Healthy skin is for more than just vanity. Skin is the body’s largest barrier against the environment. Keeping the skin healthy and moist keeps that barrier strong, encouraging overall health. Dry and irritated skin can lead to cracks, which leave the body more susceptible to bacteria and other outside invaders. Harsh soaps may rid the skin of germs, but also strip it of essential lipids and moisture. This is why proper skin care is so important.

Understanding Your Skin

Understanding how the structure of the skin works is the best way to decide what skin care regimen is most appropriate.

Inner Layer (Hypodermis): The hypodermis is the subcutaneous layer of tissue. It is closest to the muscle and contains fat cells which insulate the body.

Middle Layer (Dermis): The dermis contains connective tissue that keeps the layer together, along with hair follicles and sweat glands. Synthesis of collagen and elastin happen in this layer. It is where wrinkles are formed.

Outermost Layer (Epidermis): The epidermis is the skin we can see. It protects the inner skin from environmental contaminants and creates skin tone. Melanocytes found in this layer give skin its color (pigment). There are four layers within the epidermis even though it is the thinnest of the three layers of skin.

To make a point as to how important healthy skin really is; The skin comprises approximately 15% of a person’s total body weight. This makes it the largest organ in the body. One square inch consists of 9,500 cells, 65 hairs, 78 yards of nerves, 650 sweat glands, 1,300 nerve endings, 100 sebaceous glands, 19 yards of blood vessels and 20,00 sensory cells.

Skin Serves Several Other Purposes Including:

Sensory perception of touch, pain and pressure

Controlling fluid and electrolyte balance

Monitoring body temperature

Proper synthesis of hormones

Absorbing and secreting moisture

How Aging Affects Skin

Cells in the epidermis travel from the inner epidermal layer to the surface and flake off once they reach the top. New cells in young adults generate every 28 days or so, but can take up to 46 in elderly. The epidermis thins over time. Consequently, the dermis produces less collagen which equals less elasticity. Therefore, wrinkles and sagging skin may become noticeable. Sweat glands also shrink over time, thus this leads to drier skin. The subcutaneous layer also decreases in size, which reduces elasticity and protection between the skin and blood vessels.

The Importance of Moisturizing for Healthy Skin

Protection: Keeping the outer layer of skin moisturized will help to prevent cracks, which can open the door to a number of skin conditions. Some moisturizers have antibacterial properties which help guard against environmental contaminants.

Aesthetic Value: Soft and smooth skin is inherently more attractive than blotchy, wrinkled, or flaky skin. The appearance of healthy skin is a reflection of overall health. Keeping skin moisturized helps to even out skin tone and create a smoother look and feel.

Aging Skin Concerns: Aside from the aesthetics of younger “looking” skin, there are benefits to caring for aging skin.  A higher probability of cuts and bruises arise when layers of the skin become thinner. The layer of moisturizer can make the skin less likely to respond harshly to mild impact.

Simulating New Cell Growth: The act of massaging lotion or other moisturizers into the skin may stimulate new cell growth. The dead skin cells a the top of the epidermal layer are removed therefore, making room for fresh new cells to surface.

3 Key Ingredients for a Great Moisturizer



Manuka Honey

Amplify the regeneration of skin tissue with Manuka Honey, which aids in wound healing due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Manuka honey is native to New Zealand and well known for its restorative properties including the ability to draw in moisture to soothe irritated skin conditions.

Shea Butter

The foundation for a great moisturizer is its base. This is usually the first component listed on the ingredients. Shea Butter is an amazing choice. It is derived from shea nut trees in West Africa. Shea butter is commonly used in skin care products, and for good reason. The substance is extremely moisturizing and hydrating. It is also rich in vitamin A. Applying shea butter typically results in an immediately noticeable difference. A number of studies have researched the countless other benefits of shea butter, making it the “go to” moisturizer for quality skin products.

Aloe Vera Juice

Ancient Egyptians called aloe vera the “plant of immortality.” Though it may not actually keep you alive forever, it has some pretty epic properties. Aloe vera is a succulent plant that is not overly difficult to grow in warmer climates. Some products may use a significant amount of water to achieve a lotion consistency. A high-quality alternative is Aloe vera juice.

Aloe vera contains two natural hormones called auxin and gibberellins. These have been shown to assist in wound repairing and contain anti-inflammatory properties. These hormones can stimulate the growth of new cells in the skin, which can help speed up the healing process and reduce scarring.

Natural Body Butter for Healthy Skin



The experts at Receptra Naturals have developed a nourishing body butter that combines all three of these ingredients and more. One of the big differences in what Receptra has done is the addition of a number of oils with varying properties and purposes. As a result, the combination of natural and essential oils provides a well-rounded product for all skin types.

Some Key Oils in Receptra Naturals Body Butter

MCT Oil Infused with Hemp Extract: MCT Oil is recognized for its moisturizing benefits and is a perfect carrier for hemp extract. Receptra Naturals hemp extract contains cannabidiol (CBD) which is the non-hallucinogenic compound found in cannabis. Each container of Receptra Body Butter has 400mg of CBD.

Vitamin E Oil- This ingredient is important for its use in reducing free radicals, thus minimizing wrinkles. Vitamin E is also known for assisting dry and rough skin, including softening of nail cuticles.

Orange peel oil and lemon peel oil- These oils have both been found effective in reducing bacteria and fungi. The pleasant aroma of both oils has also been studied for soothing aromatherapy properties.

Reasons to Choose Receptra Naturals Body Butter

With a deeper understanding of the necessity for healthy skin, the composition of Receptra Naturals Serious Relief Hydrating Hemp Body Butter makes perfect sense. All three of the key ingredients discussed in this article are found in Receptra Naturals Body Butter. This provides an amazing foundation of quality hydrating compounds. The added benefit of moisturizing oils, meant to strengthen skin and relieve tension, provide a well-rounded product to promote healthy skin. Receptra’s Body Butter does not contain artificial fragrance. The natural aroma of ingredients are paired with the therapeutic smells of Jasmine and citrus oils.

Now the question is, how healthy is your skin?