Shea butter is a fat extracted from the nut of the African shea tree . It is ivory in color when raw and commonly dyed yellow with borututu root or palm oil. It is widely used in cosmetics as a moisturizer, salve or lotion. Shea butter is edible and is used in food preparation in some African countries.
CAS NO:91080-23-8
EC NO:293-515-7
SYNONYMS
butyrospermum parkii meyve yağı
jarplex SB-FCC
jarplex SB10
jarplex SB15
jarplex SB30
jarplex SB30-O
jarplex SB35
jarplex SB45
jarplex shealatum
lipobutter rafine organik shea
lipobutter rafine shea
fitokonsantrol shea yağı (Symrise)
shea yağı (organik)
shea yağı - doğu afrika organik
shea yağı - batı afrika organik
gana organik shea yağı
organik shea yağı
shea meyve yağı
ats and Glyceridic oils, shea butter;BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA BUTTER LIQUID);SHEA BUTTER BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII;Shea Butter Organic Certified;Shea Butter Powder;Shea Butter SB-I;Shea Liquid;Shea Liquid - Lo Freeze
BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA BUTTER)
Fats and Glyceridic oils, shea butter
BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA BUTTER LIQUID)
SHEA BUTTER BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII
utyrospermum Parkii nut fat
Butyrospermum Parkii seed fat
Butyrospermum Poissonii nut fat
Mimusops Capitata nut fat
Mimusops Pachyclada nut fat
Shea butter
Shea Tree seed fat
SHEA BUTTER REFINED ; Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter; Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Extract is an extract obtained from the Shea Tree, Butyrospermum parkii, Sapotaceae; Butyrospermum parkii butter extract; BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA BUTTER);Fats and Glyceridic oils, shea butter;BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA BUTTER LIQUID);SHEA BUTTER BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII; Shea Butter Powder;Shea Butter SB-I;Shea Liquid; extract obtained from the shea tree, butyrospermum parkii, sapotaceae; shea tree butter extract CAS NO:91080-23-8
91080-23-8; Shea tree, ext.; EINECS 293-515-7; bergamot; butter; cocoa butter; corn oil; dripping, fat; ghee; lard; margarine; oil; olive oil; palm oil; safflower; unsaturated; vegetable oil; monounsaturated; trans fat; virgin; olestra; argan oil; SHEAFAT; SHEAOIL; Shea Extract; Shea butter oil; Shea tree, ext.; Shea tree extract; HARDENEDSHEAOLEINE; HYDROGENATEDSHEAOLEINE; Refined conventional shea butter; Sheabutter(fromButyrospermumparkii); BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA BUTTER) OIL SHEA BUTTER REFINED ; Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter; Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Extract is an extract obtained from the Shea Tree, Butyrospermum parkii, Sapotaceae; Butyrospermum parkii butter extract; BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA BUTTER);Fats and Glyceridic oils, shea butter;BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA BUTTER LIQUID);SHEA BUTTER BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII; Shea Butter Powder;Shea Butter SB-I;Shea Liquid; extract obtained from the shea tree, butyrospermum parkii, sapotaceae; shea tree butter extract CAS NO:91080-23-8
91080-23-8; Shea tree, ext.; EINECS 293-515-7; bergamot; butter; cocoa butter; corn oil; dripping, fat; ghee; lard; margarine; oil; olive oil; palm oil; safflower; unsaturated; vegetable oil; monounsaturated; trans fat; virgin; olestra; argan oil; SHEAFAT; SHEAOIL; Shea Extract; Shea butter oil; Shea tree, ext.; Shea tree extract; HARDENEDSHEAOLEINE; HYDROGENATEDSHEAOLEINE; Refined conventional shea butter; Sheabutter(fromButyrospermumparkii); BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA BUTTER) OIL
Fats and Glyceridic oils, shea butter; BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA BUTTER LIQUID); SHEA BUTTER BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII; Shea Butter Organic Certified; Shea Butter Powder; Shea Butter SB-I; Shea Liquid; Shea Liquid - Lo Freeze; Butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter unsaponifiables; Butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter unsaponifiables [INCI]; Butyrospermum parkii butter unsaponifiables; Fats and glyceridic oils, shea butter, unsaponifiable fraction; Karite nonsaponifiable; Shea butter unsaponifiables; shea batter; şea batır; chea butter; shea butter; shea buter; shea yağı; shea bater; Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter; Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract; Shea Tree Seed Fat; Vitellaria Paradoxa Subsp. Paradoxa Nut Fat; Vitellaria Paradoxa Subsp. Paradoxa Seed Fat; Fats and glyceridic oils, shea butter, et esters; bergamot; butter; cocoa butter; corn oil; dripping; fat; ghee; lard; margarine; oil; olive oil; palm oil; safflower; unsaturated; vegetable oil; monounsaturated; trans fat; virgin; olestra; argan oil; şea; chea; shea; şi
SHEA BUTTER
Shea butter is a fat extracted from the nut of the African shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa).[1] It is ivory in color when raw and commonly dyed yellow with borututu root or palm oil. It is widely used in cosmetics as a moisturizer, salve or lotion. Shea butter is edible and is used in food preparation in some African countries.[2] Occasionally, shea butter is mixed with other oils as a substitute for cocoa butter, although the taste is noticeably different.
The English word "shea" comes from s’í, the tree's name in Bambara.[5] It is known by many local names, such as kpakahili in the Dagbani language, taama in the Wali language, kuto in Twi, kaɗe or kaɗanya in Hausa, òkwùmá in the Igbo language, òrí in the Yoruba language, karité in the Wolof language of Senegal,[6] and ori in some parts of West Africa and many others.
History
The common name is shísu (lit. "shea tree") in the Bambara language of Mali. This is the origin of the English word, the primary pronunciation of which is /ʃiː/ (rhyming with "tea"), although the pronunciation /ʃeɪ/ (rhyming with "day") is common and is listed second in major dictionaries. The tree is called ghariti in the Wolof language of Senegal, which is the origin of the French name of the tree and the butter, karité.
The shea tree grows naturally in the wild in the dry savannah belt of West Africa from Senegal in the west to Sudan in the east, and onto the foothills of the Ethiopian highlands. It occurs in 21 countries across the African continent, namely Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Togo, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya and Guinea.
