Shea butter, listed in ingredient lists as Butyrospermum Parkii butter, seems to be everywhere: in children's products, in skin and hair care products, in makeup, and even in chocolate. And that's a good thing. Because with shea butter, nature gives us a true treat for our bodies, and especially for our largest organ, our skin.
In addition to beneficial vitamins and minerals, shea butter contains a high proportion of the fatty acids that naturally occur in our skin's barrier. And that's good in itself, because the skin loves it and therefore absorbs these fatty acids particularly well.
Shea butter is extracted from the fruits, also known as nuts, of the African shea tree. The fruits consist of approximately 50% (valuable, plant-based) fat. Thanks to the various fatty acids, shea butter not only nourishes but also has anti-inflammatory properties. We've summarized the key active ingredients in shea butter for you:
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Beta carotene captures free radicals in your skin cells, and the secondary plant substance also improves the protective function of skin cells, thus helping the skin to protect itself against wrinkles, weakening collagen fibers, and pigment spots.
- Linoleic acid is contained in a particularly high concentration, it has a calming and balancing effect on the skin, so it is wonderfully applicable even in cases of increased skin fat (sebum) production and noticeably helps the skin to retain its moisture
- Allantoin has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, regenerates skin cells, and is therefore also wonderfully suitable for sore and irritated skin.
- Vitamin E is also a helpful antioxidant and free radical scavenger and helps to slow down the aging process of the skin.
Shea butter is beneficial for virtually all skin types. For example, I always use it on my young children's skin whenever it needs extra care. Children's skin is known to be extremely sensitive, and it should be cared for as such—especially by a mother who is well-versed in its ingredients. ;-) In addition to its basic nourishing properties, shea butter is especially helpful for:
- for dry skin and first wrinkles because it reduces the skin's water loss and the regenerating allantoin stimulates cell regeneration and promotes suppleness
- for scar care, as regular massage with the healing skin butter promotes faster scar tissue regeneration. Furthermore, the butter makes the tissue, which tends to harden, more elastic and significantly less exposed to the risk of possible keratinization.
- after sun exposure, as the soothing and regenerating properties help the skin to recover and repair potentially damaged cells
- in the treatment of neurodermatitis, because Shea Butter relieves the annoying itching and also supports the skin in healing and regeneration
- in the treatment of eczema and rashes, as the anti-inflammatory and healing properties of Shea Butter relieve itching and support the healing of damaged skin areas
In conclusion, if you want to do something good for your skin, whether it's to heal it, slow down the aging process, or simply to help it strengthen its barrier, She Butter is your ingredient.
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