Shea Butter is great for skin!
October 3rd 2009
photo credit: sheabutterhelper.com
Today you’re going to learn all about SHEA BUTTER (Butyrospermum Parkii). Why? Because it’s wonderful for your skin, that’s why. And really, why would you want to use products on your skin that are potentially harmful? So stop that! And go natural!
Shea Butter is only found in Africa. Most of it comes from West Africa but some is starting to come out of East Africa. This wonderful butter comes from the wild Shea-Karite tree and it’s nuts are where the Shea is extracted from. The tree itself will only begin to bear fruit after 15 years of growth and it can take as long as 30-50 years to produce the nuts highest in fatty acid which give us superior butters.
There is a wide color range of Shea Butters. Because the nuts vary in color, so will the butter. Raw (unrefined) can be a creamy – almost white color (like whipped creams/butter) to almost a gray-yellow color. There’s refined butters which is processed yet it’s natural components are still in place. And lastly there’s highly refined (processed) which is pure white. *Note, highly processed also indicates that solvents were used to increase the amount of the product.
It’s just like the difference between raw, blanched and over cooked vegetables when discussing the level of vitamins and nutrients at each level.
Shea Butters contain high amounts of Vitamins A, E and F which protect and promote healthy skin. While providing anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, Shea easily penetrates the skin without clogging up the pores. It contains Cinnamic Acid which is a natural sunscreen providing a slight protection from UV rays. Shea is wonderful for repairing cracked, dry or chapped skin and has a much higher content of fat compared to other natural oils/butters. Shea is also wonderful for minor burns, (closed) sores, scars, diaper rash (!), psoriasis, eczema and other skin conditions. I’ve heard that it’s great for stretch marks, but I would beg to differ on that one.
Lemon Chiffon Cake
Shea when used daily can provide a type of barrier between the skin and pollutants in the air. When used on the nails it is beneficial to your cuticles and nails, and when used on the head, can help prevent dandruff and actually strengthen the hair and soothe the scalp. Use it after you shave to prevent itching and rash. Rub it onto your feet after a long day. Have a bug bite? Using soothing Shea Butter will give you some relief!
Did you know you can also remove your makeup with Shea? Yes you can. So you are killing two birds with one stone by removing the makeup and moisturizing your skin. If you have some handy after bathing or showering…slather a bit on right away to stop that ‘just out of the tub itch’.
Creamy Mocha Mint Latte'
You can find Shea Butter at health food stores on online but buyer beware! Don’t buy Shea with additives. Buy 100% Shea Butter. We also sell amazing natural Shea Butter soaps at Aventine Hill. They are very yummy. (although of course, you can’t actually eat them).
If you’re allergic to nuts you may want to avoid Shea Butter, as it IS a nut. Although I have not heard of a case of anaphylaxis from Shea, it may cause sensitivity or a reaction in those with the nut allergy. Also, if you’re allergic to latex you will want to avoid Shea.
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Hi, Sheila,
Thank you for all this information on Shea Butter! I recently was telling someone how much I enjoy a particular Shea Butter moisturizer and she laughed at the term (shea butter). When I told her it was one of the best moisturizers for the skin, she began asking questions I could not answer. She doesn’t have a computer or I would send her to this blog post!
Many blessings,
Nancy