THIS POWERFUL EMOLLIENT IS MOST SUITABLE FOR DRY SKIN

Murumuru butter has a fatty acid profile, which helps the skin barrier seal in moisture. (Source: Freepik)

There are many popular moisturising ingredients for your skin, such as shea butter, coconut oil, and cocoa butter. However, have you heard about murumuru butter which is considered to be extremely effective when it comes to treating dry skin? Worry not if you haven't, we are here to help answer all your questions!

Talking about the same, Dr Neelima Bisht, Chief Dietician, Paras Health, Gurugram said that it is a plant-based butter extracted from the seeds of the murumuru palm tree found in the Amazon rainforest. "It is renowned for its moisturising and emollient qualities, making it a popular ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products. With its rich fatty acid content, including lauric acid and myristic acid, it effectively nourishes and hydrates the skin and hair," she told indianexpress.com.

Here are other benefits of murumuru butter, according to the expert:

Natural skin moisturiser

Murumuru butter has a fatty acid profile, which helps the skin barrier seal in moisture. For best results, apply murumuru butter immediately after showering when your skin absorbs water best.

Decreases frizzy hair

Murumuru butter has also become a popular haircare treatment due to its moisturising properties. Rich in lauric acid content, a fatty acid shown to penetrate the hair's shaft, murumuru butter also helps in better moisture retention, resulting in softer hair. It also protects against sun damage, heat, and other harmful compounds.

Won't clog your pores

Compared to other moisturising oils, murumuru butter is less comedogenic, meaning it is less likely to clog your pores and cause acne breakouts. It may also help soothe your skin.

Reduce the signs of ageing

Containing vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin, along with antioxidants, this natural butter is known for its anti-ageing effects on the skin, such as increasing cell turnover and protecting against UV damage. Thus, it helps promote a youthful appearance.

For best results, apply murumuru butter immediately after showering when your skin absorbs water best. (Source: Freepik)

Helps with eczema

Using murumuru butter may improve eczema symptoms by hydrating the skin and restoring its natural moisture barrier. It is also suitable for sensitive skin as it helps restore the skin barrier without causing any irritation.

Possible risks and side-effects

Murumuru butter is generally considered safe for topical use and is well-tolerated by most individuals, however, Dr Bisht said that as with any cosmetic ingredient, there is a possibility of individual sensitivities or allergies. Some potential side effects or reactions may include:

*Allergic reactions: In rare cases, individuals with known allergies to palm-derived products or specific components of murumuru butter may experience allergic reactions. This can manifest as redness, itching, swelling, or a rash on the skin. If you have a history of allergies, it's advisable to perform a patch test before using products containing murumuru butter.

*Comedogenicity: While murumuru butter is generally considered non-comedogenic (i.e., it doesn't clog pores), it may still have the potential to cause breakouts or exacerbate acne in some individuals. If you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, it's recommended to monitor your skin's response and discontinue use if any adverse effects occur.

*Heavy texture: Murumuru butter has a rich and creamy texture, which may feel heavy or greasy for some individuals, particularly those with oily or combination skin types.

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How to use

The expert explained that one can choose skincare or haircare products that contain murumuru butter as an ingredient such as moisturisers, creams, hair conditioners or lip balms. "Test a small amount on your skin or scalp to check for any adverse reactions or allergies," she said.

Adding to this, Dr Bisht said, "Start with clean skin or hair by using your regular cleanser. Apply the product with murumuru butter, massaging it gently into the skin or hair. For hair products, leave it on for the recommended time and rinse thoroughly. For skincare, allow it to absorb into the skin. Incorporate the product into your routine based on your needs, using it daily or as instructed."

Concluding, she said, "It's important to consider your unique skin type, personal sensitivities and any specific concerns you may have. If you're unsure about using murumuru butter or any product containing it, it's best to consult a dermatologist or skincare professional for personalised advice."

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2023-05-30T06:27:06Z dg43tfdfdgfd