Shea butter - properties and use in cosmetics
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Shea butter is a plant fat obtained from the nuts of the African shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). It has a creamy color and a delicate scent, and when applied to the skin it melts and creates a protective layer. Shea butter is widely used in cosmetics as a moisturizer and emollient. In this post you will learn about the properties and uses of shea butter and about the best cosmetics with its addition.
Properties of shea butter
Shea butter is rich in vitamins A, E and F and unsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic, stearic and linoleic. These ingredients give shea butter many beneficial properties for the skin, such as:
- Moisturizing and nourishing. Shea butter provides the skin with long-lasting hydration and lubrication, improving its elasticity and softness. It also helps protect the skin from water loss through the epidermis.
- Soothing and regenerating. Shea butter has anti-inflammatory and accelerates healing of wounds, irritations and inflammations of the skin. It also helps exfoliate dead skin cells and stimulates skin cell renewal.
Benefits and uses of shea butter for different skin types and conditions
- For dry skin. Shea butter is ideal for dry skin, as it provides it with intense hydration and lubrication. You can use it as a face cream and body balm to prevent flaking and cracking of the skin. Shea butter also helps protect the skin from the harmful effects of wind, cold and heating.
- For sensitive skin. Shea butter is gentle for sensitive skin, as it does not contain artificial colors, fragrances or preservatives. You can use it as a face cream and body balm to soothe irritations, redness and itching of the skin. Shea butter also helps reduce inflammation and speed up healing of minor wounds and scratches.
- For mature skin. Shea butter is beneficial for mature skin, as it helps fight the signs of aging of the skin. You can use it as a face cream and body balm to improve the elasticity and firmness of the skin and reduce wrinkles and age spots. Shea butter also helps protect the skin from free radicals and UV radiation.
Uses of shea butter
Shea butter is a universal cosmetic ingredient that can be used in various ways and for different purposes. Here are some examples:
- As a body balm. Shea butter can be applied directly to the skin of the whole body after bathing or showering to provide it with hydration and nourishment. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to shea butter to give it a pleasant scent and additional properties.
- As a face cream. Shea butter can be used as a face cream in the morning and evening to protect the skin from external factors and prevent it from drying out. Shea butter is suitable for any skin type, but especially for dry, sensitive or mature skin.
- As a hair mask. Shea butter can be applied to hair as a moisturizing and nourishing mask. Just melt some shea butter in your hands and apply it to damp tip.
- As a lip balm. Shea butter can be used as a lip balm to prevent them from cracking and drying out. You can also add some honey or sugar to shea butter to get a lip scrub that will exfoliate dead skin cells and soften your lips.
- As a massage agent. Shea butter can be used as a massage agent for body or feet to relax muscles and improve blood circulation. Shea butter also has analgesic and anti-rheumatic properties, so it can help relieve joint and muscle pain.
Cosmetics with shea butter
Shea butter is a popular ingredient in many cosmetics available on the market. Here are some examples of products with shea butter that I recommend:
- Cantu Shea Butter Coconut Curling Cream - Styling Cream. This is a cream for styling curly and wavy hair that contains shea butter and coconut oil. It helps moisturize and define curls, prevents frizzing and protects hair from thermal damage.
- L’Occitane Shea Butter. This is a universal cream for face, body and hair with 100% shea butter. You can use it on dry parts of the skin, such as elbows, knees or heels, to soften and moisturize them. You can also apply it to hair ends to prevent them from splitting.
- The Shea House Pure Shea Butter Body Balms. These are body balms with natural shea butter in different scents: vanilla, lemon, lavender and rose. They provide long-lasting hydration and nourishment for the skin.
You can also find shea butter in our cosmetics, including the Multi-purpose Rich Mask and the Light Moisturizing Cream, which is perfect for everyday use and before make-up.
Shea butter is a wonderful cosmetic ingredient that has many properties and uses for skin and hair. You can use it by yourself or look for cosmetics with its addition. Shea butter will help you take care of your beauty and health in a natural way.