 Shea Butter
Benefits of Pure Unrefined Shea Butter
Shea butter is renowned for its skin softening and moisture retaining ability and is extremely therapeutic in helping to heal cracked, aged, and damaged skin. Shea butter is solid and comes from the natural fat obtained from the karite tree grown in West and Central Africa. Pure and unrefined shea butter is expeller pressed without the use of solvents.
Shea butter is naturally rich in vitamins A, E, and F, as well as a number of other vitamins and minerals. Vitamins A and E help to soothe, hydrate, and balance the skin. They also assist in promoting collagen which helps in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging. Vitamin F contains essential fatty acids and helps protect and revitalize damaged skin and hair.
Shea butter is an intense moisturizer for dry skin and is a wonderful product for revitalizing dull or dry skin on the body and scalp. It promotes skin renewal, increases the circulation, and accelerates wound healing. It is also beneficial for the treatment of many different conditions such as:
- Dry skin
- Stretch marks
- Itchy skin, skin rashes, eczema, and dermatitis
- Sunburn
- Small skin wounds
- Damaged skin
- Rough skin (such as on feet)
- Insect bites
- Muscle aches, fatigue, and tension
- Wrinkles and signs of aging
- Chapped skin from cold weather
- Dry or over processed hair
- Diaper rash
- Skin allergies
- Frostbite
In addition, shea butter offers a low level of UV protection (approximately SPF-6) and may be incorporated into natural sunscreen recipes. It is also wonderful to use after sun exposure to minimize dryness and the possibility of skin peeling. Because of its soothing nature, anti-inflammatory and rejuvenating effects, shea butter is a perfect ingredient to incorporate into your body and skin care regime.
Using Shea Butter
At room temperature, shea butter is semi-soft and solid. Shea butter’s melting point is 89-95 degrees and it melts readily when applied to the skin. Since shea butter absorbs so quickly, it immediately relieves dry and irritated skin. There are many different uses for shea butter. Here are some suggestions:
- Add a spoonful of shea butter to your bath water for a luxurious and healing experience — especially helpful for those with dry or itchy skin, or sore muscles. For greater relaxation, add lavender or chamomile essential oil, or a soothing herbal infusion.
- Overexerted muscles and dry skin benefit from a massage with shea butter.
- For dry scalp symptoms and to stimulate hair growth, massage shea butter into the scalp.
- Use shea butter during pregnancy to keep skin supple and prevent stretch marks.
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