- 01 1. Benefits of shea butter for the skin
- 02 - Moisturises skin
- 03 - Soothes and calms the skin
- 04 - Heals acne
- 05 - Reduces signs of ageing
- 06 - Heals various skin conditions
- 07 - Soothes razor bumps
- 08 - Heals chapped lips
- 09 - Reduces stretch marks
- 10 2. Different ways to use shea butter for the skin
- 11 3. FAQs about the shea butter for the skin
Shea butter has to be one of the most popular skincare ingredients to have shot to fame in the last couple of years. It is one of the best moisturising ingredients and is found in everything from moisturisers to shampoos. Additionally, the fact that shea butter is non-comedogenic makes it even more beneficial for all skin types. If you are wondering what this ingredient actually is, and what the hype is all about, then you have come to the right place. Simply put, shea butter is fat that is extracted from shea nuts. Originally from the tropical regions of East and West Africa, this buttery, yellow-ivory coloured substance, brimming with vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids, is the secret behind many African women's gorgeous skin. Planning to include this super-ingredient in your skin care routine? Well, you have come to the right place! Read on as we talk about the different benefits and uses of shea butter for your skin.
01Benefits of shea butter for the skin
02- Moisturises skin
One of the best benefits of shea butter is its excellent moisturising and nourishing properties. Shea butter is enriched with emollient properties and has a healthy fat content, which helps hydrate and condition even the driest of skins. It is also a natural humectant, which means it draws moisture from the environment and seals it into the topmost layer of your skin to keep it looking supple.
03- Soothes and calms the skin
The anti-inflammatory properties of shea butter coupled with vitamins A and E, work really well to soothe itchy and inflamed skin. Therefore, applying a moisturiser with shea butter as one of the main ingredients helps soothe skin irritation caused due to sunburn, minor cuts, rashes and excessive dryness.
04- Heals acne
Even though shea butter has a thick texture and a very high-fat content, it is marked as zero on the comedogenic rating scale. Therefore, this makes it an excellent moisturiser for oily and acne-prone skin as well. Additionally, thanks to the presence of plant-based compounds such as oleic and linolenic acids, it has excellent skin healing and regenerative properties, making it an excellent choice to heal active acne and prevent its recurrence.
05- Reduces signs of ageing
If you are looking for a natural remedy against ageing, then you really need to consider using shea butter. The high emollient content helps reduce dehydration and increases collagen and elastin production in the skin. Using this as a moisturiser helps plump up your skin over time and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, owing to its cell-renewing properties, shea butter helps prevent and delay premature signs of ageing.
06- Heals various skin conditions
Dry skin leads to various skin problems and conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, etc., which make your skin really dry, itchy and flaky. A great way to soothe most of these skin conditions is to regularly apply a shea butter-based cream. The lightweight texture gets absorbed into the skin very easily and the anti-inflammatory properties coupled with the fatty acids help soothe and nourish your skin. This gives almost instant relief from the burning and itchy sensation that these conditions bring with them.
07- Soothes razor bumps
Shaving your legs with a blunt razor or trying to get rid of in-growth hair can lead to razor bumps. This makes your skin appear red and irritated and may even cause it to develop visible red bumps, a condition known as strawberry legs. The nourishing and soothing properties of shea butter help calm your skin post-shaving and ensure that it feels super smooth and soft in no time.
08- Heals chapped lips
Since shea butter is an excellent source of moisturising and nourishing ingredients, it heals chapped and dry lips really fast. It supplies your lips with extra nutrients and the lightweight texture does not feel greasy or sticky at all. Shea butter makes for an especially effective lip balm for the cold, winter months due to its humectant properties that prevent moisture loss from the delicate skin on your lips.
09- Reduces stretch marks
Another benefit of using shea butter for the skin is that it works to reduce stretch marks. Massaging shea butter-based creams onto your stretch marks twice a day helps heal and repair your skin, leading to a decrease in the appearance of stretch marks. This is because shea butter contains elastin and collagen-inducing properties that improve skin elasticity and reduce as well as prevent stretch marks.
10Different ways to use shea butter for the skin
i) As a moisturiser –
Since the moisturising properties of shea butter are similar to those naturally produced by our body, it works really well to soothe and nourish dry skin. Simply massage a pea-sized amount of raw, organic shea butter on your face and neck twice a day to keep skin moisturised and healthy.
ii) As a lip balm -
If you have severely dry and damaged lips, then replacing your normal lip balm with either raw shea butter or a shea butter-based lip balm will work really well. Simply apply a very tiny amount of shea butter on your lips before going to bed and wake up to baby soft lips.
iii) As a hand cream –
Due to increased hand washing, sanitising, household chores and the upcoming winter, our hands have really become dry and rough. Massaging a bit of organic shea butter on your hands and on your cuticles really helps in eliminating dry and parched hands.
iv) As a body lotion –
Organic shea butter is a good natural and fragrance-free alternative to your usual body lotion. For an instant boost of hydration post your shower, simply massage some all over your body, concentrating more on your hands and legs.
11FAQs about the shea butter for the skin
Q. Can shea butter clog pores?
**A. **No, it cannot. Shea butter has a comedogenic rating of zero, which means that it is perfectly suitable for people with oily and acne-prone skin and won't cause any breakouts. Additionally, shea butter has a super lightweight consistency that is absorbed easily into your skin without leaving behind a greasy feeling.
Q. Does shea butter repair damaged skin?
**A. **Shea butter is known for its excellent moisturising, hydrating and conditioning properties, which give it excellent healing powers. Additionally, enriched with vitamins A and E, shea butter penetrates deep into your skin to repair damage and nurture your skin back to health.
Q. Is shea butter safe for skin?
**A. **Yes, shea butter is one of the best natural ingredients for your skin. Everything from its emollient properties to its skin healing and soothing properties, works really well to eliminate dryness, treat various skin conditions and improve the overall barrier function of your skin to keep it healthy at all times.