A testa found at the site of the medieval village of Saouga is evidence of shea butter production by the 14th century.[7] The butter was being imported into Britain by 1846. [8]
Composition and properties
Shea butter extract is a complex fat that in addition to many nonsaponifiable components (substances that cannot be fully converted into soap by treatment with alkali) contains the following fatty acids: oleic acid (40–60%), stearic acid (20–50%), linoleic acid (3–11%), palmitic acid (2–9%), linolenic acid (<1%) and arachidic acid (<1%).[9]
Shea butter melts at body temperature. Proponents of its use for skin care maintain that it absorbs rapidly into the skin, acts as a "refatting" agent, and has good water-binding properties.[10]
Uses
Shea butter soap
Shea butter is mainly used in the cosmetics industry for skin- and hair-related products (lip gloss, lip stick, skin moisturizer creams and emulsions, and hair conditioners for dry and brittle hair).[11] It is also used by soap makers and massage oil manufacturers, typically in small amounts, because it has plenty of unsaponifiables, and higher amounts result in a softer soap that has less cleaning ability. Some artisan soap makers use shea butter in amounts to 25% – with the European Union regulating the maximum use around 28%, but it is rarely the case in commercially produced soap due to its high cost compared to oils like palm oil or pomace (olive oil). It is an excellent emollient for dry skin. No evidence shows it is a cure, but it alleviates the pain associated with tightness and itching.
In some African countries such as Benin, shea butter is used for cooking oil, as a waterproofing wax, for hairdressing, for candle-making, and as an ingredient in medicinal ointments. It is used by makers of traditional African percussion instruments to increase the durability of wood (such as carved djembe shells), dried calabash gourds, and leather tuning straps.[citation needed]
Medicinal
Shea butter is sometimes used as a base for medicinal ointments. Some of the isolated chemical constituents are reported to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory,[12] emollient, and humectant properties.[citation needed] Shea butter has been used as a sunblocking lotion[13] with an estimated SPF of 3-4 and some of its components "have limited capacity to absorb ultraviolet radiation".[3]
In Ghana, shea butter locally known as Kpakahili (Eng. trans. raw cream) in Dagbani, nkuto (Akan) or nku (Ga), is either used as a food product or applied as lotion to protect the skin during the dry Harmattan season. The shea nut tree itself is called tááŋà (pl. táánsì) and the fruit is called táánì (pl. támá). The current northern regional capital Tamale, derives it names from a combination of the words "tama" and "yili", meaning "the town of shea fruits".
In Nigeria, shea butter is used for the management of sinusitis and relief of nasal congestion.[14] It is massaged into joints and other parts of the body where pain occurs.[15]
Classification
The United States Agency for International Development and other companies[16] have suggested a classification system for shea butter, separating it into five grades:
A (raw or unrefined, extracted using water)
B (refined)
C (highly refined and extracted with solvents such as hexane)
D (lowest uncontaminated grade)
E (with contaminants).
Commercial grades are A, B, and C. The color of raw (grade A) butter ranges from cream (like whipped butter) to grayish yellow. It has a nutty aroma which is removed in the other grades. Grade C is pure white.[17][18] While the level of vitamin content can be affected by refining, up to 95% of vitamin content can be removed from refined grades (i.e., grade C) of shea butter while reducing contamination levels to undetectable levels.
WHAT IS HERBAL SCIENCE SHEA BUTTER?
Considering the positive effects of shea butter on the skin, it is a care oil that allows consumers to easily combine these benefits with their skin.
WHAT IS SHEA BUTTER?
Shea butter is an oil extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree. It is ivory in color when raw, and white in processed versions. It has a triglyceride structure that comes from shea butter, searic acid and oleic acid. With this structure beneficial for the skin. It is frequently preferred in cosmetics as moisturizer, ointment and lotion. It is rich in vitamins A, D, E and F.
WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF SHEA BUTTER FOR THE SKIN?
While helping to prevent the negative effects of unfavorable weather on the skin. Provides relief for itchy and rash skin. Helps to remove skin dryness with its high moisturizing feature. It supports the skin to have a smooth appearance.
SHEA BUTTER HIGHLIGHTS
Cold pressed
Organic certified
-Environmentally friendly glass jar
- 100% virgin
- Wide range of uses
-No sticky feeling
- Suitable for all skin types
- Suitable for all age groups and pregnancy use.
- 95% SHEA 5% Orange and avocado
IDEAL STORAGE RECOMMENDATION
You can store this oil, which can be stored for a long time, in the pantry, refrigerator or in a cool environment. To keep it soft and liquid, you can keep the shea butter at room temperature, on your countertop or in your closet. Since it will become solid when stored in the refrigerator, the oil must be dissolved before use.
THE IMPORTANCE OF COLD COMPRESSION IN NATURAL OILS
Cold pressing technique; It is one of the methods used in the production of the highest quality vegetable oils. It is simply filtering and bottling the oil obtained by carefully expelling the oily components of a plant, such as the seed, kernel or fruit, and pressing without the application of mechanical heat. Since the oils produced by the cold pressing method are not subjected to heat treatment, trans fatty acids are not formed and the bioactive and organic compounds in their body are not damaged.
WHAT IS SHEA BUTTER USED IN?
SKIN ITCHING
- SKIN BURNING
- DRY OF THE SKIN
SKIN SENSITIVITY
-EXFOLIATION
- REDNESS
-SURFACE WOUND
SKIN CRACKS
NAIL PROBLEMS
-EQUALITY OF SKIN TONE
-SCAR
-CALLUS
-SURGERY SCAR
-RASH
- PREGNANCY CRACKS
INSECT BIT
-WATER COLLECTION
- SKIN SPOTS
SKIN IRRITATION
-PISH
-PALE
-CELLULITE
SENSITIVITY AFTER MILLING
- SENSITIVITY AFTER SHAVE
- EXERCISE
-BATIK
THE EFFECTS OF SHEA BUTTER FOR OUR SKIN
-Helps the skin to nourish, gain a flexible appearance and protect this appearance.
- It helps to eliminate the harmful effects of the sun and cold air.
- It provides a basis for balancing skin tone inequalities and preventing blemishes and redness.
It helps prevent dehydration by creating a protective layer on the skin.
Supports the natural oil balance of the skin.
-Helps to reduce the aging effects.
Supports increasing collagen production in the skin.
- Provides effective relief in dryness and cracks in knees, elbows and heels.
- Helps prevent drying by feeding the nail and nail skin.
- With its powerful moisturizing feature, you can also benefit from callus problems.
-It provides relief in the sensitivities that occur after shaving for men.
-Provides perfect moisturizing and care for the whole body after bathing.
-With regular use, the skin also helps to correct the pore appearance.
