When you pick up most skincare or body care products, you may notice shea butter in the ingredient list. It can be found in creams, balms, butter, and all the other products that promise to moisturize and rejuvenate your skin.
But what exactly is this shea butter, and why do people rave about it so much?
If you have been curious about the benefits, uses, or everything in between, you’ve landed in the right place. Here, you will find everything you need to know about shea butter.
What is Shea Butter?
Made from the extracted nut of shea tree - Shea butter is a natural substance that can often be found in Africa's southern region. The raw form of shea butter is usually ivory and opaque.
However, it is often dyed yellow when sold with palm oil or borututu root, hence the name shea butter.
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What is it used for?
Since it is so versatile, the uses of shea butter are pretty broad. Here are some of the many ways you can use it:
- Cooking
Many people in Africa have been using shea butter for cooking. Yes, it's therapeutic grade, but you have to check the labels before you use it. Shea butter is an excellent source of fatty acids, hence making it a perfect alternative for oil and dairy butter.
- Skin Care
When it comes to skin, shea butter is loved. It is great to moisturize the face, and some people use it as a cleanser too. It is often found in many skincare products, and almost everyone has incorporated it into their skincare routine somehow.
It is hydrating, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and great for reducing the effects of breakouts. It is one of the best secrets for glowing, perfect skin.
- Body Care
Just like your face, your body needs moisture too. You may find plenty of body butter on the market, but the best ones always contain shea butter. It is because this thick substance has just the right amount of moisture your body needs.
- Hair Care
The uses of shea butter extend to haircare as well. When you have a dry, itchy scalp, it usually lacks moisture. Instead of rushing to harmful chemicals, try some shea butter instead. It will help keep your hair healthy, shiny, and hydrated.
As a result, your scalp is likely to feel less itchy because it has all the moisture it needs to stay healthy.
- Helps Scars
Shea butter is also known to help fight the sign of aging. In fact, people in Africa have been using it for these properties for a long time. Make a DIY skincare cream by adding Tea tree oil, Vitamin C serum, and Shea butter to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
What are the Benefits of Shea Butter?
Now that you know what you can use it for, here are some of the benefits that might surprise you:
- It is suitable for all skin types. No matter what it is, dry, oily, combination, or acne-prone, shea butter will work for you.
- It is very moisturizing. In fact, shea butter is known for the fantastic moisturizing properties it has for every part of the body. This includes your face, body, and even scalp and hair.
- Don't you hate it when your skin ends up looking incredibly oily after moisturizing your face or body? Pick up some shea butter if you want something hydrating that doesn't do this. It absorbs into the skin and doesn't leave any oily residue behind.
- It is known to be anti-inflammatory. This means that it will help protect your skin from dry weather or some skin conditions.
- Since shea butter has a lot of Vitamins and antioxidants, it is perfect for mature skin. It helps protect your skin from free radicals while maintaining the natural moisture for a radiant glow.
- At times, acne is caused because your skin is far too dry and is losing moisture. This is when shea butter can come in and help reduce it. It does so by restoring the natural balance of oils in your skin so that your epidermis returns back to normal.
- Shea butter also contains triterpenes - A chemical compound that is believed to prevent the destruction of collagen fibers in the skin. As a result, you can experience plumper skin with minimal fine lines.
- Keloid fibroblasts are scar tissues that reproduce as a deep wound heals. Shea butter is thought to help stop it from producing. This could help heal scars if they are taking too long to disappear.
- Shea butter can also provide added sun protection. However, it would be best if you layered sunscreen underneath it for optimal protection. It contains an estimated SPF of 3 to 4.
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Conclusion
Shea butter is no less than a magical ingredient. Now that you know about all the uses and benefits of shea butter, we're sure you want to get some for yourself as well.
The best part is that it is widely available and pretty affordable as well. You can use it in homemade skin, body, and hair care masks, or you could grab a product that has shea butter as the main ingredient. No matter how you use it, you will probably end up with plenty of benefits from this.