion is lighter because it is water-based.

Body Butter

Unlike the body lotion, the water content in the body butter is less. The texture is thicker and, according to Nagdev, cannot be applied to the face because our facial skin is very sensitive. The worst effect if applying body butter to the face can cause acne or darker skin color due to the excess oil content in this product.

Body butter, suggested Nagdev, should be applied at night. Why? During sleep the body is in repair mode and is more effective when used at night.

Body butter usually contains cocoa butter, shea butter, coconut oil or vegetable oil. The benefits in addition to moisturizing the skin, it also rejuvenates dry skin which can only be applied to the problem areas, such as elbows, lips, hands, feet, and knees.

Rena Revivo, CEO of Spa De Soleil, added that body butter products are usually produced using a combination of carrier oil, essential butter, and a little water. The texture is like butter so it has a unique absorption power.

Body Cream

Body cream products are thinner in texture than body butter. It usually contains basic ingredients such as body butter but is topped with a mix of water-based ingredients including aloe vera, hydrosol, or herbal infusions.

Body cream can be used at night or before bed. Like body butter, you don't need to apply it all over your body but simply apply it on dry or scaly areas of your skin. How to use it, first make sure the skin is clean and apply a thin layer afterward. Once absorbed, the skin will feel more hydrated.