Shea butter (shea butter) - benefits and applications in cosmetology and medicine

The tree, from the fruits of which shea or shea butter is extracted, grows in West Africa and Sudan. From time immemorial, it has been used in folk medicine and cosmetology. The protective properties of the finished product helped the inhabitants of the hot continent protect their skin from ultraviolet radiation, moisture evaporation and dry air. Also, the unique softening and protective properties of shea came in handy in the care of hair, roughened areas of the legs and arms, nails and cuticles.

Composition and useful properties

The fruits of the shea tree are distinguished by a granular shape, a firm texture and a pleasant cream color. At room temperature, they resemble ghee, so it is almost impossible to confuse a natural product with a fake. The smell of the finished oil is light nutty, close to walnut and coconut.

The shea tree is called the "tree of life" in its homeland. The first fruits appear only after 20–25 years, and the average life expectancy of a plant is 300 years. In many countries, cutting down this tree is prohibited.

According to the richness of the composition, shea butter can be refined and unrefined. The first undergoes additional purification and loses a number of healing properties. It costs much less and lasts longer.

Refined shea butter is ideal for allergy sufferers. It is odorless and colorless, and also has a softer, more gentle effect.

The composition of the oil

Shea or shea butter is basic in nature. The product gained fame in cosmetology and medicine due to its unique composition. More than 80% are triglycerides - fats of plant origin, necessary for moisturizing and repairing cells. The organic oil also contains acids:

• oleic;
• stearic;
• palmitic;
• linoleic;
• linolenic

The smallest share (8%) of the content in shea butter is occupied by non-saponifiable substances:

• phenols;
• tocopherols;
• triterpenes;
• steroids;
• hydrocarbons.

In a small amount, terpene alcohols are present in the composition, which provide shea with a unique and sophisticated aroma. Often this component is extracted from the natural environment and added as a fragrance to perfumes and cosmetics.

cosmetic properties

The main properties of shea butter are softening and protection. This allows the active ingredients of cosmetic industry products to penetrate the skin faster and act on the cells. Also, the oil coating prevents the penetration of UV rays, prevents dehydration.

Shea butter is often added to anti-aging products. Its organic components contribute to the production of collagen and slow down the aging process. If you regularly use the product on the skin, it becomes more elastic, elastic and smooth.

In pregnancy cosmetics, shea butter is an effective treatment for stretch marks. Its advantage is environmental friendliness and hypoallergenicity.

healing properties

Modern medicine suggests using shea butter to fight various diseases. Among them:

• sprain;
• dislocations and damage to the joints, muscles;
• flu;
• ARVI;
• cold;
• dermatitis;
• burns;
• ulcers;
• acne, etc.

Preparations on a natural basis relieve inflammation from the limbs, have a decongestant and warming effect. For antiseptic purposes, shea butter is recommended for use in the mouth and nose. This facilitates breathing, moisturizes dehydrated areas and protects against the penetration of bacteria, viruses. In the fight against psoriasis, eczema, dermatosis, cracks, acne, burns, and others, the product is prescribed in its pure form or ointments with its addition.

Facial care application

A favorite in face and body care at any time of the year is shea butter. Due to its versatility, the organic product perfectly copes with moisturizing, nourishing and restoring the skin. In its pure form, it can be safely applied to lips, hands and elbows, knees and feet, chest, hips and many other areas. The result will not keep you waiting. Especially the effect will be noticeable on dry and aging skin.

Shea butter or shea butter performs its functions both in its pure form and as a base ingredient. It is applied on the lips to protect against chapping and cracks, on the face - instead of a base for makeup or evening care. Combining the product with essential oils and plant extracts, you can prepare homemade masks, scrubs and creams. Their recipes are available to every woman.

Healing lip balm

1. Melt 15 g shea butter.
2. Without removing it from the water bath, add 10 g of jojoba oil.
3. Stir ingredients, remove from heat.
4. Inject 2 drops of lemon essential oil and 7 ml of rose water.
5. Mix thoroughly again and pour into a suitable container.
6. Wait for complete solidification and use the finished balm for its intended purpose.

Natural Shea Butter Lip Balm takes about 10 minutes to prepare. The tool will replace expensive cosmetics and provide quality care

Mask for dry skin

Natural face mask is aimed at eliminating peeling and deep moisturizing. The product is applied 2 times a week for 20-25 minutes in an even layer. The recipe is very simple:

1. Grind the dried peel of 1 lemon in a coffee grinder.
2. Melt 15 g of shea butter in a water bath.
3. Mix the crushed lemon zest with 1 egg yolk.
4. Combine egg mixture with liquid oil. Stir.
5. Add 7 ml of rosehip oil.
6. Remove the mask from the fire and use as directed.

The procedure is recommended to be carried out no more than twice a week.

For hands

Hands are the most vulnerable part of the body, which is constantly exposed to a sharp temperature drop, detergents and other adverse factors. Creams aimed at protecting the skin should be applied to dry hands immediately before going outside or doing housework.

