Shea Butter Uses

Shea Butter Uses - It was in an African art and craft shop in Atlanta, Georgia, that I was first introduced to Shea Butter. I was fascinated by a certain African lady who was

• Heals dry, cracked and flaky skin
• Prevents and reduces wrinkles
• Is a nappy barrier cream
• Heals and soothes nappy rash
• Soothes sunburn
• Prevents and reduces stretch marks
• Lip balm to heal and protect
• Prevents and relieves eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions
• Is a conditioner for dry and damaged hair
• Often used in soap-making and handmade cosmetics

A few days later after a day in the sun I began to realise just how wonderful this butter was. Shea butter has a naturally occurring UV absorber which provides an SPF of about 5 and the high levels of vitamin E, an anti-free radical agent, and which reduces the ageing effect of the sun.

Since that day in Atlanta I have found many shea butter uses and in particular it's been really helpful on eczema that I have on my upper arms, by reducing the inflammation, dryness and itching, making the appearance of my arms more attractive and of course comfortable away from the itching.

The native African has known for centuries the wonderful benefits of Shea butter. Not only rich in nourishing vitamins E, A and F, it also has anti-inflammatory properties and moisturises, making it the perfect treatment for dry, chapped, mature, and sensitive skins.

Shea Butter is only found in the tropics of Africa. It is extracted from the nuts of the Shea-Karite tree. It takes up to 15 years for the tree to bear fruit and can take another 30 years before the nuts are of a quality that can be used. In the past these nuts were boiled by the natives until the fat rose to the surface of the water. The fat was scooped out of the water before being left to set and cool.

Shea butter is easily absorbed and gentle enough to use on the most sensitive skin of small babies and the elderly and everyone in between. Shea butter is solid at room temperature, however it will melt with body heat. Clearly in winter the butter will be more solid at room temperature than in summer. There is no need to store the butter in the fridge. Stored away from direct sunshine its shelf life is 12-18 months. Take a little between the palms of your hands and allow the butter to melt before gently massaging into your skin. A little goes a long way.

For really dried hands or cracked heels try rubbing in some shea butter into your skin just before you go to bed and then put on a pair of socks or gloves. The socks/gloves will keep your feet warm, opening your pores for a double benefit - allowing the shea butter to penetrate further into your skin and also allowing your own natural oils to moisture.

If you have been sunbathing too long and your scalp is flaky and dry then gently massage some shea butter into your scalp and hair, leaving for at least an hour, preferably overnight, before washing out.

Shea butter is perfect for mature skin as it contains high levels of vitamin A which can help promote cell regeneration and fibroblast activity. Vitamin E is a powerful natural anti-free radical agent that can help to prevent the formation of wrinkles. And all of that before you find it to be a great moisturiser.

These are so easy to make, and are an ideal present for anyone.

• 60 grams shea butter
• 18 grams virgin coconut oil
• 26 grams beeswax
• ¼ teaspoon patchouli essential oil
• ¼ teaspoon neroli essential oil
• 4 drops ylang ylang essential oil
• 2 drops rose essential oil

This is best used just after a hot bath or shower while your skin is still warm and your pores are open. To use, warm between your hands and gently massage over your entire body. Leaves your skin so soft and lovely to smell.