It is 0 pure and extra quality oil that can be used for various treatments.
Get ready to meet the shea butter miracle. Our product is shea butter, or shea butter, with an organic certificate.
Shea Butter (Shea Butter) It is an oil in solid form obtained from the fruit of the shea tree.
Karite tree is a tropical African tree. This tree, which can grow from 12.5 to 25 meters, produces fruits the size of a walnut. It takes 25 years for the tree to bear fruit. These trees, which have an average lifespan of 250 years, usually grow spontaneously.
Especially in Burkina Faso and Ghana, the fruits of Karite fruit, which are collected and processed by women, are harvested, dried, and the paste obtained after these nuts are ground to make a fine paste becomes Shea Butter (shea butter).
Shea butter provides a soft, elastic skin appearance. It provides the moisture balance of the skin by creating a protective layer on the skin.
Shea butter, or shea butter, is absorbed very quickly by the skin. Shea is a natural sunscreen against ultra violet rays and provides a protection around spf 3.
Shea butter is a very good lip moisturizer.
It is one of the ideal oils in hair care, it helps to moisturize the damaged hair deeply and prevent the hair from breaking and falling off.
It has moisturizing properties. It increases the sensation of the skin. It has an anti-inflammatory effect. Shea butter is a pale yellow or ivory oil obtained from the walnuts of the shea tree grown in Africa. It is one of the most powerful natural moisturizers known in the world. It is generally used in cosmetics. Shea butter can be eaten, so it can also be used in cooking. For example, in some chocolates, it is used as a substitute for cocoa butter. Since it melts at body temperature, it is easily absorbed by the skin and does not leave a greasy feeling.
Product Information
• Provides relief on itchy and rash skin, helps to remove skin dryness and skin rashes with its high moisturizing feature.
• It nourishes the skin, helps it gain an elastic appearance and maintain this appearance.
• It helps to eliminate the harmful effects of the sun, cold air or polluted air.
• Helps to balance skin tone inequalities and prevent acne and rashes.
• It helps to maintain the skin oil balance.
• Nourishes and protects hair and scalp without clogging pores.
• It cares and repairs the hair that has been treated or worn by the effect of external factors during the day.
• It helps to repair hair, to minimize hair loss, to make hair look soft, vibrant and shiny.
• It supports hair growth while preventing breakouts.
Unrefined Shea Butter Benefits: relieves symptoms of eczema and similar skin irritation, moisturizes dry, cracked skin, boosts collagen production, fades scars and stretch marks. It will not clog pores so it's the number one natural choice to moisturize skin affected by acne or occasional breakouts.
A free downloadable eBook of DIY skin care recipes is included with your purchase. The ebook includes several whipped body butters using shea, cocoa, mango and kokum butters and a variety of carrier oils. You will also learn how to make infused oils with dry flowers, calming salves, soaps, and other wonderful skin care recipes that you can easily make at home.
Shea butter is a slightly yellowish or ivory-colored fat extracted from the nut of the African shea tree. Shea butter is a triglyceride derived mainly from stearic acid and oleic acid. It is widely used in cosmetics as a moisturizer, salve or lotion. Shea butter is edible and is used in food preparation in Africa and also as a prophylactic. Occasionally the chocolate industry uses shea butter mixed with other oils as a substitute for cocoa butter, although the taste is noticeably different. The English word "shea" comes from s’í, the tree's name in the Bamana language of Mali. The French name karité comes from ghariti, its equivalent in the Wolof language of Senegal. In some parts of West Africa, Shea Butter is referred to as Ori.
Refined Shea Butter comes from the African Shea tree found along the West African Savannah region. It is a skin and scalp emollient and moisturizer, restores skin flexibility and elasticity, and adds softness to hair. This product is recommended for hair care products; hand, face, and body creams/butters; sun care, and soaps.
Shea butter, the most natural moisturizer known, is obtained by cold pressing. Like coconut oil, it is used both for food and for the skin. However, shea butter is more effective than coconut oil. Although the uses of coconut oil are limited, shea butter can be used in any way.
This oil, which has many benefits, actually exists in many areas of our lives. Although we may not be aware of it, it is in cosmetic products, even in some chocolates.
The taste of shea butter, which is used in all areas in the country where it is grown, is very good. For this reason, it is common to come across many desserts and foods.
The benefits of shea butter
It has anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties.
It is used as a healing, layer forming aid and germ breaker in the treatment of burns.
It protects the skin from external radicals and forms a layer.
It supports the lower layer of the skin.
It is a natural hair moisturizer and conditioner. It protects, brightens, nourishes and causes hair growth.
Contains A, E and the unknown vitamin F (omega-6 rich acid and fatty vitamins).
It is a natural medicine supplement for eczema.
It relieves sunburn.
It regains the elasticity of the skin.
It removes darkening and lightens the skin.
It prevents and passes irritation.
It relieves joint pain.
It is a natural moisturizer.
Shea butter is an oil with thousands of years of history. This oil, which creates miracles on the skin, is now included in various cosmetic products. Shea butter, a favorite of old times, has become one of the indispensable women for skin care today without losing its effect. Everything you wonder about shea butter and what are its benefits is with you in the detail of our news.
WHAT IS SHEA OIL?
Shea butter, English name shea butter, is an off-white, ivory-colored, buttery-like cream obtained by crushing the hazelnuts of the shea tree grown in Africa. Shea tree is a tropical tree. It ranges in length from 12.5 meters to 25 meters and gives fruit in size close to walnut. It takes 15-20 years for the tree to bear fruit. This tree has an average life span of 200 years, but the most productive years are between 25 and 30 years old. Usually, it grows spontaneously. The fruits of the tree ripen between 4 and 6 months. One shea tree produces about 45 kilograms of fruit a year. Especially in Burkina Faso and Ghana countries, the Shea fruit, which is collected and processed by women and children, is ground and turned into a fine paste after the fruits are harvested and dried. It then becomes shea butter.
It has a triglyceride structure that comes from Shea butter, searic acid and oleic acid. It is used as a moisturizer, ointment and lotion in cosmetics. It is also used in cooking in Africa. In the chocolate industry, there are those who use it as a substitute for cocoa butter by mixing it with other oils, even if it does not keep the flavor.
