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African shea butter is an ivory or pale yellow colored fat extracted from the nut of the African shea-karite tree. The butter is prized for its healing and beauty benefits. Shea butter remains in solid form even at room temperature but melts upon contact with the skin. There are three types of shea butter: raw, unrefined and highly refined. The best of all types is raw shea butter. Unlike refined shea butter, the raw kind is not processed at all. As such, the butter retains much of its beauty benefits.
Benefits of Raw Shea Butter
Packed with Essential Nutrients
Did you know that raw shea butter is a rich source of vitamin A, E, and F? It’s also loaded with essential fatty acids that hydrate the skin deeply. In fact, these nutrients promote collagen production, delaying the early signs of aging. Even better, shea butter also acts as a natural UV ray protector with an SPF of 6. The added protection helps keep the skin smooth and youthful.
Deep Hydration
It’s no secret that raw shea butter is an amazing moisturizer! It’s packed with essential nutrients plus fatty acids that nourish the skin deeply and effectively. Shea butter helps banish cracked heels, dry skin and rough spots too. Just apply a small amount of the raw butter all over the body for baby soft smooth skin. Because it’s a humectant, shea butter also draws moisture in while preventing water from evaporating.
Reduces Inflammation
Raw shea butter contains cinnamic acid and lupeol cinnamate. Both chemicals help reduce skin inflammation and even prevent skin cell mutations. Studies show that lupeol cinnamate and cinnamic acid may also prevent acne breakout and heal scarring. Raw shea butter also contains oleic, stearic, palmitic and linolenic acids that nourish the skin, preventing inflammation and dryness. With long-term use, raw shea butter will keep the skin smooth, clear and younger-looking!
How to Use Raw Shea Butter
As a Body Moisturizer
You can use raw shea butter on its own as a skin moisturizer. With clean hands, apply a generous amount all over the body. We recommend applying the butter on slightly damp skin just after a shower. Add more on rough spots like the heels and elbows. Although raw shea butter is a mild moisturizer, it’s too heavy to use on the face.
Stretchmark Salve
If you’re pregnant and you want to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, apply a generous amount of raw African shea butter all over the belly. Concentrate on areas prone to stretch marks. The butter will relieve dry, irritated skin. It will also make the skin stronger, more resistant to unsightly stretch marks.
As a Hair Treatment
Yes, you can apply raw shea butter on dry, damaged tresses too! Just apply a dollop directly on dry hair. Focus on the driest part of the hair, which are usually the tips. Wear a shower cap and leave it on for at least 20 minutes. Rinse your hair with a hydrating shampoo.
Cuticles and Nail Moisturizer
Got dry, flaky cuticles and nails? Apply a small amount of raw shea butter and say hello to smooth, beautiful nails. No more flaking and nail breakage! Shea butter will effectively moisturize the nails and cuticles deeply.
