Shea Butter: Properties and Applications

Shea butter is from the African continent. It is there that the shea tree, or shea, which is distributed throughout Central Africa, grows. At the age of 50, the tree produces fruits that resemble small avocados. Inside the fruit there is a nut, which contains the bulk of fats and carbohydrates.

In Africa, shea butter is the only source of vegetable fats., therefore, this product is very valuable for African peoples. They use it not only in cosmetic procedures, like residents of other continents, but also for medicinal and food purposes.

Due to the fact that the ripening of the fruits of the Shea tree is quite lengthy, the law of African countries prohibits the felling of this valuable and vital “tree of life” for the inhabitants of the continent.

Shea butter is a product rich in fatty acids, and fat occupies the lion's share of the entire composition.

The fatty acids in the product are represented by the following components:

• oleic acid - 55%;

• stearic acid - 45%;

• palmitic acid - 7%;

• linoleic acid - 8%.

But not only the fatty component makes shea butter so valuable. It also has many other useful substances that have a beneficial effect on the human body. For example, tocopherols and steroids, which are involved in the regeneration of cells and their rejuvenation.Triterpenes help saturate cells with oxygen, and polyphenols are involved in the fight against viruses and microbes.

Shea butter according to the degree of processing and the method of extracting the product from the fetal core is divided into 5 classes:

• category A - unrefined oil extracted from the core with water;

• category B - refined product;

• Category C - highly purified product;

• category D - a product having in its composition the minimum amount of various kinds of impurities;

• Category E - mixed product.

Basically, there are two types of shea butter - refined and unrefined. Due to the fact that the refined product is subjected to purification, it loses an insignificant part of useful substances, for example, the same vitamin E. But the product does not lose its nutrition and moisturizing capabilities. An unrefined product is stored less time and has a rich composition, which includes tocopherol, which is very important for female beauty, or vitamin E, which is necessary to combat the formation of free radicals, as well as many more serious diseases.

Unrefined shea butter can also be identified by a specific subtle nutty smell. A refined product, when processed, loses this property.

First of all, oil has a positive effect on skin quality. With regular use, the epidermis oil consumes the required amount of fluid, thus obtaining hydration and nutrition. Thanks to vitamins A and E, the skin is tightened, wrinkles on the face become less noticeable, and inflammation and peeling are quite similar. Especially relevant is the effect of the product on the driest areas - elbows, knees, feet.

Oil has no contraindications when using it during pregnancy, and this is very important for a woman while expecting a baby, since many cosmetic products are banned at this time. Shea butter is an excellent assistant for pregnant women in the fight against the appearance of stretch marks during the period of gestation.

As a rule, stretch marks appear in the 3rd trimester, when the active phase of the growth of the fetus and, accordingly, the abdomen begins. The skin at this time experiences a lot of tension. Shea butter will help the woman soften and increase the elasticity of the epidermis during this difficult time.

It also has a beneficial effect on the restoration of the skin after sun bathing. It is also used as protection against UV rays, since shea butter has a UVF6 degree of protection.

The product assists in the fight against cellulite. Its benefit lies in the fact that it gives skin elasticity by stimulating collagen synthesis.

This product has found wide application in the care of delicate baby skin. It is used both in composition with baby cream and in pure form. It copes with the appearance of diaper rash, so it is applied, as a rule, under the diaper in order to protect the child from such troubles.

Shea butter has practically no contraindications, excluding only individual intolerance.

After coming to Europe and America, the extract of shea fruits has been widely used and used in the field of cosmetology.Being an excellent moisturizer, it is used in the care of face, body and hair. Oil is added in the production of shampoos, soaps, anti-stretch mark cream, after-sun lotions and in almost every cosmetic product that is aimed at combating dryness and irritation.

On the body of each person there are areas with dry and rough skin, which certainly need additional hydration. Shea butter can be an indispensable tool in caring for dry skin of the body, as well as rough skin of the feet.

You can buy shea butter extract in any cosmetic store specializing in body care products. Many products on sale already have shea butter in their composition, but you can buy it in its pure form.

For home procedures, both refined and unrefined products are used. But the most tangible effect can be obtained from the oil, using it in a whipped form. The whipped consistency is perfectly absorbed into the skin, has a soft airy texture. For the manufacture of such a product, any oil is suitable - both refined and unrefined.

To prepare whipped shea butter, you will need:

• refined product - 80 g;

• jojoba extract - 18 g;

• Vitamin E - 1 g;

• any broadcast to choose from - 1 g.

If the oil product is in a solid state, then it must be heated until it reaches a soft texture. Jojoba oil is also advised to warm up to 40 degrees. Then the ingredients are mixed manually using a whisk or mixer.

After the correct consistency of the product is achieved, vitamin E and ether with a favorite smell, for example, orange tree ether, are added to it.

If the final product is very greasy, corn starch can fix the situation. By adding 2-3 g of this product, it will become less greasy and more pleasant to the touch. Apply such a product to the body is recommended every evening after a shower on a wet or dry body.