Shea butter resembles pure coconut in terms of its fragrance. It maintains its solid state in cold and cool environments. Its solid nature does not prevent it from being applied to the skin because it is easily applied and melts at body temperature. Shea butter, quickly absorbed by the skin, is soft. It provides the skin with an elastic appearance and acts as a protective layer for the skin. Since it is a good moisturizer, it can be used both pure and mixed with other oils to obtain personal care creams. Helping to protect the moisture and water balance of the skin, shea butter is a natural protective feature against the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Its SPF value is between 3 and 6. Shea butter, which is also a very good lip moisturizer, is an ideal oil for hair care. It prevents the hair from breaking and prevents it from falling apart.
It is an oil suitable for sensitive and dry skin. In this sense, we can say that it is also suitable for babies' sensitive skin. If it is applied under the baby later, it prevents the diaper from causing rash by removing the moisture and wetness from the body and relieves the baby's skin. If there is an existing rash, it will also pass. Organic, additive-free oils should be used as much as possible for the baby.
The acid values of shea butter are as follows:
Palmitic acid: 4.0 percent
Stearic acid: 41.5 percent
Oleic acid: 46.4 percent
Linoleic acid: 6.6 percent
Arachidic acid: 1.5 percent
The word Shea comes from the word "si" used in Mali's Bambara language. This word is used as the name of the tree. In Senegal, the same word is known as "karite". The use of shea tree and shea butter dates back to Ancient Egypt's Cleopatra period. Shea butter is the livelihood of many African women and is also referred to by Africans as the altar tree and the tree of life. Especially for Burkina Faso, shea butter is one of the country's biggest livelihoods.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SHEA OIL?
It is rich in vitamins A, D, E and F.
It is an antioxidant.
It is a good moisturizer for both face and body. It can be used alone or mixed with other oils to obtain special care creams.
Thanks to its A and E vitamins, it reduces the effects of aging and helps to cope with wrinkles.
It removes under-eye bags.
It increases the collagen production of the skin.
It softens dry skin and helps the skin to have a smooth appearance.
It helps the skin to have an elastic appearance and maintain this appearance.
It is like a protective layer for the skin.
It helps to remove blemishes on the skin.
It reduces the effects of ailments such as eczema, acne, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis.
It removes skin itching caused by dry skin.
Gives irritation.
It protects the skin against both heat and cold. While it provides protection against the harmful rays of the sun, it also increases the endurance against wind and cold weather. It is a good remedy for cold-frozen face.
It acts as a barrier against the bad effects of polluted air on the skin.
It is a good lip moisturizer and gloss. Quickly heals chapped lips.
It helps to remove the stretch marks that occur after pregnancy and weight loss.
It is a good softener for feet and heels. It passes the cracks in the feet. For faster action, feet can be rubbed with lavender oil before shea butter.
It is a good moisturizer and softener after shaving.
It has a healing effect on skin wounds.
It is good for skin rash.
It helps to reduce swelling due to bumping or hurting.
It can be used as a peeling.
It helps to heal scars and burns.
It helps to cure fly and insect bites.
It nourishes the nails and nail skin and prevents it from drying.
It helps to cure calluses.
It helps to overcome the effects of plants that cause skin allergies such as poison ivy and poison sumac.
It soothes babies' skin, prevents rash, and removes existing rash.
It moisturizes and strengthens the hair follicles without clogging the hair pores.
It prevents hair breakage.
It prevents hair from falling apart.
Repairs and softens heavily processed hair.
It helps hair look vibrant and shiny.
It helps to grow hair.
It is a good massage oil.
It is good for muscle fatigue.
It helps to eliminate joint pain.
It provides a relaxing effect if used before and after a strenuous exercise.
It opens nasal congestion. According to a study by the British Journal of Clinical British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, it is more effective than conventional nasal drops.
It takes care of instruments made of leather such as drums and def.
HOW TO USE SHEA OIL?
Shea butter is mainly used in the cosmetics industry. Shea butter, which is mostly preferred in products related to skin and hair such as lip gloss, moisturizing cream, emulsion and hair care products, is also a soap material.
It is used as a cooking oil in Benin and some other African countries. Shea butter, which is also used in wax, candle making and medicine production in the same region, is an oil that provides the durability of traditional African instruments made of wood. Shea butter, which can also be added to broth content, is also used in assortment paper products such as toilet paper in the UK and some other countries. The most effective form of shea butter is its natural form with no added preservatives, fragrances or other ingredients. Perfumed paraffins, post-added chemicals, shelf extenders, and the like reduce the healing properties and overall effectiveness of shea butter. However, today it is not easy to find the natural form of shea butter. Shea butter can be applied to the face and body as a daily cream. At the same time, it is a good and practical massage oil as it does not flow or smear around.
HOW TO EXTRACT SHEA OIL?
The traditional extraction of Shea butter takes place in the following steps:
Separation: The outer pulp of the fruit is removed. Hazelnut, which is the source of shea butter, is separated from its outer shell when dry. This separation activity is usually done by women and their children, it is like a social activity. Shells are broken out with small stones.
Crushing: To turn shea nuts into oil, you must first crush them. This work is traditionally done in pestles.
Roasting: Crushed hazelnuts are roasted in large pans over the fire. The pan should be stirred continuously with wooden spoons to prevent the oil from burning. Fat is very heavy, this roasting process in the sun is a very difficult task. Shea butter gets a slightly smoky odor due to the fumes released during this process.
Grinding: Roasted shea hazelnuts are grinded by adding water gradually on them and becomes softer. There are also machines that do this process, but this very difficult grinding job is traditionally done by hand.
Separating the oil: Shea hazelnuts, which take the form of a good dough, are kneaded in large bowls by hand. It is added to the mixture gradually and the oil is separated from the dough. The oil is separated in a creamy form, the excess water is squeezed out. The fat pieces are then melted in large pots over low heat. Thanks to the low fire, the remaining water will evaporate.
Stacking and styling: Shea butter turns into creamy and golden yellow at this stage. It is taken from the pans with large ladles and transferred to cool places for hardening. Afterwards, it is made suitable for use by giving the desired shape.
These stages we have described are the recipe for African women. This oil, which is difficult to mass production, can be produced a little faster by using machines at certain stages. Companies also benefit from chemical methods such as hexane and clay filters. Shea butter is the oil extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. It is solid at normal temperatures and is off-white or ivory in color. Shea trees are native to West Africa, and most shea butter still comes from this region.
