Are you ready to butter up your beauty routine? Trust kokum butter, a creamy ingredient is the unsung hero of skincare and haircare. Not only is it packed with moisturizing and nourishing properties, but it’s also non-comedogenic, making it a dream come true for acne-prone skin. So put down your boring old moisturizer and find out how to use kokum butter for your skin and hair.
Kokum butter is a white, odourless and non-greasy butter extracted from the seeds of the kokum tree. Kokum body butter is rich in fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins that help to nourish and protect the skin and hair. It is easily available in markets and online stores and can be made at home too with a few ingredients.
Kokum butter vs shea butter
Many people consider the two to be the same but there are some differences. Kokum butter is extracted from the seeds of the kokum tree, which is native to India. It has a higher melting point than shea butter, making it a good choice for products that need to remain solid at room temperature. Kokum butter is also non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores, and is therefore a good choice for people with acne-prone skin.
Shea butter, on the other hand, is extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, which is native to Africa. It has a lower melting point than kokum butter and is therefore more easily absorbed by the skin. Shea butter is also rich in vitamins A and E, making it a good choice for anti-aging products.
Both kokum butter and shea butter have moisturizing and nourishing properties that make them beneficial for the skin. The choice between the two may depend on personal preference and the specific needs of your skin.
How to use kokum butter for skin and hair?
1. To moisturize dry skin
Kokum butter is an excellent moisturizer for dry and cracked skin. “The fatty acids present in kokum butter are effective in moisturizing and nourishing the skin. Moreover, it gets absorbed into the skin quickly without leaving any greasy residue, making it an excellent ingredient for lotions, balms, and creams,” says Dr Sudheendra G Udbalker, Consultant Dermatology, Fortis Hospital, Bengaluru.
To use kokum butter as a moisturizer, simply apply a small amount to your skin and massage it in. You can also mix it with other oils such as coconut oil or jojoba oil for added hydration.
2. To soothe sunburn
Kokum butter has anti-inflammatory properties that make it effective in soothing sunburned skin. The dermatologist explains that it possesses a natural sunscreen effect that can guard the skin against harmful UV radiation.
To use kokum butter for sunburn, apply a small amount to the affected area and massage it in. The butter will help to reduce redness and inflammation, and also promote healing.
3. For treating chapped lips
Kokum butter is a great natural remedy for chapped lips. It helps to moisturize and protect the lips from dryness and cracking.
To use kokum butter for chapped lips, simply apply a small amount to your lips and massage. You can also mix it with other oils such as almond oil or beeswax for added moisture.
4. To prevent and reduce stretch marks
Kokum butter is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants that help to prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. “It also enhances skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr Udbalker.
To use kokum butter for stretch marks, apply a small amount to your belly or wherever the stretch marks are. The butter will help to nourish the skin and improve its elasticity.
5. For nourishing dry and damaged hair
Kokum butter is a great natural ingredient for nourishing dry and damaged hair. Dr Udbalker explains that kokum butter contains vitamin E, which can strengthen and nourish hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth while preventing hair breakage. It also acts as a natural hair conditioner that can soften and moisturize hair while taming frizz and improving overall hair health.
To use kokum butter for hair, apply a small amount to your hair, massage and leave it for 15-20 minutes before washing it off in cold water. You can also mix it with other oils such as argan oil or castor oil for added nourishment.
6. To soothe and heal eczema and psoriasis
Kokum butter has anti-inflammatory properties that make it effective in soothing and healing eczema and psoriasis.
To use kokum butter for eczema and psoriasis, apply a small amount to the affected area and massage it in. The butter will help to reduce redness and inflammation, and also promote healing.
Kokum butter is a great natural remedy that can help to improve the health and appearance of your skin and hair. Give it a try and see the difference it can make in your beauty routine!
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