Coconut, Shea Body Butter
Gun to my head, if I had a choice between summer and winter I would go with winter. What’s not to love about cozy nights indoors, under a blanket with a mug of coffee - a book in one hand?
This is my life, on repeat, every single winter. I love the cold. The only thing I dread is my skin.
It gets so dry, quickly and because I’m a coastal-born baby my skin is still not used to the inland climate. Shocking because I’ve lived in Gauteng nearly as long as I have in East London.
I drew inspiration from numero uno body butter recipes in 2013 to wax down a solution for my dry skin. I am also a psoriasis sufferer and even though that’s eased somewhat over the years, I still battle with weeping skin. For the last three winters, I have used this recipe as my go to body butter, eye make-up remover, and as spot control treatment for cracked skin on my legs.
I’ve also used it on my heels after long runs and under my eyes overnight if I’m particularly puffy. It’s simply wonderful.
Fun facts: Coconut oil is good for the your hair and skin. It’s like Amla oil without the green aftershock on your pillow case. If you’re Indian and your mother used to rub this into your hair, you’re know what I mean. Surprisingly coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties. So if you have a zit, try dabbing it with a bit of coconut oil to eliminate it quickly. It’s an excellent eye make-up remover. I have used it for years and regularly lather my lips in this before bed for a plump pout. Why? I read somewhere that it boosts collagen production and that makes me very happy.
Ingredients
500 ml organic unscented coconut oil
250 ml organic raw shea butter (I use any brand)
Method
Break the coconut oil into pieces if it’s very hard. I usually give it a bit of a microwave. 10 seconds at a time until it’s slightly soft like butter out of the fridge.
Add the raw shea butter and whip them both in an electric stand mixer for a while until it resembles cream.
Slather all over your body.