Shea butter has been used as a cosmetic ingredient for centuries. Its high concentration of vitamins and fatty acids makes it a great product to soften, soothe and moisturize your skin with its easy-to-spread consistency. You all know I am a fan of using olive oil on skin and hair. But another star in these uses and homemade masks is natural moisturizing shea butter. This luxurious ingredient is very firm and tough at room temperature but has a buttery consistency that is ideal for use as a natural eye cream, lip balm or body oil. Many studies have found that shea butter penetration into the skin is particularly good and contains 60 percent fat. Because of this high oil feature, shea butter is a good emollient.
What is shea butter?
Shea butter is grown in many countries in Africa such as Gambia, Sudan and Burkina Faso. Shea butter is obtained from the seeds of the shea (or karite) tree. It's packed with vitamins, minerals, and catechins, as well as beneficial fatty acids like stereic, oleic and linoleic acids. Available in both refined and unrefined forms of shea butter. Shea butter has many benefits for both your skin and your hair.
1.As a moisturizer
Shea butter helps moisturize even the most chapped, dry skin. After shea butter is applied to the skin, it creates an oil-like texture on the skin and is easily absorbed by the skin. Shea butter can be used as a moisturizer throughout the year. In colder climates, it helps to restore moisture to the skin when the skin can become dry and flaky during the winter. It is also an excellent product to use during the summer months after a day of sun exposure to moisturize and calm your skin.
2.To soothe chapped lips
Shea butter helps to remove cracks on lips, especially in winter. Apply some shea butter morning and evening to keep lips soft and smooth.
3.Fight against dandruff and scalp irritation
Shea butter, especially if you have an ongoing problem of dry scalp; It has soothing properties that can help calm your skin. Apply a small amount of shea butter to your scalp by massaging in circular motions.
4. To soften your hands
Shea butter is common in hand creams because it makes dry skin and smooth. Brown sugar with a small amount of shea butter; Mix it with a few drops of lemon juice.
Rub your hands to exfoliate dead skin cells. Wash the mixture with soap and water and then apply more shea butter on your hands and massage into your skin.
What is Shea butter?
Shea butter is fat that’s extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. It’s solid at warm temperatures and has an off-white or ivory color. Shea trees are native to West Africa, and most shea butter still comes from that region.
Shea butter has been used as a cosmetic ingredient for centuries. Its high concentration of vitamins and fatty acids — combined with its easy-to-spread consistency — make it a great product for smoothing, soothing, and conditioning your skin.
Curious? Here are 22 reasons to add it to your routine, how to use it, and more.
1. Shea butter is safe for all skin types
Shea butter is technically a tree nut product. But unlike most tree nut products, it’s very low in the proteins that can trigger allergies.
In fact, there’s no medical literature documenting an allergy to topical shea butter.
Shea butter doesn’t contain chemical irritants known to dry out skin, and it doesn’t clog pores. It’s appropriate for nearly any skin type.
2. Shea butter’s moisturizing
Shea butter is typically used for its moisturizing effects. These benefits are tied to shea’s fatty acid content, including linoleic, oleic, stearic, and palmitic acids.
When you apply shea topically, these oils are rapidly absorbed into your skin. They act as a “refatting” agent, restoring lipids and rapidly creating moisture.
This restores the barrier between your skin and the outside environment, holding moisture in and reducing your risk of dryness.
3. Shea butter won’t make your skin oily
Shea butter contains high levels of linoleic acid and oleic acid. These two acids balance each other out. That means shea butter is easy for your skin to fully absorb and won’t make your skin look oily after application.
4. Shea butter’s anti-inflammatory
The plant esters of shea butter have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties.
When applied to the skin, shea triggers cytokines and other inflammatory cells to slow their production.
This may help minimize irritation caused by environmental factors, such as dry weather, as well as inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema.
5. Shea butter’s antioxidant
Shea butter has significant levels of vitamins A and E, which means it promotes strong antioxidant activity.
Antioxidants are important anti-aging agents. They protect your skin cells from free radicals that can lead to premature aging and dull-looking skin.
6. It’s antibacterial
A 2012 study suggests that oral doses of shea bark extract can lead to decreased antimicrobial activity in animals.
Although more research is needed, this could indicate possible antibacterial benefits in humans.
Because of this, some speculate that topical application may decrease the amount of acne-causing bacteria on the skin.
7. Shea butter’s antifungal
Shea tree products have been established as powerful ingredients to fight skin infections caused by fungi.
While shea butter may not be able to treat every kind of fungal infection, we know that it kills spores of the fungi that causes ringworm and athlete’s foot.
8. Shea butter may help prevent acne
Shea butter is rich in different kinds of fatty acids. This unique composition helps clear your skin of excess oil (sebum).
At the same time, shea butter restores moisture to your skin and locks it in to your epidermis, so your skin doesn’t dry out or feel “stripped” of oil.
The result is a restoration of the natural balance of oils in your skin — which may help stop acne before it starts.
9. Shea butter helps boost collagen production
Shea butter contains triterpenes. These naturally occurring chemical compounds are thought to deactivate collagen fiber destruction.
This may minimize the appearance of fine lines and result in plumper skin.
10. Shea butter helps promote cell regeneration
Shea’s moisturizing and antioxidant properties work together to help your skin generate healthy new cells.
Your body is constantly making new skin cells and getting rid of dead skin cells. You actually get rid of anywhere between 30,000 to 40,000 old skin cells each day.
Dead skin cells sit on the top. New skin cells form at the bottom of the upper layer of skin (epidermis).
With the right moisture balance on the surface of your skin, you’ll have fewer dead skin cells in the way of fresh cell regeneration in the epidermis.
11. Shea butter may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scarring
It’s thought that shea butter stops keloid fibroblasts — scar tissue — from reproducing, while encouraging healthy cell growth to take their place.
This may help your skin heal, minimizing the appearance of stretch marks and scarring.
12. Shea butter may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
By boosting collagen production and promoting new cell generation, shea butter may help reduce what researchers call photoaging — the wrinkles and fine lines that environmental stress and aging can create on skin.
13. Shea butter offers added sun protection
Shea butter can’t be used by itself as an effective sunscreen.
But using shea butter on your skin does give you some added sun protection, so layer it over your favorite sunscreen on days you’ll be spending outside.
Shea butter contains an estimated SPF of 3 to 4.
14. Shea butter may help prevent hair breakage
Shea butter hasn’t been studied specifically for its ability to make hair stronger.
But one 2017 studyTrusted Source found that a chemically similar West African plant made hair significantly more resistant to breakage.
15. Shea butter may help treat dandruff
One way to treat dandruff (atopic dermatitis) is to restore moisture to your dry and irritated scalp.
