Body butters are an ideal solution for dry skin. Highly concentrated, they are richer than body lotions. As opposed to lotions, which are comprised largely of water, body butters consist entirely of plant oils, nut butters, and other skin-enhancing botanicals.

You can enjoy the best of both worlds with this moisturizer. Reap the moisturizing benefits of pure, straight oil and the emollient advantages of a lotion... all from one tiny package.

Body butter will feel slightly greasy when first applied. But the greasiness is only temporary... it's quickly absorbed by the skin. And this product has staying power! One application will last all day long... much longer than a lotion.

This thick, rich moisturizer is hugely popular. Once you use body butter, you'll understand why. A thin layer in the morning and again at night will work wonders, leaving your skin soft, smooth, and supple.

There are many varieties and brands on the market. While each product is unique, most share a few common ingredients including:

* Natural Oils

* Plant butters

* Healing botanicals

The skin-softening power comes from a distinct combination of powerful ingredients... I call them gifts from nature. How do these natural gems help your skin? Let's look at a few...

Rejuvenating Nut Butters

Cocoa Butter: This butter is derived from the cocoa bean. Yes, the same prized bean that is the source of our beloved chocolate. Cocoa butter even smells like chocolate! In addition to providing us a yummy treat, it's a superb moisturizer... softening and healing. Rich and thick, it is quickly absorbed by skin.

African Shea Butter: Also known as African Karite, this butter has a soft, creamy texture and a slightly smoky odor. Used in Africa for centuries, it comes from the nut of the African Shea tree. Shea is a superb moisturizer. Softer than cocoa butter, it is moisturizing and gentle. In fact, it is often used as a stand alone product. It penetrates skin deeply, preserving skin elasticity as it revitalizes and softens.

Mango Butter comes from the seeds of the mango fruit. Light yellow in color, its texture is similar to shea butter. It too is an excellent moisturizer and will quickly melt when applied.

Beneficial Oils

Coconut Oil - Prized for its skin conditioning properties, this oil is light and smells yummy... just like fresh coconut. It offers protection from the damage of skin-aging free radicals. It smooths skin by removing dead cells on the surface. Deeply penetrating, it strengthens tissue below.

Jojoba Oil - This wax-like liquid is derived from the seeds of the jojoba plant. Native to the United States Sonora Desert, it is treasured by Native American Indians. It has a silky feel and, unlike other oils, is odorless. An ideal moisturizing ingredient, it maintains moisture and skin elasticity.

Palm Oil - Made from the fruit of the oil palm, it has been consumed in the tropics for over 5,000 years. High in antioxidants that protect against damaging free radicals, it contains a powerful form of vitamin E. This antioxidant is particularly beneficial to skin.

This is only a partial list of potential botanicals you'll find in body butter. Aromatic essential oils, healing herbs, and other plant oils often make their way into these little miracle workers.