Benefits of shea butter on the skin

If you have yet to be introduced to shea butter or are unsure of its benefits, this post is for you. You will understand its benefits for the skin and how to include it in your skincare routine.

African women have relied on shea butter for centuries to maintain healthy, radiant skin and hair. This natural product is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids, all contributing to its beneficial effects on the skin.

Shea Butter

Shea butter is extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. It is 100% natural fat extracted from the nuts of shea trees, rich in fatty acids and vitamins beneficial for the skin.
It moisturises, heals, and improves complexion. Some also use it to treat hair loss and promote healthy hair growth.

What does it look like?

Shea butter is solid at cool temperatures but melts quickly when warmed. Depending on the processing method, weather, and region of extraction, its colour can range from off-white (ivory) to grey, greenish, or yellow.

Types of Shea Butter

Raw Shea Butter: Unrefined and unfiltered may have impurities but retains more vitamins and benefits. It has a robust, nutty smell that can be neutralized with essential oils.

Unrefined Shea Butter Filtered to remove impurities without losing quality, retaining vitamins and benefits. It is ideal for body butter.

Refined Shea Butter is processed with heat and sometimes chemicals, removing colour and odour but reducing nutrient content. Due to its neutral properties, it is preferred for product formulas.

Ultra Refined Shea Butter – Filtered multiple times, removing colour and odour but with fewer skin benefits.

Benefits of shea butter on the skin

• Shea butter’s high fatty acid content profoundly moisturizes the skin. It helps to maintain its natural barrier and prevent dryness.
• It reduces inflammation and soothes irritated skin, benefiting conditions like eczema.
• Shea butter is rich in vitamins A and E, which help protect the skin from free radicals and maintain a youthful complexion.
• It aids in healing minor cuts, burns, and insect bites and can reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks.
• Due to its cinnamic acid content, it offers a small amount of UV protection but should not replace sunscreen.
• It alleviates itching and discomfort from dry skin and other conditions, reducing redness and swelling.
• Regular use softens and smooths the skin, improving its overall texture.
• Shea butter can be used alone or in various skincare products, making it a versatile addition to any routine.

Risks of using shea butter on the skin

While shea butter is generally good for the skin, there are potential side effects. Some people may experience allergic reactions, so testing it on a small area is essential. If redness or itching occurs, discontinue use and consult a doctor.

• Avoid using shea butter on sensitive or irritated skin until it heals.
• It’s safe during pregnancy, but consult your doctor first.
• Although some believe it prevents stretch marks, there’s no evidence.
• If you have skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, avoid using shea butter as it may worsen them.
• Avoid using it on your face at the first instance; test first or entirely avoid it if you are unsure.

Using shea butter on my skin

There are many ways to use shea butter to get its benefits. If I can say that, you can use it for almost everything (I sure did). One of them is incorporating it into your skincare routine. It really depends on what you intend to use it for. You can use it in its natural state (depending on the variation), and it will melt directly on your skin.

Shea butter has replaced my body cream, and there’s no going back on it. I refer to it as my body butter. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made regarding my skincare routine.
I remember my mum saying I could apply a little in my nostrils to clear my airways when I had a cold, apply it on boils (it reduces them over time), and use it as a substitute for oil in massages.

Some people are deterred by the texture and smell of shea butter. If you belong to that category, there’s a solution for you. All you must do is mix the shea butter with other ingredients like essential oil. I whipped mine with coconut oil and orange essential oil (just a few drops) until I got a creamy consistency.

Related post – Benefits of Skin Exfoliation You Overlooked

On a lighter note

Shea butter is great for the skin. It provides deep hydration, reduces inflammation, and offers antioxidant protection and healing properties. It’s versatile and works well with all skin types. Raw and unrefined shea butter are the most nutrient-rich and beneficial for skincare.

What say you?

Would you be including shea butter in your skincare routine?