【How-to】What is shea butter good for

What does shea butter do for your skin?

1. It boosts skin moisture. … It works as an emollient that softens and hydrates skin. Because it contains several types of fatty acids — including lineoleic, oleic, palmitic and stearic acids — that improve the skin’s natural barrier, shea butter also protects skin from damage from the environment like pollutants.

Can I use shea butter on my face?

Shea butter can be applied directly to your face before you go to sleep. … The fatty acids and oils in shea butter may make applying makeup on top of it difficult. You can also make a facial mask using shea butter and several other ingredients. Wash your face first with a cream cleanser or warm water.

Does shea butter lighten dark spots?

Used topically, Shea Butter is known to be a “skin superfood” that nourishes skin to promote its clarity and addresses problems such as dryness, blemishes, dark spots, discolorations, stretch marks, and wrinkles without clogging pores. … It can ease joint pain and rheumatism, alleviate pain, and reduce stretch marks.

How long does it take for shea butter to work?

Most of shea butter’s impressive benefits show up after a month or two of using it. While you might not notice immediate changes for some skin conditions, the long-term effects are undeniable. So, what will shea butter do for your skin after a few months? Your skin should start to feel softer in about three months.

Is shea butter good for lips?

Rich in Nourishing Vitamins

Given that it is easily absorbed and able to provide extra nutrients to the skin, Shea Butter is one of the best ingredients when it comes to daily lip care and keeping your lips in optimal health.

Can I use shea butter under my eyes?

Take a very small amount of shea butter, warm it between your fingers, and then apply it under your eyes delicately to avoid exhausting the area and making it more vulnerable to developing wrinkles.

What does shea butter do to the hair?

Moisturize and soften hair Shea butter contains vitamin A and E with essential fatty acids which are believed to add moisture and shine to the hair. Its non-greasy quality makes it an excellent moisturizer for the hair. It softens dry brittle hair and repairs split damaged ends as well.

Can shea butter remove pimples?

Shea butter has a variety of benefits for your skin and has been shown to be effective in treating acne and blemishes. Raw shea butter is also useful for tacking other skin issues, like acne scars.

Does shea butter lighten skin?

Due to its high concentration of vitamin E, shea butter is a potent skin lightener. Vitamin E promotes regeneration of skin cells and aids recovery. Want an even more effective way to achieve an even toned complexion? Try combining shea butter with essential oils.

Does shea butter makes hair grow?

Shea butter is known for its moisturizing qualities in skin, which may also transfer over to the scalp and hair. … This could potentially lead to stronger hair and less breakage, but likely won’t work to stimulate new growth.

What’s the best oil to mix with shea butter?

Rosehip oil, argan oil, olive oil, and many other carrier oils will improve the shea butter’s texture. A little bit of carrier oil goes a long way, so don’t add more than a few drops per batch of whipped shea butter.

Can you eat shea butter?

Shea butter is edible and is used in food preparation in some African countries. Occasionally, shea butter is mixed with other oils as a substitute for cocoa butter, although the taste is noticeably different.

Does shea butter expire?

Shea butter can go rancid. The expiration of this type of butter is from 12-24 months. … After the 12-24 month period, shea butter deteriorates and loses its vitamin content. While you can still use it to moisturize your skin, the benefit of the vitamin content is lost.

Is shea butter good for thin hair?

Oils and butters can leave a film on your hair. This may not be desirable if you have thin hair, as this can weigh it down. … In the case of thin or oily hair, shea butter can be heavy and make hair flat or greasier. If you have a looser hair texture, shea oil in small portions may be more beneficial.

Does shea butter need to be refrigerated?

Shea Butter can be stored in several different containers, from a zip lock plastic bag to a plastic container with a lid, to a glass jar or container. … Regardless of the container you use, shea butter should be stored in a pantry, away from direct heat.

Why does my shea butter stink?

Why Does Shea Butter Stink? Usually because it is poorly made. Made from poor quality shea nuts (seeds) and not finished properly to remove excess moisture. When this happens the shea butter will quickly begin to go rancid, developing a foul smell and often feeling a bit sticky and slimy to the touch.

Which country has the best shea butter?

Out of these countries, the most common sources of quality shea butter are Ghana, Nigeria and Northern Uganda. There are two tree sub-species that yield shea butter nuts. The first is Vitellaria Paradoxa from West Africa (Ghana and Nigeria). The second is Vitellaria Nilotica from East Africa (Uganda).

Why did my African shea butter turn white?

Shea butter turns white from either heat or oxidation. It loses some of its healing properties. Primarily vitamin A. It is still a very good moisturiser but the healing properties of shea is the main reason for its use.