
Shea butter is the vegetable fat extracted from the nut of the Shea tree that is grown in western African nations. Upon extraction pure African Shea butter is pale white or ivory. Throughout history and now in modern times the use of African Shea butter on the face has delivered numerous benefits and is therefore considered nature’s bounty for natural beauty.
Benefits of Shea Butter for Face
Raw Shea butter is not only full of moisturizing agents due to the presence of fatty acids, but it is also vitamin-rich. The presence of anti-inflammatory ingredients as well adds to African Shea butter’s list of benefits.
African women have been using Shea butter for centuries as a staple in their beauty regime. With globalization and consumers turning towards more natural and vegan solutions for skincare, Shea butter has gained popularity in the modern cosmetic and beauty industry as well.
Let us now look at some of the benefits of using Shea butter in detail and how and why these properties of Shea butter are beneficial and make it suitable for application on the face.
Benefits of Shea Butter for Sunburn
Sunburn has become quite common especially since people have become more health-conscious and are focused on outdoor activities. In Western countries especially where individuals have a reduced melanin content in their skin naturally, the danger of sunburn especially when sunbathing on the beach or enjoying a day out in the park increases tremendously.
100% pure and raw African Shea butter is known for its sunburn treating properties. The presence of antioxidants in it especially the likes of Ferulic acid grants it a soothing and calming effect that not only helps in reducing the effect of the sunburn but also repairs the skin moisture barrier which has been damaged due to the harmful rays of the sun.
Benefits of Shea Butter for Wrinkles and Aging
Men and women alike are both concerned about their looks as well as how society perceives them. As time passes wrinkles and aging, become a part of the life process due to a multitude of reasons. Wrinkles and crow's feet are sometimes enhanced due to genetic factors, but the majority of the occurrences are caused due to the lack of moisture and environmental stressors that impact your skin as you grow old.
Raw African Shea butter due to its high anti-bacterial content in the form of vitamin F is known as an effective treatment for cystic acne that is caused due to presence of harmful bacteria on the skin.
How to use Shea Butter on the face?
• Thoroughly dry your face with a dry face towel, and ensure that there's no moisture left visible on the skin.
• Take a tiny amount of raw and organic African Shea butter in between your fingers and rub it together until it starts melting.
• Apply this semi-solid Shea butter on your face and neck in upward motions as it melts further on contact.
• Use soft and circular motions to massage the butter into your skin especially around areas that are prone to dryness or aging.
• Leave the Shea butter on your face for 15 to 20 minutes or until absorbed fully.
How to Choose the Best Unrefined Shea Butter for your face?
• It is ivory or pale yellow with a mild nutty smell.
• Even though slightly solid at room temperature it is malleable in texture it is creamy and smooth free of any grit or solid particles.
• It combines beautifully with essential oils and applies easily on the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is African Shea Butter Good for Face?
Raw and unrefined African Shea butter has many benefits for the face and can be used by both men and women to improve the quality and texture of facial skin.
Can Shea Butter Remove Dark Spots?
The presence of different antioxidants and vitamins especially vitamin E and vitamin A in raw Shea butter can prove helpful in reducing the appearance of dark spots with regular use.
Is Shea Butter Good for Pimples?
Shea butter when used consistently can help decrease the occurrences of pimples and acne as well as reduce irritation and redness caused by pimples.
Can I Leave Shea Butter on My Face Overnight?
In case you have extremely dry skin or you're suffering from sunburn, it is safe to leave Shea butter on your skin overnight to help enhance the healing process.
Does Shea Butter Lighten Skin?
The presence of vitamin E in Shea butter helps in skin renewal and cell repair, therefore, reducing the appearance of dark spots, sunspots and giving the skin a glowing look.
Conclusion
Shea butter is not only beneficial for use on facial skin but is also free of harmful side effects that are normally associated with chemical-based facial moisturizers and treatments. Just like with any other product, despite the natural nature of Shea butter we recommend doing a patch test before making it a part of your beauty and skincare regime.