Khaberni - Shea butter has proven to be an exceptional natural ingredient for skin and hair care, its rich texture is very effective for face and body care, and it contains 60 percent fats which makes it an excellent moisturizer. It is also rich in essential fatty acids with anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.
Shea butter is known for its fatty composition, extracted from the seeds of the African shea tree, and obtained by grinding these seeds and boiling them. Its cosmetic properties are numerous, making it a natural key ingredient used by cosmetic laboratories in moisturizing products, as well as in many home cosmetic recipes.
Discover below 8 of its useful cosmetic uses.
Its main benefits
Shea butter has key benefits that make it a useful cosmetic ingredient:
• For nourishing the skin: Its concentration in natural vitamins and fatty acids makes it superbly nourishing and hydrating. It is often used to protect the skin and combat dryness.
• To reduce inflammation: Shea butter is rich in cinnamic acid which has anti-inflammatory effects. It also contains a compound that has the ability to alleviate skin inflammation and prevent acne.
• For smoothing skin and hair: Shea butter contributes deeply to nourishing skin and hair while protecting them from dryness. It is suitable for all skin and hair types and can also be used for children.
Its uses
1- For deep hydration of the skin: Shea butter is used to deeply moisturize the face and body and maintain moisture in the inner layers of the skin. It is very beneficial for caring for skin that has been exposed to dryness, especially after sun exposure.
2- For treating cracked lips: To prepare a moisturizing lip balm rich in shea butter, simply heat 20 grams of coconut oil and 30 grams of shea butter in a double boiler, then remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly before adding a few drops of almond oil to it, stir the mixture well then place it in a small glass container and let it cool before it becomes ready for use. This mixture can be used to moisturize lips several times a day.
3- For treating stretch marks: Applying shea butter to the skin helps protect it from the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy or with significant changes in weight. This butter is also used as an ingredient for massaging and moisturizing body skin at the same time.
4- To reduce wrinkles and dark circles: Shea butter provides a useful solution for fighting wrinkles and under-eye bags. To prepare a homemade anti-wrinkle recipe, it is enough to heat 50 grams of shea butter and the same amount of coconut oil in a double boiler, then remove it from the heat and let it cool for about 30 minutes before adding 10 drops of frankincense oil and 7 drops of essential lavender oil to it. Leave the mixture aside to cool and become ready for use.
5- For treating skin scars: Shea butter stimulates collagen production in the skin, helping to renew and enhance its radiance. It also contributes to improving skin elasticity thanks to its anti-wrinkle properties.
6- For reducing hair frizz: Applying a small amount of shea butter to the hair after heating it in a double boiler helps control frizz. This butter also deeply nourishes dry and lifeless hair. It also works to enhance hair volume and make it appear denser.
7- For maintaining make-up stability: Applying a small amount of shea butter on the eyelids before applying eyeshadow helps to maintain its stability, and it can be used as a base to maintain the stability of lipstick.
8- For preparing an anti-perspirant: This anti-perspirant blend is natural and effective. To prepare it, simply dissolve 3 tablespoons of shea butter and 2 tablespoons of cocoa butter in a double boiler, then add 2 tablespoons of corn flour and 2 tablespoons of baking soda, along with the contents of two capsules of vitamin E and a few drops of orange oil or ylang-ylang oil. Mix the mixture well and let it cool before it becomes ready for use on the underarm area.
