The winter months call for frigid temperatures and the dry skin that comes with it. Many drugstore lotions will help to soothe and prevent dry or cracked skin, but they sometimes contain unnatural ingredients that may inevitably be worse for your skin. Shea butter is a natural plant product that acts as a moisturizer. It’s derived from the shea tree, more specifically from the nuts of the shea tree, which is native to West Africa. Shea butter is the fat that is extracted from the nuts and used in numerous cosmetic products for its smoothing and conditioning effect on the skin. It’s commonly used for treating dry skin, eczema, burns, and even acne. Below are 5 benefits of using shea butter for your skin.
Natural Moisturizer
Natural shea moisture is due to its high fatty acid content that includes stearic, oleic, linoleic, and palmitic acids. These fats quickly absorb into your skin and restore your skin barrier therefore holding moisture in and preventing dryness. Organic shea moisture products are popular for use as both a facial and body moisturiser.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Shea butter has been shown to exhibit strong anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease the symptoms of some skin conditions, like eczema. Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes red, dry, and itchy patches of skin found anywhere on the body. When shea butter is applied to the skin, it slows down the production of cytokines and other inflammatory cells.
Acts as an Antifungal
If you’ve ever experienced a fungal infection on your skin, you know how irritating the symptoms can be. Shea butter has antifungal properties that can fight fungal skin infections such as ringworm and athlete’s foot. However, much of the antifungal properties are shown to come from the shea tree bark. If you are using shea butter to fight a fungal infection, make sure it contains shea tree bark extract.
May Reduce the Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein in the body that is responsible for skin health and elasticity. As we age, our collagen breaks down resulting in signs of aging, such as sagging skin and wrinkles. Shea butter may help to reduce this effect because it contains triterpenes. Triterpenes are naturally occurring chemical compounds that stop the breakdown of collagen. This results in plumper skin and the reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles caused by environmental stress or aging.
Natural Sun Protection
Shea butter has natural UV protection that may prevent your skin from sun damage. Though the level of protection is very low (shea butter has about a 3 to 4 SPF), when combined with your daily SPF it can be extra useful. For best results, reapply your shea butter and regular SPF cream frequently throughout the day.
The Takeaway
Shea butter is a natural skin care ingredient that has multiple uses and benefits. It’s considered safe for most people, though be sure to check your shea butter product for added ingredients you may be allergic too. Though shea butter side effects are rare, discontinue use if you have any skin irritation. Should you choose to opt for a shea butter product, you can buy organic to ensure you are getting safe, quality ingredients. But with our shop you don’t need to worry as our labelling is very clear for you to make the right decision.
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