For the last 10 years I have been heavily using shea butter for virtually everything. Over the course of these last few years some questions I am commonly asked is what are the benefits of shea butter? Can it be used on hair and skin?
Let's dive deep into shea butter to answer those exact questions.
Starting with the history of shea. Shea butter has been around some 4,300 years now. Shea trees are native to West Africa, being most popular in Ghana. Most of the world's supply of shea butter still comes from that region of the continent. Is has been said that even Cleopatra herself used shea butter to moisturize her skin.
Now on to the sciency part. Shea butter is fat that’s extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. Solid at warm temperatures and melts upon contact with the skin. Shea is white or ivory in color, and contains many healing properties. The main components of shea butter include oleic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, etc... Quickly absorbing, the moisturizing and healing properties of shea have proven to be beneficial for many skin issues including psoriasis and eczema.
What are some of the benefits to using shea butter?
● Shea has anti inflammatory properties that can help soothe skin issues such as psoriasis, eczema and cracks in skin. Reducing inflammation can help with hair loss by providing your hair a healthy place to grow, all while providing elasticity and strengthening your strands.
●Contains high levels of linoleic acid and oleic acid so shea absorbs into the skin without leaving you oily or clogging your pores! Shea can seal the moisture in skin and hair (because hair is skin!) leaving you looking flawless.
● Produces antiaging properties and contains antioxidants and can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles meaning using shea regularly can make you look younger, yes, YOUNGER!
Now we know some of the many benefits what are some "other" or not as commonly talked about uses of Shea butter?
● Can relieve sinus congestion (having anti inflammatory properties) by applying to the inside of nostrils. Also can relieve dryness of the nose much more that petroleum.
●Pure shea butter can be used as a cooking oil with a high burning temperature. Shea butter that is mixed with other cosmetic ingredients can not be ingested. But pure raw butter you can cook with it! Shea taste much like it smells, nutty!
At www.bbbuttalovee.com we use only unrefined shea butter in all of our products because the benefits of this butter is way too amazing to pass up! Plus the whole family can use it!