Shea Butter
What Is Shea Butter?
Shea butter is an off-white or ivory-coloured vegetable fat extracted from the nut of the African Shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa /Butyrospermum Parkii ) Shea butter has many health and beauty benefits.
Shea Butter is rich in vitamins A, E, F and provides the skin with essential fatty acids and the nutrients to promote collagen production. It’s incredibly moisturizing and nourishing for all skin types.
Shea butter is fatty oil that exists as a solid at room temperature.
Benefits of Shea Butter for the Skin
Moisturizes Dry Skin
Shea butter is an excellent moisturizer for the face and the body. It locks in the moisture in the skin and keeps it hydrated for long.
Treats Acne And Blemishes
Shea butter is known for its healing properties. Raw, unrefined Shea butter is effective in curing skin rashes, skin peeling after tanning, scars, stretch marks, frost bites, burns, insect bites and stings, and acne.
Reduces Skin Inflammation
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.
Provides Relief To Itchy And Peeling Skin
Dryness 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
Restores The Elasticity Of The Skin
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.
Reduce Razor Irritation And Bumps
Shea butter can help reduce skin irritation and itchiness cause by shaving with a razor 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.
Reduces Stretch Marks
Shea Butter can dramatically help prevent and reduce stretch marks formed during pregnancy due to weight gain and/or weight loss. These marks are formed when the skin stretches beyond its elastic capacity. The application of Shea butter will restore the natural elasticity of the skin and also improve collagen production. It is a natural emollient. Daily massage of the affected area with this skin healing butter can lighten stretch marks
Helps Soothe Skin And Baby Diaper Rash
Shea butter is an excellent natural moisturizer that is devoid of chemicals. Thus, it is ideal for baby care as besides being gentle and soft on the skin, it is specially adapted for the delicate and sensitive skin of babies.
Effective For Treating Dry And Chapped Lips
Shea butter is easily absorbable and provides extra moisture and nutrients that the lips need during the cold season and dry weather conditions. Thus, it acts as a perfect lip balm and is also effective for treating dry and chapped lips. When applied, it forms a barrier on the lips and retains moisture in the skin.
Repairs Damaged Hair
Shea butter can help restore lost moisture in the hair. It also protects the hair from harsh weather conditions and the harmful free radicals in the air and water.
Prevents Hair Loss
The fatty acids of Shea butter condition the scalp and hair. It also provides many essential nutrients that improve both scalp and hair health. These, in turn, will make your hair follicles stronger and reduce hair fall and hair loss.
Soothes Dry And Itchy Scalp
Shea butter is effective in soothing a dry, itchy scalp or dandruff. It possesses anti-inflammatory qualities and rich fat that get absorbed into the skin without leaving a greasy residue behind or clogging the pores.
Wound Healing
Shea butter has skin moisturizing properties, and these are accompanied by healing properties because of the wide variety of phytonutrients it contains. Wounds, cuts, and abrasions are healed quickly with regular application of Shea butter.
Dermatitis, Psoriasis, And Eczema
Shea Butter is considered as an excellent moisturizer for eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis because of its efficacious emollient and humectant properties.