Shea Butter

Western countries are just beginning to recognize the considerable health and beauty benefits of shea butter, something Africans have known for thousands of years.


 Shea butter is a cream-colored fatty substance made from the nuts of karite nut trees (also called Mangifolia trees) that grow in the savannah regions of West and Central Africa. 
Karite trees, or shea trees, are not cultivated. They grow only in the wild, and can take up to 50 years to mature (they live up to 300 years!). In most parts of West Africa, destruction of the shea tree is prohibited because this little nut provides a valuable source of food, medicine, and income for the population. In fact, shea butter is sometimes referred to as “women’s gold” in Africa, because so many women are employed in the production of shea butter.

Shea butter has been used to help heal burns, sores, scars, dermatitis, psoriasis, dandruff, and stretch marks. It may also help diminish wrinkles by moisturizing the skin, promoting cell renewal, and increasing circulation. Shea butter also contains cinnamic acid, a substance that helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays. 

Shea butter is a particularly effective moisturizer because it contains so many fatty acids, which are needed to retain skin moisture and elasticity. The high fatty acid content of shea butter also makes it an excellent additive to soap, shampoos, anti-aging creams, cosmetics, lotions, and massage oils—its soft, butter-like texture melts readily into the skin. 

Shea butter protects the skin from both environmental and free-radical damage. It contains vitamins A and E, and has demonstrated both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. 


Unrefined shea butter is superior in that it retains all its natural vitamins, especially vitamin A and vitamin E. However, the natural smell of shea can be a bit off-putting (stinky), though the aroma does disappear after it has been applied to your skin within minutes.
Shea butter is not recommended for people with nut or latex allergies. 

Summary

Unrefined Shea Butter is a great emollient and easily penetrates the skin to moisturize.  Virgin Shea Butter has a high amount of Vitamin A and Vitamin E, as well as phytosterols, triterpenes, fatty esters and phenolic acids. Vitamins A and E are important in helping to repair skin damage; phytosterols, and triterpenes aid in skin allergies; phenolic acids are good for cellular protection. Virgin Shea Butter is widely used to protect skin from the sun’s UV rays, as well as soften and heal cracked and aged skin.

Some of the possible benefits of unrefined shea butter include:

Evens skin tone Absorbs quickly without leaving greasy residue like mineral oil based products Penetrates deep into the epidermal layer of your skin to help restore elasticity to maturing skin and prevent the cellular breakdown that leads to dry, cracking skin, and stretch marks Stimulates cellular activity, fights the effects of aging and repairs rough, damaged skin Returns natural luster to skin and hair Does not clog pores Revitalizes, softens and maintains skin moisture Aids in the healing of wounds and may improve scars due to its anti-inflammatory properties Used to heal eczema, burns, rashes, severely dry skin, and to lessen the irritation of psoriasis Moisturizes after shaving to prevent irritation Has natural sun blocking powers and may protect skin from sun damage and environmental elements Nourishes the hair shaft Moisturizes dry, dull over-processed and heat-treated hair resulting in improved brilliance and manageability Helps prevent weak hair from breaking, fading, or thinning out and may promote hair growth

~ xoxo, Beauty Editor Live Your Dream