Shea butter: effect and application for healthy skin - Nour De La Lune
on October 21, 2024

Shea butter: effect and application for healthy skin

Do you want supple skin and preferably with a natural product? Then the shea butter may be just the right choice for you. This ingredient is often used in skincare due to its high effectiveness, but what active ingredients does it contain and what benefits can you expect from it? Find out that and more in this article!

What is shea butter?

Shea butter, also known as Butyrospermum Parkiiis made from the nut kernels (Vitellaria paradoxa) of the fruits of the shea tree (shea tree) , which grows mainly in the Sahel region of Africa. Whether for skin care, hair or lips, this fat is full of moisture.

Shea butter, also known as shea butter, has a warm, nutty fragrance with a hint of earthy sweetness that is subtle and soothing. The scent is reminiscent of natural oils and lightly roasted nuts without being overpowering. It is therefore the ideal choice if you are looking for a subtle solution for rough skin or would like to mix shea butter with scented oils and ingredients.

Ingredients of shea butter: what makes it so special

The effect of shea butter in skin care can be explained by its rich ingredients. Here is an overview of the ingredients:

  • Vitamin A (beta-carotene): The ingredient vitamin A, is also known as beta-carotene and is converted to retinol in the body. It supports the elasticity of the skin and is a popular anti-ageing ingredient.

  • Vitamin E: The skin is exposed to stress on a daily basis, be it from the environment, the sun, etc. The active ingredient vitamin E can protect against this stress thanks to its antioxidant properties.

  • Fatty acids (oleic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid): Fatty acids such as oleic acid and linoleic acid support the skin's moisture and strengthen the skin barrier.

  • Allantoin: This anti-inflammatory ingredient soothes the skin and promotes the healing of wounds and skin irritations.

  • Omega-3 fatty acids: These vital fats play a key role in the anti-inflammatory effects of shea butter and also support hormonal balance.

Advantages of shea butter

Here's an overview of the benefits of shea butter so you can better determine if it's the right choice for you:

  • Natural product: is obtained from nuts and is therefore very suitable for people with sensitive skin.

  • Neutral scent: The nutty scent is very subtle, so that shea butter can be combined well with aromatic oils, for example.

  • Versatile: Whether for the skin, hair, hands, feet or even the lips - shea butter has many uses.

  • Moisturizer: It penetrates deep into the skin and provides long-lasting moisture - without clogging the pores.

  • Anti-ageing: The antioxidants it contains work against premature skin ageing and help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

  • Soothes skin irritations: Shea butter has a soothing and calming effect on skin problems such as eczema or sunburn.

  • Protection against environmental influences: It forms a protective film that protects against cold, wind and UV radiation.

How does shea butter affect your skin?

Not yet convinced of the effects of shea butter? No problem, here we would like to take a closer look at the effects of shea butter so that you can better determine whether it is the right choice for you.

Shea butter effect: Intensive moisturizing

One of the main benefits of shea butter is its deep moisturizing properties. Thanks to the combination of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic acid, oleic acid and palmitic acid, the butter is easily absorbed into the skin without leaving a greasy film. This makes it an ideal moisturizer that effectively smoothes and softens dry and flaky skin.

Impressive anti-ageing properties

Shea butter contains a high concentration of antioxidants, including vitamins A and E, which fight free radicals - making it an anti-ageing insider tip! Free radicals are unstable molecules caused by environmental factors such as UV rays and pollution that can damage skin cells. This leads to premature skin ageing, including wrinkles and fine lines.

Supports wound healing

Shea butter has impressive regenerative properties. Its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing components support the skin's healing process. Minor cuts, scratches, burns or rashes can heal faster with the use of shea butter, as the skin's barrier function is strengthened and the skin tissue is supported in its regeneration.

Protects the skin from environmental damage

The skin is exposed daily to harmful environmental influences such as UV radiation, wind and pollution, which can damage skin cells and accelerate ageing. Shea butter acts as a natural protective shield by forming a barrier that protects against these external influences. It also contains the important ingredient vitamin E, which has antioxidant properties that protect against

Promotes skin elasticity

For people who want to combat stretch marks or sagging skin, shea butter can be an excellent natural solution. It is often used during pregnancy in particular. It is recommended to use shea butter daily during pregnancy to provide the skin with sufficient moisture. This effectively prevents stretch marks and prevents the skin from feeling uncomfortably tight.

Improves the complexion

Beautiful and silky skin? This also includes an even complexion. Especially if you have scars or pigmentation, shea butter can help to even out your complexion.

Effectively reduces chapped and irritated skin

Especially in the winter months, when the skin often becomes dry and cracked, shea butter is an excellent protection. It locks moisture into the skin and prevents dryness and cracking. Rough skin areas, such as elbows, knees or heels, also benefit from the intensive care that shea butter provides.

Shea butter application: how to use it correctly

Using shea butter correctly, as with our Lunar Veil moisturizing face cream and Mystic Elixir eye cream, is crucial to reap all its benefits. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to best incorporate shea butter into your skincare routine:

  1. Cleanse the skin: Cleanse your skin thoroughly with a mild cleanser to remove dirt and excess oil.

  2. Warm the shea butter: Put a small amount of shea butter in the palms of your hands and rub it until the butter melts and becomes smooth.

  3. Applying the shea butter: Apply the shea butter to the desired areas of skin and gently massage it in until it is completely absorbed.

  4. Additional care for dry areas: For particularly dry areas such as elbows, knees and heels, you can apply a generous amount of shea butter and massage it in.

  5. Repeat as required: Reapply as needed, especially after showering or bathing, to keep skin optimally moisturized.

Wide range of applications for skin, hair and more

Shea butter is not only a true miracle cure for the skin, but can also be used for the hair and other parts of the body:

  • For the hair: Similar to its effect on the skin, shea butter can also moisturize the hair. Use it as a mask or as a conditioner on the ends of your hair.

  • For the lips: Are you looking for a natural lip balm? Then you've found it in shea butter.

  • For hands and feet: Dry, rough areas of skin on hands and feet become soft and supple again when shea butter is applied.

Who is shea butter particularly suitable for?

Do you suffer from rough, very dry or even irritated skin? Do you have skin problems such as neurodermatitis or psoriasis and are looking for a natural solution? Then shea butter is just right for you. But not only that, because it is a natural product, it is also suitable for people with sensitive skin and allergy sufferers. But who is shea butter not suitable for? As the fat is made from nuts, people with a nut allergy need to be careful.