Hand cream with camellia

To prepare the cream you will need:

• 4 tbsp. l. shea butter (shea);
• 2 tbsp. l. camellia oils;
• 7 drops of mandarin or jasmine essential oil.

First of all, the base oil is melted in a water bath. Then the rest of the ingredients are added in the specified amount. The essential oil is added last. The finished cream is thoroughly mixed and cooled. Store the cosmetic product in a glass container in the refrigerator.

Mask for dry skin of hands

For a caring mask, you need to take natural honey, shea butter and walnut butter in the same amount. Mix all components in a water bath and distribute over the hands with massage movements. Leave on for 15 minutes and then rinse with warm water.

Shea butter for body

From shea butter, you can prepare a universal body cream that is suitable for both local use and large areas. A natural cosmetic product will protect the skin from chapping, dryness, ultraviolet radiation and replenish the supply of vitamins, minerals and moisture.

Shea butter or shea butter is an excellent antiseptic, so it is suitable even for irritated, inflammation-prone skin. To achieve a therapeutic effect, the product can be applied to diaper rash, acne, burns and dermatitis.

To prepare the cream, you will need a few ingredients:

• 80 g shea butter (shea butter);
• 20 g grape seed oil;
• 6 drops of orange essential oil;
• 4 drops of grapefruit essential oil;
• 2 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil;
• 20 drops of vitamin A;
• 1 tsp corn starch.

Melt the base oil in a water bath. While it is warm, add grapeseed oil to it. Beat the mixture with a mixer and place in the freezer for 3 minutes. Once set, beat for another 7 minutes. Enter all the esters and vitamin A into a white thick foam. Turn on the mixer again for 2-3 minutes and pour 1 tsp into the cream. corn starch. Stir the finished product to a homogeneous consistency and place in a convenient container. Be sure to pre-treat the cream jar with alcohol.

The distribution of the cream from the bottom up provides a lymphatic drainage effect, and additional hydration is achieved by applying the composition to a wet body.

If you are allergic to any of the essential oils, they can be replaced with a suitable one or completely excluded from the composition. Otherwise, the cream is ideal for everyday use for any skin type.

Shea butter for chest and abdomen

The need for special care for the skin of the chest and abdomen occurs in a woman after childbirth, sudden weight loss or age-related changes. Shea butter fully copes with the tasks and, with regular use, allows you to restore elasticity and elasticity to problem areas. There are several simple homemade beauty recipes.

Arabic wrap for breast augmentation

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shea butter;
• 5 brewer's yeast tablets or 2 tsp. dry yeast;
• 2 tsp wheat germ oils;
• 1 tsp ground fennel.

All components must be mixed in a water bath. First of all, melt the base oil - shea. Crush the brewer's yeast tablets beforehand.

Leave the mixture overnight to infuse. The next morning, apply half of it on the chest and wrap the body with cling film. Wash off after two hours. Repeat the procedure in the evening.

It is recommended to perform wraps every other day until the desired result is obtained. The first positive changes will be noticeable after two weeks of use.

All-in-one body care product

Take 5 ml of melted shea butter and 3 drops of patchouli oil. Mix both ingredients until smooth and apply to the décolleté area in the morning and evening. The product has an excellent moisturizing effect, improves skin elasticity and saturates it with vitamins.

For thighs and legs

In its pure form, shea butter helps to cope with dry knees and heels. If you add essential or lighter oils, herbal extracts or salt to the base product, you can get an effective caring cream, mask, scrub.

Cooling foot balm

The most delicate balm consists of organic ingredients that are light in texture. It not only nourishes and moisturizes the skin, but also strengthens blood vessels, tones the veins. At the end of the working day, after wearing uncomfortable shoes or a heavy load on the legs, the remedy will quickly relieve fatigue and tension.

To prepare the balm you will need:

• 40 g shea butter (shea butter);
• 9 g arnica oil;
• 15 drops of lavender oil;
• 10 drops of myrocarpus oil;
• 10 drops of mint oil;
• 0,5 g rosemary extract;
• 0,5 g chestnut extract.

The cooking technology is completely suitable for home conditions. Melt shea butter in a water bath until liquid. Add arnica oil and let the mixture cool. Until it turns into butter, start beating with a mixer. Add essential oils and extracts to a thick soufflé. Beat again with a mixer for 30 seconds and transfer the balm to a convenient container. Use as directed.

Nutritious cream

Nourishing cream is suitable for owners of callused, cracked, tired and sweaty feet. With regular use, it has a disinfecting, tonic and moisturizing effect. The composition of the product is rich in valuable components that any skin needs. The cooking technology is very simple:

1. Melt 9 g beeswax and base oils: 70 g shea, 35 g coconut, 12 g cocoa.
2. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
3. Add 9 g each of avocado, sweet almond and jojoba oils to the liquid base.
4. Also add 1 tsp. vitamin E, 10 drops of lavender essential oil, 5 drops of mint and tea tree esters.
5. Beat the cream in blenders until smooth.
6. Pour the product into a glass container and place in the refrigerator to set for 24 hours.
7. Use the foot cream as directed.

For maximum relaxation of the leg muscles, combine the procedure of applying the cream with a massage.

