Emma Miller
However, it is not suitable for everyone. Shea butter is a natural vegetable fat obtained by processing the nuts of the shea tree. In addition to being suitable for cooking, it can be beneficial for hair and skin.
Some of the main applications of shea butter are:
- hair care products
- anti-aging and wrinkle creams
- moisturizers for the body and face
- products after sunburn
- hair care for dry scalp
This is due to its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. In this article, we will look at how shea butter can benefit hair and skin.
Benefits for the skin
A person can purchase various moisturizers containing shea butter. Alternatively, you can apply raw, unrefined shea butter directly to the skin until it is completely absorbed.
A person can also:
- use it as a substitute for shaving cream
- to moisturize the lips
- nail cuticles
- against aging
According to an article published in 2018, shea butter contains components with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, such as triterpenes.
This is a group of compounds that can help with:
- cell migration
- collagen deposition
- cell proliferation, which is the process by which cells grow and divide
There is some evidence that shea butter can be effective against wrinkles.
Dry skin
Shea butter softens. As an emollient, shea butter helps to retain moisture in the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) suggests using products such as shea butter within minutes of drying. Shea butter also contains linoleic acid.
According to a study conducted in 2018, products containing linoleic acid have anti-inflammatory effects on the skin and promote moisturizing.
Eczema
Shea butter contains bioactive ingredients that give it anti-inflammatory properties. A small study conducted in 2015 involving 25 people with mild to moderate eczema found that shea butter can help relieve the signs and symptoms of eczema.
Scar
Shea butter can soften scar tissue. Keloid is a type of raised and enlarged scar. There is evidence to support that using shea butter can help prevent the formation of keloids. However, it is important to note that the researchers used laboratory cultures. As a result, there are not enough studies to show how effective shea butter is at preventing keloid scars.
Acne
A study conducted in 2016 shows that shea butter may have antibacterial properties. However, the AAD suggests that applying products containing shea butter to a person’s face, back, or chest can cause clogged pores, which can lead to acne.
People who have a tendency for acne are advised to avoid using shea butter or products containing shea butter on their faces.
Benefits for hair
Due to its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, shea butter can help reduce dryness and irritation of the scalp. However, shea butter may be more beneficial for hair.
A study conducted in 2017 by a reliable source of seed oil with the same bioactive content as shea butter found that seed oil makes hair more resistant to breakage. In addition, an earlier study from 2009 examined the effects of vegetable oils on hair. It was found that oil treatment reduces the combing force of wet hair.
How to use
People can choose over-the-counter hair care products that contain shea butter. Alternatively, you can melt raw shea butter and massage it over the scalp and throughout the hair. Leave the shea butter on your hair and then wash it off in the shower with a mild shampoo. People with oily hair are advised to avoid using shea butter.
Safety
Shea butter does not cause nut allergies. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, although the FDA considers shea butter to be a real nut, allergic reactions are either extremely rare or nonexistent.
The American Shea Butter Institute (ASBI) notes that unrefined shea butter contains latex. As a result, people with latex allergies may have an allergic reaction to shea butter. People should always stop using any product if they experience irritation or inflammation.
