The shea tree is used to make shea butter. Shea tree fat is derived from the nuts of the tree. It has an off-white or ivory tint and is usually solid at warm temperatures.
Shea trees are native to West Africa, and the majority of shea butter is still produced there. They’ve been used as a cosmetic element for centuries because they’re high in vitamins and fatty acids, which makes them a fantastic solution for relaxing and moisturizing your skin.
Source: DiscoveringNatural
Here are some reasons why you should consider using shea butter;
Shea butter is safe for every skin. They are technically a tree nut product, but unlike most tree nut products, it’s very low in the proteins that can trigger allergies. In fact, there’s no medical literature documenting an allergy to topical shea butter.
Shea butter is mostly chosen for its moisturizing effects. These benefits are tied to shea’s fatty acid content, including linoleic, oleic, stearic, and palmitic acids.
When you apply shea topically, these oils are rapidly absorbed into your skin. They act as a “refatting” agent, restoring lipids and rapidly creating moisture.
Linoleic acid and oleic acid are abundant in shea butter. These two acids counteract each other. That means shea butter absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave your skin looking oily after application.
Shea butter has significant levels of vitamins A and E. This means it promotes strong antioxidant activity. Antioxidants are important anti-ageing agents. They protect your skin cells from free radicals that can lead to premature ageing and dull-looking skin.
Did you know that a 2012 study suggests that oral doses of shea bark extract can lead to decreased antimicrobial activity in animals?
Although more research is needed, this could indicate possible antibacterial benefits in humans. Because of this, some speculate that topical application may decrease the amount of acne-causing bacteria on the skin.
Shea butter is rich in different kinds of fatty acids. This unique composition helps clear your skin of excess oil (sebum).
At the same time, shea butter restores moisture to your skin and locks it into your epidermis, so your skin doesn’t dry out or feel “stripped” of oil. The result is a restoration of the natural balance of oils in your skin, which may help stop acne before it starts.
Shea butter contains triterpenes which can help boost collagen production. These naturally occurring chemical compounds are thought to deactivate collagen fibre destruction.
Thanks to Shea’s moisturizing and antioxidant properties, they work together to help your skin generate healthy new cells. Your body is constantly making new skin cells and getting rid of dead skin cells.
You actually get rid of anywhere between 30,000 to 40,000 old skin cells each day. Dead skin cells sit on the top. New skin cells form at the bottom of the upper layer of skin (epidermis).
Note that the exact makeup of different shea butter varies according to where the shea nuts are harvested from. You may also find shea butter mixed with added ingredients, such as tea tree oil or lavender oil.
Shea Butter can be used;
On the skin: Shea butter can be applied straight to the skin. Shea butter that is raw and unrefined is easy to spread.
Scoop a teaspoon or more of shea butter from the jar with your fingertips and rub it into your skin until it’s totally absorbed.
Because shea butter is slick and can prevent makeup from sticking to your face, it’s best to use it at night before bed.
On your hair: You can apply raw shea butter directly to your hair.
Consider using shea butter as a conditioner if your hair is naturally curly or porous. Before rinsing and styling as usual, make sure your hair has absorbed the majority of the shea butter. A small bit of shea butter can also be used as a leave-in conditioner.
Consider putting shea butter on the ends of your hair if your hair is naturally straight, thin, or fine. When you apply shea butter to your roots, it might generate an oily buildup.
