The skin is the largest organ in the human body, but it can be aggravated by various factors. This includes stress, hormonal changes, and exposure to the sun.
Using natural products is the best way to take care of your skin. The problem? There are so many choices in the market that people get overwhelmed and lost on where to begin.
What’s the solution? Get your shea butter oil today. Not only is it excellent for your skin, but it’s almost as easy as applying lotion. Shea butter oil will surely provide you with smoother and softer skin in no time!
What is Shea Butter Oil?
Shea butter oil comes from the extract of the Shea tree. It is made up of fatty acids and vitamins. The shea tree (also knowns as the African nut tree) grows in West Africa. Shea butter oil offers a wide variety of benefits to our skin, hair, and nails, which will be discussed in this article.
A variety of uses can be achieved with shea butter oil, including
- Moisturizing skin
- Softening hair
- Strengthening nails,
- Healing wounds
According to FMI (Future Market Insight), the shea butter market have increased by $2.6 billion this 2022. It is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.7% in 2032. Shea butter oil is also one of the most popular oils in Africa because it is rich in Vitamins A, E, and F. It can cure and protect your skin from sun damage and other skin problems.
Key Benefits of Shea Butter
Natural moisturizers such as shea butter are very popular, and for a good reason. This thick, creamy fat is made from the shea tree nuts in Africa. It’s a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids that help keep skin smooth and hydrated.
Listed below are some of the benefits of using shea butter oil:
Moisturizes your skin
Shea butter is a good source of vitamins A, E, F, and K, which all contribute to healthy-looking and feeling skin. With its moisturizing properties, it can reduce scarring and stretch marks as well as soothe and protect sunburned skin.
Heals wounds
It has been used by humans for thousands of years as a natural remedy for various skin conditions, such as burns and eczema. But now, it is being used to heal wounds.
The healing properties of shea butter are due to its fatty acid content. This fat contains linoleic acid and oleic acid, which offer anti-inflammatory benefits, reduce swelling, promote skin regeneration, and protect the skin from UV damage. These properties make shea butter oil an effective treatment for wounds that have not healed or have developed complications from infection or poor blood supply.
Softens hair
Shea butter oil has been used for centuries by African women to soften their hair. The oil contains a high percentage of fatty acids and vitamins necessary for hair growth and a healthy scalp. Shea butter oil softens hair by nourishing it with essential nutrients, restoring its elasticity, and making it more manageable to style.
Strengthens nails
Shea butter oil strengthens nails by forming a protective layer around them. It also helps the nails grow faster and prevents them from breaking. As a result of its vitamin E content, it moisturizes and nourishes the cuticles. Moreover, it strengthens the nail bed and plate to prevent peeling and splitting.
Protects skin
Shea butter oil protects skin by moisturizing it so that it can be applied on dry and cracked areas of skin, like elbows and heels. It also protects the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can cause wrinkles and age spots. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help with rashes, burns, and other skin irritations.
Proper Storage of Shea Butter
Proper storage of shea butter can help maintain its quality and extend its shelf life. Keeping the product in a cool, dark place free from any direct light is essential.
Shea butter can be stored in a refrigerator or freezer, but it is not recommended because the shea butter will solidify and become challenging to use. It is unnecessary to store shea butter in an airtight container, as it will not spoil as long as it is kept from air and light.
Application Guide for Shea Butter
Shea butter oil is often used as a moisturizer but can also be used for other purposes like treating burns, sunburns, eczema, and cracked heels. Its consistency and texture are similar to that of coconut oil or cocoa butter, making it an easy-to-use product for moisturizing your skin daily. It penetrates deep into the layers of skin and hydrates it deeply.
The application of shea butter can be made by rubbing it directly onto the skin. It can also be mixed with other products to make them more effective. Shea butter can be used in many ways, such as:
- As a hair mask to keep your tresses healthy and shiny.
- As a lip balm to keep your pout soft and silky.
- As an eye cream to help reduce signs of aging.
- As a face mask to hydrate dry skin with essential vitamins.
- And as a natural sunblock for protection against UV rays.
A keynote about using shea butter oil is ensuring you aren’t allergic to it. It’s a good idea to apply a small amount on your skin and observe if you’re allergic.
Shea Butter vs. Olive Oil: Which one is better?
Shea butter is made from the fat of the Shea tree, which grows in Africa. Olive oil is a natural product that comes from olives.
The melting point of olive oil is lower than that of Shea butter, making it more suitable for colder climates. This is due to its high monounsaturated fats, which are more liquid than the saturated fats in shea butter. Additionally, it has a higher smoke point and can be heated much higher than shea butter, making it better for cooking.
On the other hand, shea butter has a higher melting point than olive oil. It is also more water-proof and can be used to moisturize the skin.
Conclusion
Shea butter is a very popular ingredient in the cosmetic industry because of its healing properties. It has been used for centuries as an antibacterial agent and can be applied to wounds to help them heal faster. Shea butter also protects against sunburns, so if you are planning to be exposed to the sun’s heat at any time, you should apply some before going outside.
If you ask which is harder shea butter or coconut oil, this is another great topic to ask and beneficial on your next organic oil journey.
In conclusion, if you want a natural product for your skin, shea butter is for you! The benefits are numerous, and you’ll look younger as a result!