The shelf life of the whipped product depends on the presence of antioxidants and, in particular, vitamin E. Without additives, the cream will last from 1 to 3 months, and with them the oil can be used for a longer period.

Winter cream:

• coconut oil - 20 g;

• shea butter extract - 20 g;

• grape seed oil - 20 g.

All components are mixed in a heated form, and then the mass is left to cool slightly. After using it on dry areas of the body. The cream itself is recommended to be stored in the refrigerator in order to avoid damage to the product.

You can also make a cream that is lighter in texture, more like milk, and use it in spring or early autumn.

Ingredients:

• coconut oil - 20 g;

• shea butter - 20 g;

• Sea buckthorn oil extract - 20 g;

• aloe vera oil extract - 20 g.

Such a product is prepared similarly to the winter version of the cream. The ingredients are heated in a water bath to a temperature of no higher than 40 degrees and then mixed in one container. After cooling, the resulting milk is transferred to a bottle with a dispenser, from which it will be convenient to apply the product to the body.

Wraps based on an oil product can be performed at home without unnecessary expenses and trips to beauty salons.

Ingredients:

• chocolate 75% - 100 g;

• shea butter extract - 20 g;

• natural yogurt - 100 g.

To prepare the composition, it is necessary to convert chocolate from solid to liquid using a microwave. After melting the tile, add softened shea butter and yogurt, mixing the mixture until smooth gruel. It is applied to skin with visible cellulite and wrapped in polyethylene.The time of the procedure varies from 20 minutes to 1 hour. Rinse off the mixture preferably in the shower with a sponge and body gel.

Dry skin is constantly in need of hydration. Redness and peeling are a clear sign of a lack of moisture. Shea butter helps to replenish the hydrolipidic balance. When used on dry skin, the epidermis is instantly moisturized due to the oil texture of the product. After using the oil product, it remains moistened for a long time, and with its systematic use it becomes silky, soft and smooth without signs of peeling and irritation.

Ingredients:

• ripe avocado pulp - 20 g;

• shea butter extract - 5 g;

• honey - 5 g;

• jojoba oil extract - 5 g.

To prepare the mask, you need to mix all its ingredients and apply the mixture to the skin of the face, avoiding the area around the eyes, for 12 minutes. After time, the remains of the mask can be removed with a napkin, wash your face with warm water and apply cream.

Owners of aged skin can recommend a cream with chamomile and lavender. This recipe recommends using shea butter. Therefore, before preparing the cream, it is necessary to leave the container with oil in a warm room or put it on the battery to melt the oil substance.

Ingredients:

• ghee shea butter - 10 g;

• almond oil extract - 20 ml;

• chamomile ether - 3 drops;

• Lavender ether - 2 drops.

All components of the cream need to be heated and mixed in a warm form in one dish with a whisk. After mixing the product, it must be left for some time to solidify, then transferred to a storage jar and used for the night, using not a finger, but a special disposable spatula to extract the cream from the jar.

Shea butter extract works great on oily skin, which also needs to be moisturized. Contrary to expectations, the oil product does not clog pores at all, although it has a bold texture. That is why shea butter, due to its excellent absorption and lack of shine on the face, is suitable for problem skin. For the same reason, acne scars heal faster, and fewer scars form.

Ingredients:

• shea butter extract - 10 g;

• honey - 10 g;

• walnut oil extract - 3 drops;

• salicylic acid in tablets - 1 pc.

The ingredients are mixed in one container, preheating the shea butter extract, and applying the mixture to the face. The mask can be used both pointwise, only on the problem area, and on the entire surface of the face, if the site of inflammation is extensive enough. Remove the mask without water, using only a clean, dry towel or a napkin. The procedure is best performed at night and immediately go to bed after it.

Shea tree extract is an excellent activator of youth. With the help of shea butter products, facial wrinkles become less noticeable, and facial expressions can disappear altogether, so girls over 30 should take a closer look at this magical product, which delays the moment of age-related changes on the face. Starting to use oil at the stage of the appearance of shallow facial wrinkles, you can completely eliminate them.

Ingredients:

• shea butter essence - 5 g;

• aloe vera oil essence - 5 g;

• pink water - 5 g.

Having mixed all the components of the mask, it is necessary to carefully apply its composition to the face along the massage lines and leave for 20 minutes. After the mask is removed with wet wipes and washed with warm water.

Ingredients:

• shea butter extract - 50 g;

• wax - 30 g;

• cinnamon infusion - 30 ml.

Before preparing the cream, the wax must be warmed up so that it becomes soft and supple. After the oil, wax and cinnamon are mixed in one container using a blender or mixer. Having received a homogeneous mass, it is transferred to a cream jar and used as necessary. This cream perfectly moisturizes and tightens the skin.

Ingredients:

• shea extract - 40 g;

• wax - 20 g;

• avocado extract - 10 g;

• orange juice - 10 g;

• sandalwood oil - 3 drops.

