When I was first diagnosed with lipoedema, I already had an established skin care routine for my legs and body. However, I didn’t realize just how crucial proper lipoedema skin care would be in managing my condition, it’s not something that was ever discussed in appointments with my healthcare team. Over time, I’ve discovered that taking care of my skin plays a significant role in both its appearance and my overall well-being. Skin care has been a game changer for me, and I want to share why, along with a simple, natural body butter recipe I now swear by.
Until my 30s, I hadn’t paid much attention to the skin on my body beyond sun protection. My skin has always been dry, and I’ve had spider veins on my thighs since my teens, but otherwise, no major issues. Then, I began noticing changes in my legs—pain, swelling—and other skin problems I couldn’t ignore:
- Dry, dull, and uneven skin texture
- Small, hard bumps around my legs and lymph nodes
- Mottled or greyish skin
- Persistent rashes
- Thin, fragile skin on areas affected by lipoedema
During a trip to Indonesia, I saw a dermatologist about the proliferating and irritated tiny bumps on my legs. She explained they were due to excess keratin – a protein – and also that the humid climate was exacerbating dryness and irritation. At that time, I still hadn’t been diagnosed with lipoedema so I didn’t make the connection, but in hindsight I realise that these ‘bumps’ were concentrated in the areas of my legs where lipoedema is prevalent, and around my lymph nodes. I’ve often wondered if they were linked to the excess protein-rich fluid trapped in my tissue due to lipoedema, but that’s a topic for another day…
Skin Care Routine: A Game Changer for Lipoedema
After the dermatologist removed the bumps, she recommended a strict skin care regimen: exfoliate three times a week, moisturize daily, and use tretinoin to promote cell turnover. I saw a huge improvement – a healthy colour returned to my skin, it as stronger and smoother, and the small excess-keratin bumps didn’t return.
Fast forward to lipoedema diagnosis and I learned that the degradation of my skin health had been a classic lipoedema symptom. I decided to take things one step further and started looking at the ingredients in my body products and cosmetics with the goal of avoiding harmful preservatives, fragrances and endoncrine disruptors. My research revealed that you can pretty much guarantee that any body product or cosmetic that has an intense fragrance has endocrine disruptors, adding up throughout our day to create a toxic cocktail that wreaks havoc on our hormones.
Considering lipoedema likely has an underlying hormonal driver, loading my body up with the endocrine disruptors in cosmetics and body products seemed counter-intuitive to me. I went on a quest to reduce as many endocrine disruptors in my environment and skin care as possible – in the end, I realised the only way I could do it was to make the products myself.
Natural whipped body butter recipe
I absolutely love this body cream! I started making it while living in Thailand, where I couldn’t read the ingredients on any of the store-bought body lotions. Unsure of what was in them, I opted for natural shea butter and created this nourishing, hydrating body butter. Not only does it moisturize, but its consistency is also perfect for doing light lymphatic massage, a key part of my daily routine.
Ingredients:3/4 cup shea butter
- 1/4 cup carrier oil (I use coconut oil, but you can also use jojoba oil or avocado oil)
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder (you could also use tapioca flour or corn flour – it’s optional, but it helps create a non-greasy texture)
- 4-6 drops vitamin E oil (I use 2-3 vitamin E capsules)
- 10 drops essential oil (I love jasmine, but lymph-stimulating oils like lemon, cypress, or geranium work great too)
Instructions:
- Melt the shea butter: Use a double boiler method or microwave in short bursts until fully melted.
- Combine the carrier oils: In a separate bowl, mix the carrier oil with arrowroot powder. Stir until smooth.
- Mix the shea butter and carrier oils: Slowly combine the two mixtures, stirring well.
- Chill and solidify: Place the mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour or use the freezer for quicker results.
- Whip into consistency: Once it firms up, use a hand mixer to whip the mixture for several minutes, until you achieve a light, airy texture.
- Add essential oils and vitamin E: Add your essential oils, and if you’re using Vitamin E capsules just pierce them and squeeze the oil into your mixture. Do one last thorough mix to ensure the essential oils are evenly distributed.
- Store and use: Transfer the whipped body butter into glass jars or eco-friendly containers. Use daily for deeply hydrated and nourished skin.
Why This Recipe Works for my Lipoedema Skin
Lipoedema causes skin to become fragile, dry, and irritated. The shea butter and coconut oil work together to lock in moisture, strengthening the skin throughout the day. Vitamin E helps repair damaged skin, while essential oils like lemon and cypress stimulate lymphatic flow, further supporting skin health.
Since using this body butter, I’ve noticed a significant improvement. My skin feels smoother, more resilient, and I experience fewer flare-ups of rashes and keratin bumps. This cream is the perfect consistency for my nightly lymphatic massage—it’s hydrating without being greasy. This one simple, nourishing product serves all my needs!
Final Thoughts on Skin Care for Lipoedema
If you have lipoedema, prioritizing skin care is essential for managing the condition. Over time, lipoedema can significantly impact the skin, but a simple routine of exfoliation, daily moisturizing, and using natural products can make a noticeable difference.
Taking care of your skin is an investment in your health and well-being. It doesn’t have to be complicated—natural body creams and a mindful approach to your products can yield long-lasting benefits.
To learn more about lipoedema skin care, visit the Skin Care section of my Research Library.
