❤ Shea Butter and It's Uses

Shea butter, an age-old remedy, has been around for years. It is known as a miracle butter that has many different uses. Here at West Indian Skincare, we love formulating with this ingredient as it is perfect for many skin conditions and has numerous healing qualities; some of the traditional use of the butter; to reduce the appearance of fine lines, scars, stretch marks, and to ease a variety of skin irritations, such as psoriasis, eczema and sunburn.

So where does Shea butter come from? Shea butter is the fat of the nut of the African Shea tree. In the traditional method of extraction, the Fruits of these trees contain a nut, the shea nuts are dried and ground. The powder is then boiled in water to release an unctuous substance which rises to the top and solidifies to create Shea Butter (Diop). This butter has been used for centuries in Africa to moisturize and protect the skin from sun, wind, heat and salt water. Women are usually responsible for the processing of Shea butter. These processes include picking the shea nut fruits, drying, pounding and kneading.

Shea butter has a smooth and soft paste texture and is yellow, whitish or a greenish color depending on how it is processed. The healing qualities of Shea butter are due to the presence of several fatty acids and plant sterols, namely oleic, stearic, palmitic and linolenic acids. These oil-soluble components are nonsaponifiable, meaning they do not undergo saponification, or convert to soap, when introduced to an alkali. Shea butter possesses a significantly greater nonsaponifiable fraction than most other nut oils and fats, which lends the substance greater healing potential for the skin. Shea Butter cannot rob the skin of its natural oils and can actually help stimulate collagen production. This is why it can be very effective in helping to alleviate wrinkles, scars and burns.

Found only in Africa, it is extracted from nuts that come from the Shea-Karite tree. It varies in smell, appearance and quality depending on where it is produced at. It carries with it, a deliciously, pleasant scent.

This cream is great for the entire body. The skin is not the only part of you that is benefitted by it, and is also used on the hair, a few other uses that you might not be aware of. It ranges from an anti-aging treatment to a preventative agent. It is considered much higher quality than any other creams on the market.

This cream contains vitamins A, D, and F along with irremovable fatty acids that help renew skin cells. As natural sunscreen, your skin will be protected, along with the aid of other products from the damaging UV rays of the summer sun. If skin has become damaged due to the over-exposure outside, it helps to accelerate healing, and promotes new skin growth. It is a great moisturizer, as well, and is especially good for those extra dry spots on the elbows, heels, knees.

It carries antioxidant properties aiding in the reduction of unsightly stretch marks. It helps heal small skin wounds and cracks. It will even skin tone out, as well as restore the skin’s natural elasticity. With use, it erases wrinkles and helps prevent photo-aging. It eases skin irritation due to shaving, eczema, dermatitis, rashes, poison ivy, and insect bites.

It can be used to cure a dry, itchy scalp, while keeping the strands of your hair from becoming tangled. It will give you a boost of intense shine to your locks. And if that isn’t enough, it will help it to grow long and healthy, preventing breakage. On days when frizz sets in, this is great to use to smooth it down. It also adds protection from damaging elements.

Muscle injuries can benefit from having this cream applied as it can help them to heal much faster. It eliminates toxins from the body, helps aid the healing of eczema, cold sores and rheumatism. Surprisingly it also is a natural nasal decongestant.

Shea butter is recommended for many skin issues, hair problems, and overall body ailments. There is no expiration date for the shelf life, so it lasts as long as you make it last. In its purest, unrefined form, it is one of the most inexpensive beauty products on the market today. Just a little amount on the trouble areas goes a long way.