The Benefits of Shea Butter
Although it may be tempting to purchase every new and improved anti-aging and wrinkle-reducing product out there, the reality is that a majority of these “miracle creams” contain hazardous chemicals that pose various health risks. The next time you’re looking for a safe and effective night-time cream, why not try shea butter?
Shea butter is a Vitamin A skin cream made from the seed of the shea tree, extracted and prepared without the use of chemicals. While shea butter is frequently used in a lot of lotions, creams, and soaps, it is not typically in its purest form. The best shea butter for the skin is prepared by cold press methods without the use of added chemicals or preservatives. You should look for raw/unrefined, unbleached, organic and Grade A shea butter. A great local brand is Global Infusions.
At room temperature, shea butter is a soft, beige colored creamy solid that melts in your hands and is easily absorbed by the skin.
Take a pea-sized amount of shea butter and apply it to your face nightly. It absorbs nicely into the skin and when you wake up in the morning, your face will feel soft and highly moisturized. If you have been struggling with allergies this summer that have caused the skin under your eyes to become swollen, itchy, red and scaly, regular use of the shea butter under the eyes offers relief and can bring your skin back to normal.
Shea Butter Benefits
• Moisturizing: The concentration of natural vitamins and fatty acids in shea butter makes it incredibly nourishing and moisturizing for skin.
• Reduces Inflammation: A 2010 study found that due to its cinnamic acid and other natural properties, shea butter was anti-inflammatory. One compound in particular, lupeol cinnamate, was found to reduce skin inflammation and even potentially help avoid skin mutations2.
• Skin Smoothing: Shea butter aids in the skin’s natural collagen production and contains oleic, stearic, palmitic and linolenic acids that protect and nourish the skin to prevent drying.
Suggested uses for Shea Butter
• Skin softener, strengthener and wrinkle reducer
• Dry and Itchy Skin
• Skin Rash/Allergies
• Acne
• Eczema
• Dermatitis
• Skin Peeling
• Blemishes and Wrinkles
• Skin damage from heat (sunburn, hot grease while cooking, etc.)
• Small Skin Wounds
• Tough, cracked and/or rough skin
• Stretch Marks
• Insect Bites
• Muscle fatigue, aches and tension
Resources:
Shea Institute
PubMed.gov