Benefits of Shea Butter

Shea Butter is a thick white fatty substance harvested from the nuts of the Shea Tree in Africa. Rich in Vitamin A, Shea Butter is a soothing balm for many different skin conditions. Thick and creamy, shea butter is gentle enough for even the most sensitive or broken skin. By imparting skin-restoring Vitamin A directly to the affected areas, shea butter immediately softens and heals skin. The benefits of shea butter go beyond simply skin softening. By providing a barrier between your skin and harsh elements, this amazing butter allows your skin to heal naturally, from the deep epidural layers out to the delicate top skin.

1. Soothes Dry Skin

Shea butter moisturizes irritated dry and flaky skin. Dry skin can be itchy and painful, especially in the winter months. Using it in places like hands, feet, elbows, and even your cheeks can help reduce the redness and irritation that harsh winter weather and dry air cause your delicate skin. Shea butter is gentle enough for everyday use on red, scaly dry skin, even the dry skin around your eyes or on your cheeks. Winter colds can also cause dry skin and irritated noses; shea butter can soften the damage that excessive wiping may cause.

2. Reduce Itching, Even After Sunburn

Shea butter contains anti-inflammatory properties that give soothing relief to sunburned skin. In addition to reducing the pain and tight, dry feeling of sunburned skin, it also helps mitigate inflamed dermatitis and provide relief. Shea butter is also rich in Vitamin E, which contains healing antioxidants. These compounds help reduce the presence of free radical molecules - damaging molecules that affect healthy cells and increase oxidative stress on the body. Oxidative stress and free radical damage are particularly likely with sunburns; treating the burned area with healing balm can reduce the epidermal damage.

3. Heal Cracked Skin

Both Vitamin A and Vitamin E are essential nutrients to rebuilding and healing cracked and dry skin. In addition to the vitamins, shea butter's antioxidant properties help reduce redness and inflammation. It also boosts collagen production, helping deep cracks mend from the inside out. The moisturizing properties of shea butter also help soften cracked skin, allowing it to heal naturally. It acts as a barrier to harsh air or water - both of which can increase cracks in the skin, or prevent it from healing.

4. Calm Cold Weather Damage

Many people who enjoy winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, or simply spend plenty of time outside in the cold find that applying shea butter to their exposed face, neck, and hands may reduce the chapping and irritation dry, cold air can cause to their skin. It even contains sunscreen at around level 6 SPF. The moisturizing qualities of shea butter penetrate deep into the skin offering more moisturizing benefits while preventing windburn. It’s perfect for cracked and dry heels, hands, rough elbows, and knees.

5. Prevent Stretch Marks

Many pregnant women swear by shea butter to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and soothe sore skin that is stretched by their developing pregnancy. Not only gravid ladies enjoy the benefits it brings for stretch marks. Anyone can get them - teens that go through a sudden growth spurt or anyone who gains weight rapidly may experience the slightly painful stripes that represent skin growth. The healing properties of shea butter, including essential Vitamin A, may help reduce stretch marks and boost collagen production. Plumper skin may reduce the appearance and texture of stretch marks.