One 2018 reviewTrusted Source found that shea butter, when used in combination with other moisturizers, could help decrease dandruff flakes and reduce risk of flare-ups.
More research is needed to determine how effective shea is when used alone.
16. Shea butter may help soothe conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis
Shea’s anti-inflammatory properties help soothe skin and relieve itching. This may prove especially helpful for inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.
Shea also absorbs rapidly, which could mean quick relief for flare-ups.
ResearchTrusted Source even suggests that shea butter could work just as well as medicated creams in treating eczema.
17. Shea butter may help soothe sunburn and other skin burns
ResearchTrusted Source suggests that oils may be beneficial for superficial (first-degree) skin burns, such as sunburn.
Shea’s anti-inflammatory components may reduce redness and swelling. Its fatty acid components may also soothe the skin by retaining moisture during the healing process.
Although the researchers in this study established that the use of shea butter, aloe vera, and other natural products is common, more research is needed to assess their efficacy.
18. Shea butter may help soothe insect bites
Shea butter has been traditionally used to soothe bee stings and insect bites.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that shea butter may help bring down swelling that bites and stings can cause.
That said, there isn’t any clinical research to support this.
If you’re experiencing severe pain and swelling from stings or bites, consider seeing a health professional and stick to proven treatments.
19. Shea butter can help promote wound healing
In addition to reducing underlying inflammation, shea is also linked to the tissue remodeling that’s crucial for treating wounds.
Its protective fatty acids may also help shield wounds from environmental irritants during the healing process.
20. Shea butter may help relieve arthritis pain
Arthritis is caused by underlying inflammation in the joints.
A 2016 animal studyTrusted Source on shea oil concentrate suggests that it can help reduce inflammation while also protecting joints from further damage.
Although this study focused on knee joints, these potential benefits could extend to other areas of the body.
21. Shea butter may help soothe muscle soreness
Muscles that have been overextended can be affected by inflammation and stiffness as your body repairs muscle tissue.
Shea butter may help sore muscles in the same way it may help joint pain — by reducing inflammation.
22. Shea butter may help relieve congestion
A 1979 studyTrusted Source suggests that shea butter may help alleviate nasal congestion.
When used in nasal drops, shea butter may reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
Shea butter could also help reduce mucosal damage, which often leads to nasal congestion.
These effects could be beneficial when dealing with allergies, sinusitis, or the common cold.
Uses for shea butter
Shea butter is a versatile ingredient that can help with all kinds of issues and ailments. From the skin and hair to sun protection and collagen production, it's no wonder that shea butter is found so many different products. The therapeutic nature of shea butter makes it effective for repairing the skin's barrier, which in turn provides relief for those suffering from dry skin, eczema and other conditions.
Here are some uses for shea butter:
As a regular, daily hand and body moisturizer
To relieve dry or itchy skin or eczema
To reduce the appearance of stretch marks or scars
As an effective acne treatment
As a moisturizing lip balm
To help alleviate skin rashes, burns, and insect bites
To reduce skin inflammation
To help soothe razor burn
As a low-grade sunscreen, and to replenish the skin after sun exposure
As a moisturizing hair and scalp mask
And there's so much more! It's pretty magical stuff.
Shea butter is a seed fat that comes from the shea tree. The shea tree is found in East and West tropical Africa. The shea butter comes from two oily kernels within the shea tree seed. After the kernel is removed from the seed, it is ground into a powder and boiled in water. The butter then rises to the top of the water and becomes solid.
People apply shea butter to the skin for acne, burns, dandruff, dry skin, eczema, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
In foods, shea butter is used as a fat for cooking.
In manufacturing, shea butter is used in cosmetic products.
Some of favorite uses for shea butter:
By itself for face and body as a natural moisturizer
In a shea butter lotion bar stick for easy use
After sun or beach exposure to replenish skin
Alone or in a pregnancy salve to ward off stretch marks
As a natural cuticle cream
As the best under-eye wrinkle remover and bag-reducer
As a massage butter
In my homemade velvety soft whipped body butter
On sore/raw noses during a cold or flu
Added to basic homemade lotion
On scars to naturally help collagen production
As a base for homemade deodorant
By itself for low-grade sun protection
Whipped into magnesium body butter
As a natural baby-care product (alone) or ingredient in baby care recipes
By itself on the lips or in homemade lip balms
In a homemade shimmer lip balm
On the eyelids before applying makeup to make it last longer
To improve skin elasticity (some even say it helps with cellulite)
On the hair or scalp (in mixture with other natural ingredients)
In homemade liquid creme foundation and makeup
Ways to Use Raw Shea Butter
According to the oracle known as the Internet, shea butter is a miracle ingredient, and if its uses were tallied up they’d number in the thousands.
After using it for a while now, we have to say we agree. If stuck on a deserted island with only one body care product, shea butter would be it.
While there hasn’t been a lot of research to back up many of the claims, there is no shortage of folk wisdom and testimonies singing its praises. And really, in a world of cosmetics laden with synthetic ingredients and odd extras like little plastic balls, the availability of a botanical body care ingredient pure enough to eat is a beautiful thing. Especially when it happens to be so effective.
Such is the case with shea butter; edible indeed, it also is wonderful as a body care product. It is extracted from the nuts of African karite trees (Vitellaria paradoxa), a species that grows from Guinea and Senegal to Uganda and South Sudan. Shea butter has long been used for health and cooking in Africa and is also an ingredient in a number of confections, especially chocolate; but its latest role is as the new darling of the beauty and body care world.
Rich in vitamins E and A, among others, it has unique properties that make it a standout in the nut oil family. The presence of fatty acids and plant sterols, like oleic, stearic, palmitic and linolenic acids add to shea butter’s notably high nonsaponifiable fraction; it doesn’t convert to soap when introduced to an alkali — which means that it has greater healing potential for the skin. Shea butter has many other awesome attributes as well, which makes it a wonderful ally to do the following with:
1. Indulge Dry Skin
According to the American Shea Butter Institute, the moisturizers in shea butter are the same ones that are produced by the skin’s sebaceous glands, making it one of the best matches for dry skin.
2. Make Your Hair Happy
Shea butter is used in many a haircare product and with good reason. It is said to have a number of benefits, including sealing in moisture, defining curl, conditioning the scalp, alleviating dandruff and decreasing the dreaded frizz. Also, applied to just the roots when styling can add a bit of volume to fine hair.
3. Enhance Your Kisser
Shea butter is said to protect and soothe the lips. Apply several times a day; smooch frequently to test its efficacy.
