What is shea butter?
Shea butter comes from the shea tree, less commonly known as Butyrospermum parkii. This tree comes from Central Africa, where it is considered sacred. Nuts from the tree create shea butter through these steps: Remove the outer shell, crush them by hand, and slowly mash them until incorporated into the butter. This butter is then kneaded in a large bowl of water, which helps separate the oils, also known as fatty acids. Fatty acids are the coveted ingredients that contain endless skin care benefits to restore your glow. People have been using shea butter for centuries, with Cleopatra being one of its most famous users. Below we present all the uses and restorative benefits that shea butter can bring to your skin.
Where do the benefits of shea butter come from?
There are many active ingredients in shea butter that help make your skin radiant. This is due to the antioxidant vitamins A, E and F along with nutritious triglycerides. Shea also contains palmitic, oleic, stearic and linoleic fatty acids, which balance the skin’s natural oils. Finally, cetyl esters give shea butter its waxy feel and lock in moisture.
1. Anti-inflammatory
Shea butter is an inexpensive but effective moisturizer that has anti-inflammatory benefits. This is useful for people with all types of skin problems. Many products on the market today have synthetic ingredients and chemicals. But shea is totally natural and conditions the skin with great power.
2. Anti-aging
Stop spending hundreds on all kinds of solutions – that’s just expensive marketing. Raw shea butter promotes cell regeneration while softening the skin, which in turn can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
3. Hair moisturizer
Yes, shea butter can be used on your hair and scalp; It’s not just for the skin. It is practically a comprehensive beauty salon. Heat shea butter to soften it and rub it all over your scalp and hair, leaving it on for 20 minutes. Then, rinse this mask off, apply shampoo and conditioner, and see the results! If you are worried about oily hair, apply it only to the ends.
4. Use it as a mask
If your skin is dehydrated and you’re in desperate need of a facial, skip the spa and combine these ingredients at home: a tablespoon of raw honey, a few drops of grapeseed oil, and a tablespoon of pure shea butter. First, clean your face and then apply this mask.
5. Cracked skin
Many of the body moisturizers you use are not as effective for cracked heels and elbows, nor do they reduce the effects of wind burn on the skin. Shea penetrates deeply, hydrating deeper and lasting longer.
