5 Reasons Why We Love Shea Butter

Every day we are introduced to buzzy new skincare ingredients to add to our daily regimes, but there are certain ingredients in the beauty space that are so beloved, they have been used for centuries. Shea butter is one of those. 

Made from the fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, a plant native to West Africa, this multi-purpose saviour has a high volume of vitamins and fatty acids that hydrate and calm the skin. Here are 5 reasons why shea butter remains a must.

1. Shea butter is an excellent moisturiser 

If you have dry, dull skin, shea butter may become your new best friend. Its moisturising qualities are tied to the high fatty acid content—and thanks to the types of fatty acids it contains (namely linoleic acid and oleic acid), it tends to be non-greasy and easily absorbed. Shea butter also works as a skin conditioning agent and possesses the ability to form a protective layer on the skin and retain water which ensures skin remains moisturised and hydrated.

Bonus! Shea butter moisturises hair, too. By conditioning the scalp, it can reduce dandruff and can make hair stronger and help prevent future breakage. 

2. It promotes a youthful complexion

The vitamins A and E in shea butter can do more than soothe skin – they also help to promote cell regeneration, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Its anti-ageing properties can also be attributed to its ability to increase circulation to the skin, which in turn helps boost collagen production resulting in healthy, plump-looking skin.

3. It soothes skin and eases inflammation

Shea butter has several derivatives of cinnamic acid that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. This combined with its moisturising properties as well as the fact that this plant-based fat contains a group of naturally occurring antioxidants called polyphenols (which can also help to repair and rejuvenate skin cells), all help aid in providing relief from itchy, dry, and sensitive skin including skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and rosacea.

Sunburns, rashes, cuts, and scrapes that can result in swelling can also be treated using this butter.

4. It helps to restore the skin barrier

Shea butter is an excellent emollient, meaning it smooths and softens the skin by helping to repair cracks in the skin barrier, thus preventing water loss. Maintaining a healthy skin barrier is vital as it helps protect the skin from damage caused by everyday stresses such as pollution, 

5. Shea butter is suitable for all skin types

The best part is it’s great for all skin types; because it is non-comedogenic (won’t block pores), anti-inflammatory, and is full of antioxidants – it also contains a small amount of sun protection too.

As a natural emollient, shea butter works to restore the skin condition. For dry skin, shea butter adds much-needed moisture, and for oily skin, it balances out sebum production and helps restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

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