4. Calm Inflamed Skin
Shea butter has several anti-inflammatory agents, including derivatives of cinnamic acid. In a study on shea butter and its anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive effects published in the Journal of Oleo Science, researchers concluded that “shea nuts and shea fat (shea butter) constitute a significant source of anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor promoting compounds.” So go on, soothe away.
5. Fade Stretch Marks
While authorities like the Mayo Clinic and Baby Center note that the only way to really diminish stretch marks is with Retin-A or laser treatments, there are many testimonies across the Web of people who swear by the power of shea butter for helping in this endeavor. Its abundance of vitamins and healing agents doesn’t make this seem like much a stretch, so to speak.
6. Ease Eczema and Acne
Both eczema and acne require delicate treatments as not to exacerbate the problems; and in both cases, a pure and natural product is favorable to one with synthetic ingredients and fragrances. According to reviews, shea butter's efficacy for eczema and acne is mixed. Some say that it doesn't work at all, but more seem to agree that shea butter does indeed help. For eczema, users like to soak in a tub then apply shea butter while still damp to lock in the moisture; for acne, suggestions include applying a thin film after cleaning the face and then rinsing it off after a few hours. We can't guarantee these uses, but with shea's unique properties, it sure seems worth a try. (And if you have experience with either of these treatments, leave a comment and let us know how you fared.)
7. Repair Cracked Heels and Troublesome Cuticles
Many who suffer from painful cracked heels and dry cuticles claim that shea butter solves the problem. For heels that are particularly bad, apply shea butter before bed and slip into cotton socks for the night.
8. Give Skin an Antioxidant Boost
Shea butter is high in vitamins A and E, as well as catechins and other significant plant antioxidants, which may protect skin from damage. There is evidence that suggests that cinnamic acid esters in shea fat also help to prevent damage from ultraviolet radiation.
9. Ditch the Itch From Insect Bites
With its anti-inflammatory magic, it makes sense that shea butter would quell the swelling of insect bites, but if crowds of people across the Web are correct, it also stops the irksome itch of insect bites pretty much on the spot.
10. Aid Your Shave
The jury is still out on this one – some like a shea shave because it’s so nice on the skin; others say that it doesn’t provide enough cushion for the razor since it doesn’t lather. If you like more of an “oil shave” than a sudsy one, shave with shea. And even if you use a lather to shave with, applying shea post-shave can soothe irritation.
11. Clear Nasal Congestion
A study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that shea butter was potentially more efficacious in treating nasal congestion than nasal drops.
Subjects with congestion (mostly associated with seasonal allergy) were given 2-4 grams of shea butter applied to the interior of the nostril ���by means of the subject’s right index finger.” (Which is to say, you can try this at home!) The airways of those using the shea butter (opposed to those using nasal drops or petroleum jelly) became clear within 30 to 90 seconds of application, and remained so for 5 to 8 hours, besting the other treatment methods.
When shopping, raw unrefined shea butter or grade A is preferred, as the product diminishes the more refined it is, and the more additives it has. Also know that unrefined shea butter is not like a smooth, creamy lotion; it’s a little harder and greasier (but in a good way!) and softens when warmed. It ranges in color from creamy off-white to yellow (like that pictured above); very white shea butter has most likely been highly refined.
There are many women’s cooperatives working to produce shea butter – the U.N.notes that shea butter provides employment and income to millions of women across Africa – and many come with third-party fair trade and sustainability certification. Look to buy yours from a company that supports social and environmental issues. Also, although shea nuts appear to be safe for those who are allergic, if you have tree nut allergies please consult with your physician before using shea. And then, revel in the butter!
There’s a Reason People Swear by Shea Butter—the Benefits Can’t Be Beat
Shea butter has been a go-to in many beauty regimens—especially when it comes to pregnancy and mitigating stretch marks. That’s because besides being super moisturizing, while also providing many other noteworthy benefits.
“Shea butter comes from the nuts of the shea tree, which is native to Central Africa,” says Dr. Josh Axe, DNM, author of the best-selling book Collagen Diet and host of The Dr. Axe Show. “The outer shells of the nuts are removed. Then they’re crushed and slowly roasted into butter. Finally, the butter is commonly kneaded by hand in a basin of water to separate the fatty acids. These fatty acids, or oils, are removed from the butter, cooled, and hardened to make what we know to be shea butter.”
Shea butter is perfectly safe to use for most skin types, adds Dr. Sonia Batra, MD, co-host of daytime show The Doctors, and it has been used in cosmetics for centuries due to vitamins and fatty acids that hydrate and calm the skin.
Intrigued? Keep reading to learn about its many other benefits and possible side effects, as well as pro tips on how to use it.
The benefits of shea butter
1. Shea butter moisturizes skin and hair
If you have dry, dull skin, shea butter may become your new best friend. “Shea butter works as a skin-conditioning agent,” Dr. Axe says. “It helps retain moisture by forming a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, which reduces the loss of water and keeps your skin hydrated.”
Some experts say that shea butter is even better for your skin than coconut oil (yes, really). Joshua Ross, celebrity aesthetician of SkinLab, recommends opting for facial oils or other natural products made with seed-derived oil, such as shea butter. Oils from the flesh of a fruit, such as coconut oil, can be very occlusive (or clogging). “The skin is always going to respond better to seed oils because they mimic the oils naturally found in the skin,” he says.
Shea butter moisturizes hair, too. By conditioning the scalp, it can also reduce dandruff, and it can make hair stronger and help prevent future breakage.
2. Shea butter is good for sensitive skin
If you have sensitive skin, consider ditching the fancy lotions and potions—which may be making your skin even more irritated—and reach for shea butter instead. “When you have skin irritation, natural ingredients that are proven effective are always best, making shea butter a very reliable choice,” Ross says.
3. Shea butter is soothing
Thanks to the fact that it contains both vitamins E and A, shea butter is also beneficial in treating irritated skin, sensitive or not. Dr. Axe recommends using it to soothe windburn, dry patches, sunburn, abrasions, and even diaper rashes on babies (also due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties). You can also apply to scars to minimize their appearance.
4. Shea butter eases inflammation
If you struggle with chronic skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis, the fatty acids in shea butter will help ease inflammation. “Shea butter slows the production of inflammatory cells that contribute to irritation and skin conditions,” Dr. Axe says.
And because shea butter penetrates the skin quickly, you’ll feel relief sooner rather than later. One study showed that shea butter could be equally as effective at treating eczema as medicated creams, so it’s worth checking out.
