9 Reasons Shea Butter Makes Skin Better

What is Shea Butter?

Shea butter is a semi-solid fat extracted from the Karite tree in Eastern and Western Africa. It is a highly moisturising and nutritionally superior butter with essential fatty acids, Vitamins A and E as well as protective properties. Used traditionally to soothe sore muscles, reduce arthritic symptoms, and manage skin problems, shea butter is the natural beauty staple of West and Eastern Africa.

Benefits of African Shea Butter

Whether you have dry, normal or oily skin, African Shea Butter is an essential tool in your skincare arsenal.

1. Ultra moisturising  

Shea butter is a rich and creamy natural emollient that softens and soothes the skin.

2. Sensitive skincare

Kind and gentle, it is suitable for even the most sensitive skin. Shea butter is one of nature’s most conditioning moisturisers that will soothe and soften your skin without irritation. Ideal for babies, and pregnant and lactating women.

3. SPF protection

A natural sun blocker, shea butter has an SPF of about 4 so combines well with higher SPF factor products for added protection.

4. Anti-ageing properties

Shea is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants as well as potent emollient properties which means it prevents moisture loss, maintaining skin elasticity. The combination of these properties reduces the appearance of fine and wrinkles resulting in a smoother youthful appearance.

5. Accelerated Healing

Shea is a natural source of Vitamin A and E which increase cell turnover, smoothing the skin’s surface. Whether you are recovering from an acne breakout or applying on scar tissue, shea butter helps to heal, firm and smooth the skin. If you have acne-prone skin, you may want to use the light yet equally moisturising shea oil. Rich in vitamin E, a potent antioxidant found naturally in our sebum. Vitamin E also helps prevent cellular damage and boosts moisture.

6. Moisturing whilst being non-irritating

Traditionally, we (West Africans) use Shea butter from the early stages of pregnancy to reduce stretchmarks and scarring. Once the baby/babies arrive, shea butter is applied liberally on newborn skin to protect them from dryness and other environmental stressors.  A naturally rich emollient, shea butter increases skin elasticity whilst its anti-inflammatory properties reduce irritation and inflammation making it great for all skin types.

7. Sensitive skin care with shea

The oil and butter moisturise and smooth the skin, and they have anti-inflammatory properties to help combat things like cradle cap, baby eczema and heat rash. High in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, it is the ideal butter for sensitive skin types.

Pro Tip: Try and use organic and wild-crafted shea as they contain most of the sort-after nutritional value. Always remember to do a patch test on the back of your baby’s knees or behind their ears.

8. Dry skin soother

Shea can be good for Eczema as it moisturises the skin and locks in moisture, However, eczema is a medical condition, and you must seek medical advice on its treatment. However, shea has potent anti-inflammatory properties and eczema is an inflammatory condition. When applied to the skin, shea triggers cytokines and other inflammatory cells to slow their production. This has been shown to reduce irritation caused by environmental factors.

9. Hyperpigmentation

Well, that depends on what is causing it. If you have a medical condition, then probably not as you will need a prescription to alleviate the issue. If you have dry skin caused by environmental damage like a chemical burn caused by cosmetics or post-acne inflammation, then yes! Use a gentle physical or chemical exfoliant to remove any dead skin, then apply a generous amount of your preferred shea product. Apply sunscreen in the AM, be consistent and you will see improvements in your skin’ tone and texture.

If you love your skin and want it to look and feel better you can shop our range of organic shea butter soaps here. To moisturise, you can use our indulgently rich and luxurious Shea Magnifique, a pure shea beauty oil to seal in moisture and soften your skin and hair from head to toe.

Until next time, be good to yourself.

Mazel