Shea butter is a popular ingredient in health and beauty products. It's commonly known for its potent moisturizing capabilities. It also offers a number of great benefits to your hair, skin, and nails, from improving their overall appearance to easing the visibility of fine lines, stretch marks, and more.
What is shea butter?
Shea butter is extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. Its natural form is a creamy off-white or ivory color, though it often gets dyed yellow with added palm oil. It has a high concentration of vitamins and fatty acids, and since its introduction to the West from its native home of Africa, beauty enthusiasts and wellness experts can't say enough about its healing properties.
Benefits of shea butter
Shea butter has a number of key benefits that show results pretty immediately. This creamy butter is another excellent way to integrate natural products into your everyday beauty and wellness routine. Experts and users love it for the following reasons:
- It is anti-inflammatory and promotes strong antioxidant activity due to its high levels of vitamins A and E.
- Shea butter has a high concentration of fatty acids and vitamins that soften, soothe and condition skin and hair.
- It's highly moisturizing and works well with all skin types. You can apply it to your face, lips, body, and cuticles.
- While it's not the cheapest item on the shelf, it's widely accessible due to its growing popularity.
Shea butter side effects
While the overwhelming experience of users with shea butter is positive, some minor side effects have been reported, like increased acne for some people. As a good rule of thumb, always test any new beauty product carefully before adding it to your routine.
When to use shea butter (and when not to)
If you're interested in adding shea butter to your routine, there are several ways you can use it effectively. Many products currently on the market already have shea butter added in, which can make it easier for you to get started, or you can buy it in its raw form and mix it into the products you're already using. Shea butter can:
- Help heal scars and stretch marks. Scar tissue is made up of a specific type of cell called a keloid fibroblast. Shea butter can, in some cases, help prevent those cells from replicating. Since it also encourages the regeneration of healthy cells, it can, over time, help lighten the appearance of scars and stretch marks on your skin. Of course, you'll need to use it consistently to see these results.
- Improve acne. Shea butter contains a number of essential fatty acids. It can help strip oil away from the skin, which is a critical step in decreasing acne production. Many acne products strip the moisture away from your skin along with the oil, leaving it dry and unbalanced and causing your skin to increase overall sebum production to compensate. As a result, some products that claim to reduce acne can actually increase it instead. Shea butter, on the other hand, maintains the moisture balance of the skin.
- Offer anti-aging benefits. Shea butter can help increase collagen production in the skin, which can, in turn, help the skin look plumper and decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Locking in natural moisture also helps brighten skin and make it look and feel its best. Many people tout it as an anti-aging product that helps them look younger, especially with regular use.
- Improve the appearance of your hair. It can help soothe your scalp, treat dandruff, and make your hair stronger, which can help prevent it from breaking. It locks moisture into your hair, which can help treat dryness. Many users find that it also reduces split ends. It doesn't feel thick or greasy, and it can help protect your hair against heat exposure.
Shea butter is very healing, but it's best to avoid using it near or on an open wound.
Shea butter is technically a tree nut product. Formulas with shea butter contain relatively low levels of the compounds that commonly trigger an allergic response, but people with nut allergies should exercise caution. See a doctor if you notice any signs of an allergic reaction.
How to use and apply shea butter
Shea butter is a relatively easy product to use, where a direct application is often the best way to enjoy its many benefits. You can also combine shea butter with your current products to increase their moisturizing benefits. Here are some easy ways to add shea butter to your beauty routine:
- On your skin, apply liberally and massage until it is absorbed. In colder, dryer climates, reapply more frequently to help your skin retain its moisture content.
- Many women choose to use shea butter during and after pregnancy to help improve skin's elasticity and reduce the look of stretch marks. Massage shea butter around your entire stomach daily or when you feel any tightness.
- For wound healing and scarring, apply shea butter in a thin layer. Make sure there are no open wounds before you apply.
- For a hydrating hair mask, apply shea butter liberally to damp, clean hair. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing.
With so many benefits and applications, this versatile butter has been topping health and beauty lists for years. It's an essential product for any wellness regimen, so grab a jar and find out what all the hype is about.