Discover the wonderful properties of shea butter

The cult of body care is becoming more and more widespread in our society, and if it is done with natural products , even more so. Shea butter is one of the products that cannot be missing from the dressing table of any self-respecting lover of natural cosmetics . A real treasure that we want to discover for you in today's article. So, keep reading to find out all about shea butter and its wonderful properties !

What is shea butter and what are its properties?

Pure shea butter is the fat obtained from the nut of the Vitellaria paradoxa tree , commonly known as the shea tree, a tree up to 15 meters high found in the savannas of western Africa. Karité means “butter tree” , which perfectly defines this product.

This excellent butter can be given in two forms, pure or refined .

Pure shea butter has a yellowish-ivory color and smells like smoked nuts, which can be bothersome to some people. It also has a solid consistency. However, refined (i.e. already treated) shea butter lacks its natural aroma and is white, which makes it more attractive to the consumer. But of course, it is not as effective and beneficial as pure shea butter , since many of its bioactive nutrients are significantly reduced.

Whether in its pure or refined form, shea butter stands out for having numerous beneficial properties for our body . Among them we highlight the following:

• Super moisturizing: Few products moisturize your skin or hair like pure shea butter does. Its active ingredients are very well absorbed by the epidermis, allowing the skin to appear much more flexible and healthy.
• High nutritional value: Thanks to its richness in vitamins A, D, E and F.
• Protects and soothes the dermis instantly , due to its moisturizing and nourishing properties, shea butter is ideal for protecting the skin from adverse weather conditions and is a powerful soothing agent against burns caused by the sun or other elements.
• Excellent regenerator and healing agent. It also regenerates damaged skin and helps wounds heal quickly, preventing scars.

What is shea butter used for?

As you can imagine after reading the properties of shea butter, it is excellent for use in the field of beauty and natural cosmetics . Let's look at some of its most common applications.

Shea butter for face and skin

The great regenerative power of shea butter makes it ideal for combating the signs of aging . These are especially worrying for the face, which is why it is increasingly used in facial creams and masks. Its high nutritional and moisturizing power delays skin aging and the appearance of wrinkles or expression lines. It also provides elasticity and flexibility.

It is also perfect for moisturizing our body daily after showering, relieving redness, scars, areas irritated by the cold such as chapped lips (goodbye to the suffering of chapped lips!) or even to use as an after shave , thus relieving the annoying feeling of irritation that remains after shaving.

Shea butter for nails

The benefits of shea butter for nail care are also notable. Its active ingredients make it a balm that nourishes and protects nails intensely, preventing them from peeling and breaking. It also keeps the cuticles hydrated and prevents inflammation of the skin around them.

Shea butter for hair

Shea butter is the best ally for hair care , especially if your hair is damaged by heat or very dry . It will nourish your hair and give it strength and shine instantly.

Applying it is very simple. Just take a little pure shea butter and melt it with the warmth of your hands. Once it is creamy, apply it to dry hair from mid-lengths to ends and let it sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour (the longer it stays on your hair, the more nutrients it will absorb).

We hope that after having discovered all the benefits and advantages of shea butter , you will be encouraged to try it and incorporate it into your life. We recommend that you start by purchasing already treated products that have it among their components and that, once you see the magnificent results it provides and you become addicted to it, you choose to buy pure shea butter and make your own masks.

Oh! And if you love the world of cosmetics and natural ingredients, you can't miss our article on the incredible properties of avocado oil .