What is shea butter? 

Shea butter is a creamy semisolid fat extracted from the nuts of karité trees. It has a smooth texture, off-white ivory colour and doesn't melt even at warm temperatures. Native to West Africa, this tree is used in most skincare products worldwide. Shea butter creams generally contain a high concentration of fatty acids and essential vitamins for your skin. In addition, the consistency is very smooth and easy to spread. The shea butter is also called "women's gold" not because it provides many benefits to your skin but also because the shea butter industry has provided employment to millions of families, especially in Africa. Shea butter is an antifungal and anti-inflammatory ingredient suitable for all skin types. Vitamin A and E content in shea butter promotes antioxidant activity, which can also prevent premature ageing of the skin. In addition, shea butter reduces oxidative stress and saves your cell from free radical damage. 

Benefits of shea butter for skin:  

Moisturizes your skin inside out: 

Shea butter is an excellent moisturizing agent for all skin types. Shea butter is rich in healthy fatty acids, including oleic, linoleic, stearic, and palmitic acids, nourishing your skin inside out. Your skin can quickly absorb the shea butter, which will work as a "refatting agent" to restore lipids and lock the moisture.  

Prevents acne: 

The unique composition of shea butter contains fatty acids that prevent excess sebum production on your skin. On the other hand, shea butter locks the moisture on the epidermis, i.e., outer layer of the skin, so that your skin doesn't feel dry or stripped of oil. As a result, Shea butter balances the oil secretion and helps unclog the dirty pores to prevent acne. Apply raw shea butter once a day helps fade acne scars sooner. Apply at least 3 months consistently to get effective results.  

If you are afraid of showing side effects with raw shea butter, you can also use any product that consists of shea butter, just like Rejusure's salicylic acid moisturizer. It is paraben and chemical free and enriched with the goodness of salicylic acid and shea butter. This moisturizer combats acne and any skin breakouts. In addition, the effective formula of salicylic acid deeply cleanses dirty pores and helps exfoliate your skin. All you need to do is clean your face with a face wash, apply a few drops of the moisturizer on your fingertips, and gently massage your skin. Leave it for some time to get absorbed. Follow this skincare regime before bedtime to get better results.   

Promotes collagen production: 

Most dermatologists recommend shea butter for skin if you are losing the old charm and elasticity because shea butter is a natural collagen booster. Shea butter contains triterpenes, a chemical compound that prevents collagen fibre destruction. Collagen is an essential element that prevents flaky and ageing skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Massage your skin gently with shea butter lotion or cream for 10 minutes to your plumpy skin.  

Promotes cell generation: 

Shea butter cleanses dirty skin pores and helps generate new healthy cells. The moisturizing and antioxidant properties protect your skin cells from free radical damage. Your body is constantly promoting new cells and destroying old ones (30,000-40,000 daily).  

Protects from UV rays: 

Shea butter can also be a primary shield from harmful UV rays. However, it is not an effective sunscreen; you can add a layer of shea butter over your SPF sunscreen. SPF level of shea butter is approximately 3-4. 

Shea butter benefits hair: 

Prevents hair breakage:  

Shea butter strengthens your hair strands and prevents further breakage, split ends, and fizziness. Apply shea butter frequently if you have brittle hair. The fatty acid content in shea butter penetrates deeper into your hair follicles and prevents hair breakage. The vitamin A and E in shea butter reduce dryness and revitalize your old shine.  

Promotes hair growth: 

One of the properties that seal the deal for shea butter is that it revives your hair growth. A healthy, moisturized, dandruff and build-up-free scalp is the key to healthy hair growth. Shea butter balances the oil secretion and hydrates your scalp. Some studies show that shea oil nourishes your scalp and prevents fungus build-up due to its anti-bacterial property.  

Reduces irritation and inflammation: 

The linoleic acid in shea butter calms down the inflammation in your scalp without clogging pores or causing any side effects on your scalp. Also, if you are suffering from scalp itching, reach out for some shea oil. It is also a beneficial product for scalp redness and is suitable for every hair type. 

Protects damage: 

Sweat, dust, and germs get stuck into our hair follicles and cause damaged and dull hair. Shea butter shields our hair follicles from environmental damage and toxins. 

Side effects of shea butter: 

Shea butter is considered a natural skin lightener but excessive usage of shea butter can also tan your skin. Otherwise, there is no significant side effect of using shea butter daily.