Natural Shea butter is extracted from the kernel of the fruit that grows in the savannas of Central and West Africa on a tree called African shea tree or Butyrospermum parkii. Local healers and herbalists use this gift of nature for thousands of years to heal multiple internal and external physical problems. It is a gift because the shea tree needs 20-25 years to give its first fruits and in 45 years of age it reaches maturity and can continue to give fruits for 200 years.
Kernels are separated from the fruit, they are cooked and then dried in the sun for 3-5 days before being baked until they’re fully dehydrated. Then the Shea butter is extracted manually from the kernel. The long process provides what people call ‘The most beneficial natural skin product today’.
Shea butter is becoming one of the most popular products for skin care. Dermatologists everywhere are starting to recommend it to their patients and many cosmetic companies around the world include Shea butter in their products.
Healing properties of Shea butter
Shea butter has many proven healing characteristics resulting from the presence of many natural ingredients, including vitamin E, vitamin A and cinnamic acid. The ingredients of Shea butter help in healing sores and wounds. The Shea butter is often used to treat eczema, rashes, burns and extremely dry skin.
Sun protection with Shea butter
Although low, Shea butter contains natural protection against the UV rays. Daily use of Shea butter on the face and body significantly reduces the exposure to sunlight, which can reduce the degree of aging due to external factors. Shea butter is also used as a natural layer which protect the skin against harmful external factors like dust, cigarette smoke and chemical pollution in the atmosphere.
Skin moisturizing with Shea butter
Shea butter makes the skin smooth, gentle and soft. It quickly became the most used moisturizing agent, providing help to speed up the healing process of the skin and having a healing effect in restoring bruised, burned and dark spots on the skin.
Short list of Shea butter benefits
- Heals wound scars, burns and skin stretch marks
- Prevents skin dryness, cracking and rashes
- Ideal for hair styling, it protects the scalp from sores and rashes and prevents dandruff
- Protects the fine hair from tearing, drying or thinning
- Strengthens the nails and cuticles
- Great as a massage and body butter
- Used after shaving to prevent irritation and restore the natural moisture of the skin
- Ideal for dry skin, dermatitis, eczema and sunburn
- Makes the skin more elastic
- Nourishes the skin and keeps it healthy and soft
- Might relieve pain if rubbed on the areas affected by arthritis, joint pain, numbness or muscle sore
- Contains natural vitamins A and E
