Shea butter comes from the fat extracted from the nut of the African shea called the Vitellaria paradoxa tree. This rich butter that has been used across Africa for over 700 years is ivory in colour when raw, and commonly dyed yellow with borututu root or palm oil. It is widely used in cosmetics as a moisturizer, soother or lotion.
Even though the shea butter smell may not be very pleasant to those who are not familiar with it, it is edible in some countries and is used in food preparations.
For the skin, shea butter eases irritation, relives dry skin, improves eczema, provides sun protection and also doesn’t cause allergic reaction. It is also good is good for moisturizing hair and scalp. People with curly and coarse hair textures benefit from using shea butter as it is good for locking moisture in their hair, in turn increasing its softness.
Healthline states that, in a study conducted that tested a cream containing 5 percent shea butter on the forearms of 10 people, it was noted that the participants could feel the moisturising effects of the cream for as long as 8 hours after its application. Another study showed that shea butter can also treat eczema.
Shea Butter also works as an anti-inflamatory. Healthline adds that a study conducted showed less irritation after its use, leaving researchers to believe that it might contain the chemical compound amyrin which has “well-documented anti-inflammatory properties.”
According to healthline, there’s plenty research proving that shea butter helps in cell regeneration, “minimizes signs of aging, and also boosts collagen.”
Also see: Why you should wear sunscreen everyday
