Mango Butter For Skin: Benefits & Uses

Mangoes have proved to be effective in soothing irritated skin and reducing symptoms of eczema and psoriasis. With the beauty industry continually innovating itself, mangoes are now being used in butters, creams, and lip balms.

The mango seed is the primary source of nutrients required for your skin. When the seed's contents are extracted to form a creamy butter, it can be used on your skin and hair to add moisture and shine to them.

Did you know that mangoes were traditionally used as part of medicines to speed up the wound-healing process? Eventually, it was discovered that mangoes could also help significantly support your skin health. Read on to learn more.

Highlights:

• What Is Mango Butter?
• Benefits Of Using Mango Butter
• Mango Butter Vs Shea Butter
• Who Should Use Mango Butter?
• When Should You Use Mango Butter?
• What Can You Mix With Mango Butter?
• How Often Should You Use Mango Butter?

What Is Mango Butter?

Mango butter is what its name precisely suggests - it is a fat derived from mango seeds. It is also known as mango kernel butter. It is usually semi-solid in form when stored in cool temperatures but usually melts when it comes in contact with the skin.

It possesses excellent moisturizing properties that contribute to nourishing your skin and keeping it healthy.

Benefits Of Using Mango Butter

Mango butter is packed with antioxidants and works as an emollient to soften the skin. This makes it a great ingredient for the skin.

1. Eliminates Itchy And Dry Skin

Mango butter is effective in preventing inflammation and itching caused by dry skin. It is an excellent source of triglycerides (a form of glycerin).

These are fatty acids that work as emollients to soften the skin and prevent it from feeling dry and itchy. It also contains Vitamin C, which is beneficial for your skin in many ways.

2. Protects From UV Rays

Mango butter comes in contact with oxygen, it produces salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is an excellent exfoliant that works by softening a specific protein in the skin called keratin. This helps remove the top layer of the skin that has become scaly, itchy, and dry [1].

It is also widely used to treat symptoms of eczema, psoriasis, and other dry skin conditions.

3. Prevents The Development Of Wrinkles

According to some studies, mango butter contains antioxidants like vitamin C that fight free radicals in your skin.

Free radicals are molecules that create havoc in the body. They damage tissue and DNA, contributing to wrinkles and other skin issues.This prevents your skin from developing wrinkles [2]. It also aids in collagen production, a protein naturally present in your skin that keeps it firm and wrinkle-free [3].

Mango Butter Vs Shea Butter

Shea butter is extracted from the nut of the shea trees. It is used in various products for skin and hair. It contains Vitamins A, E, and F that contribute to healthy skin and hair. It is used to moisturize and rejuvenate the skin.

Here are the key differences between mango butter and shea butter. It is hard to tell which one is better and mainly depends on your skin type and personal preference.

1. Mango Butter Has A Lower Melting Point

Mango butter and shea butter contain the same amount of fatty acids but in different proportions. Mango butter has a higher amount of oleic acid that tends to melt easily. Shea butter takes more time to melt in your hands.

2. Difference In Smell

People usually expect mango butter to have a sweet smell. However, it is derived from the seed and does not have a scent. Shea butter has a smokey smell that may not be pleasant but does not stay for long.

3. Appearance

Mango butter is creamy in texture and white in color.

Shea butter is beige naturally unless processed.

Other differences include:

Who Should Use Mango Butter?

Mango butter is considered to be an effective remedy for dry skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It also offers skin protection due to its ability to yield emolliency [4]

If you are experiencing any such conditions, you can use mango butter to soothe your skin as it effectively helps relieve itchiness and flakiness.

If your skin is oily, it may feel very greasy. You can use it in lesser quantities if your skin is oily.

Mango butter is also non-comedogenic, which means that it won’t block your pores. If you have acne-prone skin, you can use this butter as well to keep your skin hydrated.

When Should You Use Mango Butter?

Mango butter is non-comedogenic and can be used by any skin type. Owing to its highly moisturizing and nourishing properties, you can use it whenever your skin needs hydration to keep it soft and healthy.

What Can You Mix With Mango Butter?

You can mix mango butter with a carrier oil of your choice. Adding a few drops of an essential oil that suits your skin can also effectively treat several skin issues.

DIY Mango Butter For Your Skin

What You Need:

• Unsalted butter (1 cup)
• Mango (1 cup)
• Plastic wrap
• Blender
• Carrier oil (optional)
• Essential oil (optional)

Cut open a mango and scoop out the edible part. You can use a blender to mix the butter with the mango. Transfer the butter to a container. Store it in your refrigerator for not more than two weeks.

Mango butter tends to clump together. You can use it with other kinds of butter or oils for a creamy and smoother texture to avoid this.

You can also add a carrier oil of your choice to your butter. This will make your skin softer as oils work as an emollient on your skin. It will make your butter more effective in soothing skin irritation and other issues.

Additionally, you can add some drops of your essential oil to the mixture. If your skin is dry or sensitive, don’t add oil that may cause an allergic reaction. To avoid this, you should conduct a patch test before adding anything else to your butter.

How Often Should You Use Mango Butter?

Mango butter can be used twice a day on your skin to moisturize it. If you have oily skin, you can use it in lesser amounts to prevent your skin from feeling greasy.

For best results, apply mango butter when your skin is slightly damp after a shower, to allow it to seep through your skin thoroughly.

Wrapping Up

Mango butter is derived from the seeds of the fruit and essentially works by moisturizing the skin. It is considered to be safe and an effective remedy for dry skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

You can also create your own mango butter at home using unsalted butter. Remember, adding an essential or a carrier oil will improve the texture and efficacy of the butter.

Begin By Knowing Your Skin