Shea butter has been an extremely popular natural ingredient in skincare throughout history because of its remarkable ability to hydrate, soothe, and protect the skin.

It is derived from the nuts of the African shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), where this buttery, nutrient-rich ingredient is harvested by the local women. But what exactly makes shea butter so special?

What is Shea Butter?

Shea butter is a fatty white substance obtained by crushing and boiling the nuts of the African shea tree until it becomes a smooth, rich textured fatty feeling substance with a natural faint earthy fragrance. It is treasured by natural skincare manufacturers for its ability to nourish, moisturise, and protect our skin.

It is an extremely ethical, sustainable product that gives back when you buy products containing this beautiful substance. Shea butter production is a vital source of income for women in West African communities, where the nuts are harvested and processed by hand.

Its nutrient profile is loaded with essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. Shea butter is a powerhouse for skin health. Which is why it is widely used in skincare products, from creams and lip balms to hair care and makeup as is suitable for every skin type.

Benefits of Shea Butter

1. Deep Hydrator and Moisture Locker

   Shea butter is best known for its incredible moisturizing ability. It contains a rich composition of oleic, stearic, and linoleic fatty acids – making shea butter a deeply hydrating and skin softener. It also has the ability to create a protective barrier – supporting the acid mantle – the skin’s protective layer helping it retain moisture, making it an ideal choice for all skins, but exceptionally so for those with dry or dehydrated skin.

2. Rich in Skin-Boosting Vitamins

   Shea butter is loaded with vitamins A, E, and F, all of which play key roles in maintaining healthy skin. Vitamin A promotes skin cell turnover, improving texture and tone, while vitamin E’s antioxidant properties help protect the skin from environmental damage. Vitamin F, or linoleic acid, provides soothing and healing benefits, especially beneficial for sensitive or inflamed skin.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

   Shea butter is an exceptional skin soother because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Shea butter contains compounds such as cinnamic acid and lupeol cinnamate that help reduce skin irritation. It is often used in skincare and ointments to soothe eczema, psoriasis, and other skin irritations, making it the ultimate gentle, natural remedy for those with sensitive or inflamed skin.

4. Natural Sun Protection

   While not a substitute for sunscreen, shea butter provides a mild SPF, typically around SPF 3-4. This offers a small layer of protection from UV rays, which, is enough protection against the sun if you are indoors between the hours of 10am -3pm and only out in the early morning or late afternoon. This means you do not have to use a drying sunscreen – such as Zinc, or chemical sunscreens (toxic and don’t last longer than 2 hours). It allows you to just apply sunscreen on the days when needed.

5. Supports Skin Repair

   Shea butter aids in skin repair and rejuvenation, it helps to fade scars, stretch marks, and minor blemishes. It stimulates collagen production, which helps with skin elasticity and recovery. Shea butter also helps minimize signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles, thanks to its ability to enhance the skin’s natural resilience.

6. Non-Comedogenic and Gentle for All Skin Types

   Shea butter is non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn’t clog pores. This makes it a safe choice even for oily or acne-prone skin types, as it provides moisture without causing the skin to breakout. Its versatility and mild nature allow it to be used in various skincare products without causing any form of congestion or irritation.

How to Use Shea Butter in Your Skincare Routine

Shea butter is incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into your skincare regimen in a variety of ways. Here are some popular uses:

– As a Facial Moisturizer: For dry skin, shea butter can be applied directly to the face as an overnight mask or blended with lighter oils to create a daytime moisturizer – as in the Everything Skin Cream, where it is used as a base cream whilst it is mixed with lovely anti-ageing, healing oils.

– Lip Balm: Shea butter’s rich texture makes it an excellent lip balm, hydrating and protecting lips from chapping which is why it is used in the Everything Lip Balm – along with other anti-ageing ingredients it makes for the most healing lip balm you will ever use.

– Body Butter or Lotion: Use it on rough areas like elbows, knees, and feet to keep skin soft and supple. It’s also an effective hand cream for dry or cracked hands.

– Scalp and Hair Mask: Shea butter works wonders as a hair mask, particularly for dry or curly hair. It helps lock in moisture, reduces frizz, and can be used as a leave-in conditioner or styling cream.

– Makeup Remover: A small amount of melted shea butter can help gently remove makeup while nourishing the skin.

Or you can use the Everything Skin Cream – this Shea butter loaded cream can be used as a day and night cream, body cream, hair hydrator and scalp mask – it also contains multiple other wonderful ingredients which increase Shea butter’s magic.

Shea butter is a truly exceptional ingredient with a wide range of skincare benefits. From providing deep hydration and soothing irritated skin to helping heal scars and support elasticity, it’s a natural solution for numerous skin concerns.

If you need help achieve glowing skin – book a glowing skin and wellness consultation via zoom with me!

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Yvette xx

Thank you for reading my blog!

Hi! 

I am Yvette van Schie, I am a holistic beauty therapist, skin nutritionist, skincare developer and makeup artist. I am passionate about sharing real beauty advice with a whack of reality.

For over 30 years I have worked with the best in the beauty and health industry as a trainer, educator  and product formulator and I still do – so my knowledge is diverse – I am not blinkered when sharing my information with you because everyone I speak to shares what they know, and I turn it into easy to digest information because I want my readers to feel empowered to make their own decisions and to feel that they are fully in control of their beauty and well being.