Sheaboter

Shea Butter

Discover why all our soap and shampoo bars contain a healthy dose of shea butter

Shea butter is a natural ingredient extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. It is a rich source of fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants that can benefit your skin in many ways.

In this article we discuss the three biggest benefits of shea butter for the skin and why it is a wonderful ingredient in natural, handmade soap bars.

Botany and history of shea butter

Another name for the shea tree is karite tree. This tree only grows in a 300 km wide strip from Mali to Ghana, Togo and Benin in the African Savannah. This special tree is even known here as the tree of life because of its many special properties. 

Only women process and produce the butter, often it is also the only source of income. That’s why it’s called Women’s Gold. I think it’s fantastic that by using shea butter in every soap and shampoo bar I can support women in West Africa to build a better life.

Making unrefined shea butter is a laborious process.

  1. Picking the nuts in the wild.
  2. Washing and drying.
  3. Cracking and roasting.
  4. Grind to a dark almost chocolate-like paste.
  5. Knead and rinse.
  6. Heat the pasta over a low heat. The Shea Butter that floats to the top is the end result.

Shea butter has been used for centuries in Africa for its many medicinal and cosmetic benefits. It was traditionally used to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. It was also used to protect the skin from the sun and wind.

3 Biggest Skin Benefits of Shea Butter

Hydrates the skin

Shea butter is a rich source of fatty acids such as linoleic and oleic acid, which help hydrate and moisturise the skin. It also helps create a barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss. This makes shea butter a wonderful ingredient in natural handmade soap bars and body butter, as it is so gentle on the skin.

Improves skin elasticity

Shea butter contains collagen and elastin, proteins that keep skin looking firm and youthful. This is why shea butter can help improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Some people even swear it helps prevent wrinkles.

Heals the skin

Shea butter contains vitamin E, a natural antioxidant. Vitamin E helps protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and lead to premature ageing. Shea butter also has anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe and heal irritated skin.

Conclusion

Shea butter is a safe and effective natural ingredient that can benefit your skin in many ways. It is a good source of fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants that can help hydrate, protect and heal the skin.

If you are looking for a natural way to improve your skin health, consider using products that contain shea butter, such as our natural handmade soap bars.

Note: this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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