Shea butter derives from the seed of the Karite tree, native to
Central and West Africa, it has not only a local staple used for
generations, but a one of the most advantageous skincare products, and a
natural resource too. Its usefulness goes beyond shea butter's benefits
for skin.
 
Many view shea butter harvesting as a “women’s industry", even referring to it as "Women's Gold."
 
This is because it provides employability and a form of income to
millions of women across the continent. The process of harvesting and
creating shea butter provides the opportunity for a better quality of
life. According to the UN Development Programme (UNDP), an estimated
three million African women work directly or indirectly with shea
butter.
 
Countless projects are under way to allow women the chance to grow
within the harvesting industry. For example, the National Chamber of
Commerce and Industry in Ghana, are working to provide women with
management and finance training. As a result, they aim to have ‘300
women trained in high-quality butter production to meet local, national
and international standards.’ Not only does this better the production
of shea butter but also the employment possibilities for women
 
The Different Forms of Shea Butter
The benefits of using shea butter are endless and it happens to be formed in a number of ways.

Removing
chemicals and preservatives makes unrefined (raw) shea butter what it
is. Simply beginning its journey as a pile of nuts, by hand, they are
removed from their shells. After being roasted and boiled, raw shea
butter still maintains its nutty scent. Plus, all of its natural healing
effects. The colour can vary from yellow, beige, green or more of an
ivory tone.

On the other hand, refined shea butter is made during
a heating process. During this process, it is not rare for
preservatives to be added. As a result, this usually removes the
goodness that may be found in raw shea butter. Nonetheless, refined shea
butter is still a valuable product. Cosmetically, it is made more
suitable to be applied directly onto the skin. Refined shea butter is
highly recommended for use within skincare products. Shea butter
benefits for skin go beyond using it in its raw form, and these benefits
can be wielded in several ways.
Additionally, whipped shea butter has become a versatile and easy to
make form of shea butter. A light, creamy and fluffy version, making it
easily absorbable. Many turn to whipped shea butter as a hair
conditioner and moisturiser.

No matter what form it is in, shea butter benefits us all in a matter of ways.
Is Shea Butter Suitable for All Skin Types?
Although shea butter is a natural product, as with any product or
ingredient, it is important to check that it is suitable for your skin.
It’s not just about shea butters benefits for skin, but shea butters
benefits for your skin.

Shea butter happens to be rather
low in the proteins that trigger allergies. This means that an allergy
to shea butter is a rarity. In fact, there happens to be no medical
literature that documents an allergy to topical shea butter.

As
well as this, it does not contain any chemical irritants that are known
to dry out the skin. As a non-comedogenic, shea butter also does not
interfere with skin pores and creating excess oil. In other words, shea
butter benefits all skin types in some way.

Shea butter is a powerful ingredient. It has many features that benefit the body from head to toe.
 
Some of the Benefits of Shea Butter
 
Deeply Moisturising:
 
Due to its high concentration of vitamins and fatty acids, shea
butter is included in many body care products. It makes it the perfect
ingredient for soothing, hydrating and conditioning the skin. One of the
main benefits of using shea butter is how rich and moisturising it is.

Typically,
moisturisers contain a variety of agents that produce the beneficial
elements of the product. Often found in moisturisers are:
Emollients – Moisturising treatments that cover the skin with a protective film to entrap moisture.
Humectants – Ingredients that attract hydration and retain moisture.
Occlusives – Moisturising agents that create a barrier to prevent moisture loss.
Did you know that our shea butter contains all 3 of these elements along with a range of nourishing oils?

Once
applied to the skin, it absorbs quickly, the properties of the shea
butter helping to strengthen the skins barrier to lock in moisture.
 
Body Scrub
 
Plus, many enjoy using shea butter as a hand cream, simultaneously
working to hydrate the nails and cuticles. Even applying it as a lip
balm or using it as an ingredient in a body scrub is beneficial.

Here’s how you can make an exfoliating body scrub using shea butter:
Half a cup of raw shea butter
3 small cups of olive oil
2 small cups of sugar
8 tsp of coconut oil
Place the shea butter into a large bowl and beat until creamy.
Gradually add the olive oil and coconut oil until they are fully
incorporated. Then, stir in the sugar until it is at a suitable
consistency for the skin.

To use, gently massage onto either dry
or damp skin. Then, rinse off with warm water for a smooth, exfoliated
finish. For further hydration to the skin, use your shea butter of
choice as a moisturiser.

To use, gently massage onto either dry
or damp skin. Then, rinse off with warm water for a smooth, exfoliated
finish. For further hydration to the skin, use your shea butter of
choice as a moisturiser.
 
Beauty
 
How Shea Butter Benefits Skincare and Beauty:
Shea butter benefits the skin further by being a natural
anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic. These properties, along with
natural oils and fatty acids, make it the ideal product for decreasing
irritation.

Shea butter can treat inflamed skin, the swelling and itching of insect bites and nappy rash.

Skin
conditions like eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis also cause
inflammation to the skin. Though, shea butter can ease this as well.
Research even suggests that shea butter could work just as well as
medicated creams in treating eczema.

In addition, the
anti-inflammatory components of the ingredient can reduce UV damage. UV
rays cause damage to skin and hair. Although the natural SPF of shea
butter is 6-10, combined with coconut oil or carrot seed oil, it is
possible to create your own natural SPF.

Not only that but, you can also use shea butter as an organic substitute to makeup remover.

Oleic
acid, which is present in shea butter, acts as a cleansing agent and
texture enhancer. In cosmetics, oleic acid has the power to reduce signs
of dryness and sensitivity. Therefore, using shea butter as a cleansing
balm will leave the skin feeling moisturised and supple.

All things considered; shea butter is a beneficial, inclusive and powerful everyday product.