When you think of summer skincare, body butter probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. You might picture light gels, cooling sprays, or anything that disappears into your skin faster than you can say “SPF.” Rich, creamy butters? That’s a winter thing, right?
Actually, no.
Turns out, your summer skin might be begging for the nourishing touch of shea, mango, or cocoa butter. The trick is knowing when to use them, how to layer them, and why they’re more helpful than you think. If you’ve been skipping butters all summer long, your glow might be missing its secret weapon.
Why your skin still gets dry in summer
It feels like summer should mean dewy skin all the time. There’s humidity in the air, you’re drinking more water, and the sun’s out longer. So why do your legs feel tight by noon?
Summer dryness isn’t a myth. Here’s what’s drying you out:
Sun exposure weakens your skin barrier, which helps lock in moisture
Salt water and chlorine strip away your natural oils
Extra showers from heat and sweat over-cleanse your skin
Air conditioning pulls moisture right out of the air and off your body
This all adds up to sneaky dehydration. You might not see flakes like you do in winter, but that crepey look on your knees or that tight feeling after your shower? Yep, your skin is thirsty.
Why plant butters work so well in heat
Plant butters like shea, mango, and cocoa are rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins that don’t just sit on the surface. They soften and condition your skin, but they also help protect your barrier,the invisible “shield” that keeps hydration in and irritants out.
In summer, a strong barrier matters. When your skin is dealing with sun, wind, or pool chemicals, it’s more likely to get sensitive or dry. Using butters helps soothe and defend it naturally.
Plus, the butters in products like Body Whip don’t clog your pores or leave you sticky. These aren’t the thick, waxy jars of the early 2000s. Today’s formulas melt on contact and sink in fast, especially when you apply them the right way.
When to use body butter in warm weather
Timing is everything. If you try to slather on a heavy butter midday when you're already sweating, you probably won’t love the feeling. But use it right after your shower while your skin is still damp, and it’s a whole different story.
Try this routine:
Pat your skin dry,not fully dry, just enough that you’re not dripping
Scoop a small amount of body butter and warm it between your palms
Massage it in while your skin is still warm and slightly damp
Let it absorb while you brush your teeth or finish your hair
This locks in hydration, leaves a soft sheen, and keeps your skin comfy all day. You’ll glow without feeling greasy.
What about the heat?
Yes, butters can melt in the jar if you leave them in direct sun or a hot car. But on your body? They’re meant to melt. That’s what makes them so silky and spreadable.
A pea-sized amount becomes a full-body treatment when it’s warmed by your skin. That’s what makes ingredients like mango and shea butter feel luxurious without weighing you down. They adapt to your body’s needs, adjusting texture as they warm.
Which butters are best for summer?
Here’s a quick guide to the summer MVPs:
Shea Butter: Rich in vitamins A and E, softens rough patches, calms post-sun irritation
Mango Butter: Light, non-greasy, melts fast and seals in hydration, great for humid days
Cocoa Butter: Deeply conditioning, helps even out skin tone and fade stretch marks
All three are in Body Whip’s blends, and they work best together. Mango keeps things light, shea adds nourishment, and cocoa brings that rich, comforting finish. Think of them like a dream team for summer skin.
Bonus tip: Use butter on sun-kissed skin
We’re not saying body butter replaces sunscreen,please keep that SPF handy,but after sun exposure, a layer of butter helps soothe and replenish what the sun took away. Especially if your skin feels tight or red, the vitamin-rich base of shea and mango butter helps calm things down gently.
Pro tip: Keep your jar in a cool room, then apply post-shower. It feels like a spa day in a jar.
One jar, many uses
The best part about body butter? It’s not just for elbows and knees. Use it on:
Dry feet before bed (cover with socks for overnight magic)
Legs after shaving to reduce bumps
Hands after doing dishes or gardening
Collarbone and shoulders for that subtle, healthy shine
In summer, you want versatile products. One jar of whipped butter replaces multiple lotions, creams, and oils. And because a little goes a long way, it actually lasts longer than you’d think.
Body Butters are your skin’s summer sidekick
Just because the weather is hot doesn’t mean your skin is hydrated. Butters like shea, mango, and cocoa give your body the bounce-back moisture it needs, without heaviness, without residue, and without disrupting your glow.
So go ahead and invite body butter into your summer lineup. Use it smartly, apply it when your skin is still damp, and store it out of direct sunlight. Your skin will thank you, and your future self,mid-August, sun-kissed and silky, definitely will too.
Love,
The Body Whip Team