Application for nail and cuticle care

Drying of the skin around the nails leads to the appearance of hangnails and inflammation. Their removal reduces the protective functions of the cuticle and allows bacteria to penetrate into the growth zone of the nail plate. To protect yourself from all sorts of infections and improve the condition of nails in general, use shea butter. In its pure form, the product acts as a natural antiseptic, and also softens and nourishes the skin. In combination with other active ingredients, the effect of the base oil is enhanced.

Balm for cuticles and nails

For beginners, it is best to start mastering home cosmetology with balms. They have the simplest recipe and cooking technology. To prepare this remedy, you will need several ingredients:

• 30 g of calendula macerate;
• 25 g shea butter;
• 15 g cocoa butter;
• 20 g beeswax;
• 8 g sesame oil;
• 20 drops of tea tree essential oil;
• 20 drops of lavender essential oil.

Melt the wax, solid and liquid base oils in a stainless steel saucepan. When the ingredients become liquid, stir them with a glass rod and remove from heat. Let the balm cool for a few minutes and add the esters. Stir again and place the product in a convenient container. Wait for it to freeze. Use as directed.

The use of shea butter in medicine

Shea butter was first used in African medicine. On its basis, local residents prepared various ointments and lotions for dermatitis, ulcers, acne and burns. Modern doctors have adapted the product to combat respiratory diseases, varicose veins, cellulite and more. Some of the recipes are available for home cooking and are actively used by the people.

Wound healing ointment

Heat in a water bath 1 tsp. shea butter and add 1 tsp. sea ​​buckthorn oils. Mix the ingredients of the ointment and cool. Apply the product on cracks, wounds and ulcers. It can also be used to make masks for the most damaged areas.

For joint pain

Warm a small amount of shea butter in your palms and rub it into the affected joint for 3-5 minutes. Overlay a warming bandage for 2 hours. If the procedure is performed in the evening, you can leave it all night. This will speed up the removal of swelling and inflammation. The course of treatment is 20 days.

Important! To speed up the healing process, apply the oil twice a day - in the morning and before bed.

For dermatitis and psoriasis

Shea butter is applied to damaged skin twice a day for 10 days. It relieves itching, pain and speeds up the healing process. To enhance the effect of the oil, you can mix it with essential oils of lavender, chamomile, tea tree, rose or patchouli.

From hemorrhoids

Shea butter accelerates the healing of cracks in the anus, softens hemorrhoids and normalizes blood circulation. You can apply it in its pure form or by soaking a gauze sponge in melted butter. As an addition to the treatment, baths from a decoction of chamomile and calendula will serve.

The use of shea butter for pregnant women

The most common problem that pregnant women face is stretch marks during pregnancy and after childbirth. Shea butter is suitable for solving it and can be used in several ways:

• as a massage oil;
• as a base for the preparation of scrubs and masks;
• instead of a daily body cream.

Massage with the use of oil is famous for the greatest effect. It is carried out in several stages:

1. Cleanse your skin with a gentle scrub made from coffee and honey mixed 1:1. The duration of the procedure is 2-3 minutes.
2. Wipe the skin of the abdomen dry.
3. Warm a small amount of shea butter in your palms and start massaging.
4. Within 1-2 minutes, gently rub the stomach from the periphery to the center.
5. For 5 minutes, perform circular movements in different directions. Use two palms at the same time.
6. For about 2-3 minutes, massage the stomach in a spiral, gradually moving towards the center.
7. Finish the massage with light strokes.

A similar massage can be performed for the décolleté and hips. Use more active movements: patting, twisting, pressing.

Contraindications to the use of shea butter

Shea butter can harm the body only if not dosed ingestion. The use of natural oil for cosmetic and medical purposes is absolutely harmless. Doctors often recommend it to pregnant women and children.

Advice! Those with oily skin types should use shea butter with care so as not to clog pores. You can lighten the consistency of the product by adding starches or essential oils.

Shea/Shea Butter Reviews

Oil can be used in its pure form. It can be applied to any part of the body: arms, legs, face, body, eyelashes. I rarely use it in its pure form, I applied it a couple of times on my hands and heels. The result is excellent, although it is absorbed for a very long time, I then blot the remnants with a napkin.

Upon contact with the skin of the hands, the oil begins to melt, after which it can be applied to the body. I use this oil for various purposes - to soften the skin of the hands, when it begins to dry especially strongly from working with papers, for the rough skin of the legs, which at the moment needs to be put in order for the spring season, sometimes, when not too lazy, I even put it on the lower third of the hair at night, wash off in the morning.

Future mothers, do not forget about the constant moisturizing of such places as the abdomen, buttocks, hips, if you start moisturizing the skin in advance, then stretch marks will not appear. Of course, my stretch marks will not go anywhere, but after regular use they become less noticeable, and new ones do not appear, and my tummy becomes velvety.

Shea butter is a real find for those who do not like to deal with a bunch of jars in the bathroom. This tool is sure to come in handy when traveling, long business trips, replacing most of the cosmetics for the face and body. Also, the oil is suitable for children's skin and effectively copes with dermatological diseases.