5. Shea butter makes you look younger
The vitamin A and E in shea butter can do more than soothe skin. They can also make you appear more youthful, and who doesn’t want that? “Shea butter also helps promote cell regeneration, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” Dr. Batra says.
Ross adds that shea butter also has antioxidant properties that help neutralize free radical damage from sun exposure. It’s also said to help boost collagen production, which gives the skin its plump look.
Side effects of shea butter
Contrary to the rumors out there, shea butter won’t clog your pores. “It’s not known to clog pores because the fatty acids mimic the sebum or oil that we produce naturally,” Dr. Axe says. “This actually reduces the production of sebum and helps to maintain the health of your skin.” So, shea butter won’t leave your skin looking greasy in case you were worried.
Although it is generally safe to use for most people, if you have a nut allergy, shea butter may not be the best idea. “People with tree nut allergies may experience adverse reactions to shea butter because it comes from the nuts of the shea tree,” Dr. Axe says.
On the other hand, Dr. Batra says that there are no documented cases of topical shea butter allergies. So if you want to give it a whirl, Dr. Axe recommends applying a small amount to a tiny area of skin to see if there’s a reaction. And, if there is a reaction, discontinue use asap and visit your doctor or dermatologist.
How to use shea butter
1. Use it as a full-body moisturizer
Slathering yourself in shea butter as you would with a full-body moisturizer is one of its most common uses, Ross says, especially during the winter months when skin tends to be its driest. Rub until it’s fully absorbed. For the face, it may be best to use at night as it can be tricky to apply makeup over it. Wherever you’re applying it though, remember a little goes a long way.
2. Put it on the ends of your hair
If your hair is looking lackluster, you can use shea butter to bring it back to life, but there’s a caveat. “If you have thin hair, avoid the roots, as it can cause an oily-looking buildup,” Dr. Batra says.
Instead, Ross suggests adding it to only the ends of your hair, which can help prevent split ends. Use it as you would a conditioner and rinse it out in the shower. Or, add a tiny bit as a leave-in conditioner.
3. Warm it up in your hands
Like coconut oil, shea butter can become solid. So, before applying it, Dr. Batra recommends rubbing it in your hands for a few seconds to warm it up and make it easier to spread.
4. Opt for pure, unrefined shea butter
Many skincare products and cosmetics already include shea butter as an ingredient, but it tends to be highly processed, reducing its all-natural properties. So, to reap its full benefits, raw shea butter is the way to go.
The quality of the shea butter also matters. They’re not all created equally. “You want to use a pure, unrefined shea butter that has a nutty aroma and beige color,” Dr. Axe says. “If the product is ‘refined,’ that means that it’s been chemically altered, and the properties found in pure shea butter are diminished.”
Benefits Of Shea Butter For The Skin
Incorporating shea butter into your regular skin care routine will work wonders. Check out here.
1. Moisturizes Dry Skin
Shea butter is an excellent moisturizer for the face and the body. Its fat content is responsible for its emollient and humectant properties. It locks in the moisture in the skin and keeps it hydrated for long. Dehydrated and dry skin becomes rough and scaly. Certain areas of the body can even develop skin cracks due to dryness. Shea butter can nourish the skin with its fat content. It can also help to soften the skin on your hands and feet and make it supple. It penetrates the skin easily, without clogging the pores, and is effective for dry skin.
Use shea butter to heal cracked heels, dry cuticles, and rough patches on your skin. You can also use it to simply moisturize your skin during the colder months.
2. Treats Acne And Blemishes
Shea butter is known for its healing properties, which can be attributed to the presence of several fatty acids and plant sterols such as oleic, palmitic, stearic, and linolenic acids. These oil-soluble components do not undergo saponification or convert into soap on coming in contact with alkalis. Shea butter is more non-saponifiable than other nut oils and fats, thus imparting it great healing potential. Raw, unrefined shea butter is effective in curing skin rashes, skin peeling after tanning, scars, stretch marks, frost bites, burns, athletes foot, insect bites and stings, and acne.
3. Reduces Skin Inflammation
Shea butter has several derivatives of cinnamic acid that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. These properties make it beneficial for the improvement of skin conditions that result from an increase in inflammatory compounds. Generalized inflammations from conditions like dermatitis and rosacea can be alleviated by using shea butter on the affected area. Sunburns, rashes, cuts, and scrapes that can result in swelling can also be treated using this butter.
4. Anti-Aging And Anti-Free Radical Agent
Shea butter is considered as one of the best anti-aging agents for the skin. It stimulates the production of collagen, the youthful scaffolding protein in the skin. The vitamins A and E found in this butter keep the skin supple, nourished, and radiant. If used regularly, it reduces wrinkles and also prevents premature wrinkles and facial lines. Its anti-aging properties can also be attributed to its ability to increase circulation to the skin and promote cell renewal.
These vitamins, along with catechins, also exert an antioxidant effect against free radicals that damage the skin. These free radicals are often found in our environment in pollutants and irritants. The sun’s rays can also increase the free radicals in our skin, which can easily damage the skin cells. The cinnamic acid esters in the shea fat prevent damage from these compounds by giving your skin an antioxidant boost.
5. Provides Relief To Itchy And Peeling Skin
For itching skin, both the moisturizing and the anti-inflammatory properties of shea butter prove to be beneficial. Dryness can cause your skin to start peeling and/or become flaky. It can cause the skin to itch. The moisturizing fatty acids of shea butter can provide relief by supplying the skin with the oils it needs. If the itching is due to a skin condition like psoriasis, the anti-inflammatory activity of shea butter works really well to alleviate it.
6. Restores The Elasticity Of The Skin
The non-saponifiable matter and vitamin F in this butter are vital ingredients for maintaining the skin’s elasticity. Shea butter also improves the production of collagen in the skin. Thus, its application restores the natural elasticity of the skin besides hydrating, softening, and beautifying it. Restored elasticity also ensures reduced wrinkles and blemishes.
7. Reduce Razor Irritation And Bumps
Shaving hair using razors can often leave your skin irritated and itchy. At times, it might even develop bumps post shaving as a result of the irritation. Shea butter can help reduce this as it moisturizes and soothes the irritated skin. You can also apply the butter a day prior to shaving to smoothen the skin and hair. This will make the shaving process easier and faster and doesn’t leave any irritated spots behind.
8. Reduces Stretch Marks
Shea butter is often used as a base in ointments or creams prepared commercially for stretch mark treatment.
