Shea Butter: 4 ways it can do wonders for your skin
After investing in an elaborate 5 step skincare routine and religiously spending 30 minutes everyday caring for your skin; your skin chooses to not love you back. How can you not feel frustrated!? Trust us, we feel your pain! To swing things in your favour and make your skin behave itself, we might have a simple solution - Shea Butter.
Shea butter is fat that is extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, native to West Africa. Rich in fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins, shea butter is a perfect match for those dealing with dry skin. Even though it is thick and creamy, it won’t clog your pores. Also, its moisturizing, soothing and healing properties help to keep your skin soft, supple and healthy.
There are largely two variants of shea butter available in the market - Unrefined & refined shea butter. To decide which one to choose, let’s first understand the difference between unrefined & refined shea butter.
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Unrefined shea butter is extracted & processed by hand |
Refined shea butter is extracted using high heat |
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Creamy yellow, smooth to touch and has a roasted fragrance |
White in colour, odourless and hard, sometimes grainy in texture |
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Loaded with vitamins & antioxidants |
Loses healing benefits |
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Shorter shelf life |
Longer shelf life |
Top 4 Benefits of Using Shea Butter on Your Skin
- Moisturizes skin
Mother nature’s very own conditioner, shea butter is known for its exceptional moisturizing, soothing & nourishing properties. Fatty acids like linoleic, oleic, stearic, and palmitic acids help to repair the skin’s moisture barrier, promote elasticity and make it look soft and supple throughout the day.
- Treats acne & blemishes
Shea butter is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal & anti-inflammatory. It helps to treat acne, soothe inflammation and lighten acne marks. Furthermore, shea butter also helps to regulate oil production on the skin, clears out the pores and keeps the skin nicely moisturized without leaving a greasy residue behind.
- Reduces fine lines & wrinkles
Shea butter reverses the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, boosts collagen production and puts a halt on premature ageing of the skin. Vitamin A, E & F help in promoting the overall health of the skin and keep it looking youthful & radiant.
- Minimizes stretch marks & scarring
The antioxidants present in shea butter help to increase cell turnover, thereby, reducing the appearance of stretch marks & scarring. This nourishing butter also helps to fasten the healing process of the wounds.
Wait no more! Improve the overall appearance & texture of your skin with this ‘skin-superfood’.