When you think about skin moisturizer, one of the last things to come to your mind is perhaps Shea Butter. Popularly known as ‘ori’ in most parts of Africa, shea butter is one of the best natural ointments for skin and hair. Proof of this is the fact that it has been used as a cosmetic ingredient for centuries and is a component in most hair growth and conditioning mixtures.
Shea Butter is the fat extracted from the African Shea tree. With its high concentration of vitamins and fatty acids, it is a superb moisturizer with remarkable healing properties for the skin. Usually ivory in color, it has a soft, fluffy consistency which makes it spread easily on the skin without creating the greasy feeling that some oil-based products have. It also contains cinnamic acid, which is a naturally occurring sunscreen.
Other components of this impressive natural resource include its many vitamins. Shea Butter contains Vitamin A which is a key component for improving skin conditions such as blemishes, wrinkles, dermatitis, and eczema. It also helps in the healing of bites, sunburns, and skin allergies. It contains Vitamin E which acts as an anti-aging agent and has a positive effect on increasing the micro-circulation. Secondly, it may serve as an anti-free radical agent, thereby aiding in preventing the damaging effects of the sun and environmental exposure. As we age, our skin starts to lose its organic elasticity, which can lead to sagging. But shea butter contains Vitamin F which can help to lessen the effects of this since it works well to preserve skin elasticity. This way, wrinkling is kept at a minimum regardless of how the skin moves and grows.
One impressive fact about Shea Butter is that it is extracted and prepared without the use of chemicals, and can be used in its raw form. The best shea butter for skin is prepared by cold press methods without the use of added chemicals or preservatives. Our All Natural Shea Butter is a model example of this near-magical cream given by nature. It comes in two variants; the ‘100% Pure’ for those who don’t mind the pungent nutty smell of Shea Butter and the perfumed ‘With Fragrance’ for those who are sensitive to smell and prefer a milder scent.
For many skin and beauty enthusiasts, Shea Butter is a favorite that is highly recommended for all skin types, because of its many benefits. It is safe to say Shea Butter’s capabilities go beyond just moisturizing. It also acts as a sealant by locking in moisture and protecting cells from outside irritants. This provides ideal conditions for the healing of dry, cracking skin. It’s no wonder this remarkable ointment is so well sought after. According to dermatology experts, the skin repair properties of shea butter are unparalleled. Using it on your skin; especially your face, can condition, tone, and soothe your skin.
To get the full moisturizing effect of Shea Butter, it is ideal to leave it on your face overnight, or for up to 8hours. Repeated application of shea butter at night like this can help prevent acne and clear dark spots on your face. It will also give anti-sunburn healing and undo the damage from daytime exposure to the sun.
It is important to note, however, that shea butter can clog pores when too much is applied. So if you’re using it in pure form, when applying it you must take note to rub it into a soft, thin-film before putting it on your face. Furthermore, it is more ideal to use shea butter at night as using it in the daytime might not work out so well if you’re a regular makeup user. It is also important to know if your skin is acne-prone or not, as shea butter can facilitate acne by clogging your pores.
Although it is great for keeping the skin nourished and plump looking, you should take note to use it with sunscreen in hot weather. This is because the mixture of shea butter and prolonged exposure to the sun will have a tanning effect. Shea butter is best used during the dry season or in winter.
Where skincare is concerned, shea butter comes highly recommended for anyone interested in maintaining beautiful and healthy skin. Our favorite thing about it is how low-risk it is. Research has shown that allergic reactions to this topical component are extremely rare. It is also great for mixing with other organic oils and powders to create super facial masks that work magic and revive the skin within minutes.
Shea butter is one of the best ingredients for when your skin needs some extra pampering and attention. Whether you’re struggling with irritation, dryness, or acne, this magical oil gifted by nature is there to help you out!