Cooking:

• soften wax and shea butter;

• mix orange juice, sandalwood extract and avocado juice;

• combine the resulting compounds in one bowl and mix with a whisk or mixer;

• apply a mask for 5-7 minutes;

• rinse off the mask with warm water.

Lips often crack in the winter. In the cold season, they lack hydration and nutrition, so lip balm with shea butter will become a loyal assistant in the fight for beauty.

Ingredients:

• shea butter extract - 15 g;

• jojoba oil extract - 10 g;

• lemon tree oil extract - 3 drops.

On the stove, you need to prepare a water bath and place the components of the balm in a bowl, periodically stirring the composition. When it reaches a homogeneous consistency, get the mixture, fill it with a storage jar and put it in the refrigerator. Balm can be used as a normal lipstick, as soon as the mass has cooled.

After applying a few drops to the fingertips, they gently pass through the entire area under the eyes. The movements should not be sharp and rubbing. You just need to lightly touch the skin, gently driving the product into it. Such massage will be especially effective for those who suffer from systematic edema under the eyes.

Shea butter is also often used in the care of eyelashes and eyebrows., applying it both in pure form and in composition with other oils. The most convenient way to use the oil is to fill it with a clean, empty mascara jar and apply clean shea butter every day before bedtime, or in combination with castor or burdock, on eyelashes and eyebrows. The result can be evaluated after 3 weeks. Eyelashes will acquire bright pigment and hairs will become denser.

Shea butter magically affects dry skin of the legs. By applying it in its pure form to the sole of the feet at night, putting on socks and falling asleep, in the morning it is possible to wake up with new skin on the feet. They will be absolutely soft and tender, like a child’s.

With the help of oil, you can prepare a wonderful balm for the feet, which will work not only against dry skin. He is also able to bring leg veins to tone, which often suffer from the fair half of humanity.

Ingredients:

• shea butter extract - 40 g;

• Arnica oil - 9 g;

• lavender oil extract - 12 drops;

• Mirokarpus extract - 10 drops;

• peppermint oil extract - 12 drops;

• rosemary extract - 0.5 g;

• chestnut extract - 0.5 g.

First you need to soften the shea butter, then add arnica oil to it. Having mixed them with a mixer, the remaining components are added to the mixture, whisking for about a minute. Transfer the mass to the prepared container. Balm is used on the night before going to bed.

The universal foot cream, which helps dry skin with cracks, as well as combats excessive sweating, also has shea butter:

• shea butter extract - 70 g;

• coconut oil extract - 35 g;

• cocoa butter extract - 12 g;

• wax - 9 g;

• almond extract - 9 g;

• avocado extract - 9 g;

• jojoba extract 9 g;

• lavender oil - 9 drops;

• tea tree oil - 5 drops;

• peppermint oil - 5 drops;

• Vitamin E - 5 g.

Cooking:

• liquidize shea butter, coconut and cocoa;

• add the rest of the ingredients and beat the mass with a mixer for a minute;

• send the cream into a prepared container for freezing in the refrigerator.

Some women often use in the washing process not gels and foams, but various soaps. They often contain additives in the form of scrubbing particles and moisturizing oils.

Ingredients:

• soap base - 100 g;

• glycerin - 3 g;

• clay - 5 g;

• tea tree ether - 6 drops.

• shea butter - 5 g.

The soap base should be cut into cubes of 1.5 by 1.5 cm and put into the microwave in order to melt the base. Clay should be mixed with glycerin, and shea butter put in a water bath to soften.

After the solid ingredients have melted, they need to cool slightly, and then combine everything in one bowl and mix thoroughly. Then tea tree oil is added, mixed again and poured into a mold prepared for soap.

Before putting the mass into the mold, you need to sprinkle it with alcohol to avoid the appearance of bubbles on the surface of the oil. After filling out the form, the surface of the soap must also be treated with an alcohol solution for the same purpose. The resulting product can not be cleaned in the refrigerator, as it hardens at room temperature.

The shelf life of shea butter depends on its quality. Good quality oil can be used for 1 year. In addition, shea butter should not be left in the sun or in a hot room, it is better to let it be a cold, far dark corner of the room or a refrigerator in which any oil will stand for much longer. The melting temperature of the oil is 32 degrees, so its liquid consistency can remind the owner that the room is quite hot, so it is better to send the product in the refrigerator to preserve its useful properties.

Shea butter is not as popular as, say, coconut oil, so there are not many reviews on this product. It is rarely seen in the segment of the Russian market. Yes, it is available, but only a small mass of people in our country, including cosmetologists, have recognized the effectiveness of the product and enjoy using it. Reviews about him, although not enough, but they are all only positive. Buyers of shea butter are more often women from 30 to 55 years old and they are completely delighted with its texture, smell and the result that they get after using it. Therefore, owners of shea butter are happy to advise using this product in care procedures, and who knows, maybe someday it will be able to compete with the same coconut oil, or even surpass it in something.

For properties and uses of shea butter (shea butter), see the next video.