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What is Shea Butter?
Shea butter is a fat extracted from the nuts of the tree Vitellaria paradoxa, native to west and central Africa. It is solid with a soft texture and liquefies at body temperature. Shea butter has a white or ivory color and it is odorless or with a mild, nutty smell. It is rich in vitamins, fatty acids and phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. It is a basic cooking fat in the African communities it comes from and traditionally used for the care of face, body and hair.
Benefits of Shea Butter
Moisturizing
Rich in fatty acids, shea butter prevents water loss, moisturizing the skin and preventing dehydration. It protects from environmental factors and sun exposure and can help repair your skin’s barrier.
Softening
Due to its softening properties, shea butter prevents irritations, improves rough texture of the skin and smooths hair. It is ideal for use before and after shaving and a great natural hair mask.
Antioxidant
The antioxidants found in shea butter fight free radicals that damage the cells and cause premature signs of aging.
Anti-ageing
Shea butter improves skin elasticity, eliminates fine lines and wrinkles and protects from premature aging. It has a natural SPF that protects the skin from the harmful UV rays and improves skin’s texture.
Healing
Shea butter has anti-inflammatory properties and may help in the treatment of dermatological diseases such as psoriasis and eczema. It is ideal for treating stretch marks and reducing scars. It reduces itching and calms irritated skin.
Shea Butter Uses
1. Apply it after bath to your skin for deep nourishment and hydration.
2. Use it to fight dry skin on your elbows and knees.
3. Replace your hand cream with shea butter.
4. Apply on your nails to soften your cuticles.
5. Use it for sun protection.
6. Use it as a lip balm to keep your lips soft.
7. Make a homemade lip scrub by mixing 1 tsp. shea butter with 1 tsp. brown sugar. Apply onto your lips and exfoliate away any dry or dead skin.
8. Make a homemade body scrub by mixing ½ cup shea butter with 1 cup coffee grains. Apply on wet skin and gently massage.
9. Apply on the skin to reduce itchiness.
10. Apply on small wounds and cuts to help your skin heal faster.
11. Apply on the lips before using your lipstick to prevent the appearance of dry and chapped lips.
12. Apply on burned skin for a sense of relief.
13. Use a natural pumice stone to remove dead cells from your heels and afterwards apply shea butter for extra moisturization.
14. Apply shea butter before shaving, to prepare and soften the skin. Apply after shaving, to prevent irritations and razor burn.
15. Rub a small amount of shea butter between your palms and gently rub your hair ends to prevent split ends.
16. During pregnancy, apply on your belly to prevent stretch marks and reduce itchiness.
17. Apply on clean face before going to sleep, to keep your skin nourished and soft.
18. Apply small amount of shea butter on your cheekbones for a healthy and natural look.
19. Add color from your favorite lip stick to 1 tsp of shea butter and apply on areas of your face you wish to highlight (lips, cheeks, eyes).
20. Make a homemade insect repellent. Mix 5 drops tea tree essential oil with 1 tbsp. shea butter and apply on all exposed areas of your body.
21. Use it on areas of your skin with dermatological problems, such as psoriasis, eczema and dry skin.
22. Mix it with your favorite essential oil and use it for massage.
23. Mix 5 drops lavender or eucalyptus essential oil with 1 tbsp. shea butter and gently massage sore muscles.
24. Apply it on areas of your skin with stretch marks, cellulite, and loose skin to improve the appearance of your skin.
25. Apply small amount on your face and neck as an anti-aging treatment.
26. Use it to remove your make-up.
27. Add small amount of shea butter in your conditioner or hair mask or use it directly on your hair for extra pampering.
28. Apply small amount on dry hair to reduce frizz.
29. Ideal for baby care. Apply it on your baby’s sensitive skin to calm and relief irritated skin.
30. Make a body butter with your favorite smell. Mix shea butter with few drops of your favorite perfume and apply on your body.
5 DIY Shea Butter Beauty Recipes
Hair mask
A natural hair mask for repairing and moisturizing damaged hair. It prevents split ends, strengthens the hair’s natural resistance and increases elasticity.
Ingredients:
3 tbsp. shea butter melted
3 tbsp. castor oil
Procedure:
Heat the shea butter until it is melted
Mix the ingredients together
Apply once or twice a week and rub into the ends of your hair
Alternatively, put a small amount of your hair mask on your hair and scalp and massage really well. Wrap a towel around your hair and let it work for 30 minutes. Then wash it off with shampoo as usual.
Face scrub
This scrub removes dead cells, cleans your pores and keeps your skin looking healthy.
Ingredients:
3 tbsp. shea butter
2 tbsp. baking soda
Procedure:
Mix the ingredients together until a paste is formed
Apply on skin and gently massage
Rinse off with cold water
Natural deodorant
A natural deodorant cream with antiseptic benefits that regulates body odour and keeps the skin moisturized and clean.
Ingredients:
3 tbsp. shea butter
1/3 cup baking soda
1/3 cup cornstarch
10 drops tea tree essential oil
Procedure:
Heat the butter until it is melted
Mix the baking soda and the cornstarch together
Add the butter and the essential oil to the mixture and stir well
Transfer your cream to a container and apply on your armpits using your fingers
Body cream
A rich body cream for deep nourishment and moisturization.
Ingredients:
½ cup coconut oil
½ cup avocado oil
1 cup shea butter
20-25 drops of the essential oil you prefer
Procedure:
Combine the oils and the butter and heat until everything is melted
Remove from heat, let the mixture cool slightly and then add the essential oil
Whip until you get a fluffy cream
Apply on your body, hands and feet
Shaving cream
A cream that moisturizes the skin, softens the hair and prevents irritations and razor burn.
Ingredients:
½ cup coconut oil
½ cup shea butter
1 tbsp. almond oil
Procedure:
Combine the coconut oil and the shea butter and heat until everything is melted
Remove from heat and add the almond oil
Whip until you get a fluffy cream
Transfer your cream to a container and apply on your skin before shaving
Where can you find shea butter?
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