Shea butter (karite): properties and uses for hair, face and body

Shea butter, all about the properties and application of which is presented in this article, is a universal product for caring for hair, face and body skin, nails and even heels. This unique product has an ancient history of existence and is prepared from the seed part of the fruit of a plant that grows exclusively on the African continent of our planet. Exotic items made right in their homeland cost a lot of money, because the manual method requires time. Despite its rarity, it is still possible to purchase a cheaper commercially produced version for less money, but will it have the same miraculous properties? Is it possible to buy inexpensive shea butter, or is it better not to save? How to use shea butter? The answers to these and many other questions asked by those who want to preserve their youth are presented in the text below.

Shea tree

Short story

To the inhabitants of Africa, the plant and its fruits, as well as the product obtained from the seeds, which belongs to solid oils, butters, and is called shea, shea, have been known since the time of Cleopatra, but such a now popular product came to the European continent only in the 19th century.

At the very end of the 18th century, the taste qualities of the product were described by the Scottish scientist Mungo Park, which prompted interest in studying the unknown among Europeans. In subsequent centuries and to this day, there have been numerous attempts to cultivate the plant, which ended in complete failure - the habitat of the tree of life, as the peoples of Africa call it, is now only the wild nature of the native part of the planet.

Where to buy and how to store

Many natural cosmetics and organic products stores sell the oil. Shea butter is also sold online. Regardless of the chosen method, do not hesitate to ask the seller for a certificate of quality. It is believed that the product obtained in African countries - Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, etc. - has the greatest value. For the official sale of goods in Russia, special documents must be available.

The price range of shea butter is quite wide. The cost of the product is influenced by various factors: brand, country of origin, method of production, presence/absence of additional processing (refining), etc. Today, on various trading platforms you can purchase the following options for shea butter:

from the Russian company Botanika - 30 ml at a price from 180 to 260 rubles;
Royal Forest shea butter - 370 rubles per 150 g;
product Paradise Jungle from Institut Karite Paris - 50 ml costs approximately 960 rubles;
Enriched Shea Butter from the Anna Lotan brand - about 1,600 rubles for 75 ml. The product also contains macadamia and cocoa oils, etc.

There are also offers to sell whipped shea butter. It is called airy and compared in texture to a delicate soufflé. You can prepare such a product at home by combining 70–80% shea butter and 20–30% of another base oily liquid in one container. The mixture is whipped to a meringue state and stored in a sterile cream jar.

If possible, before purchasing, evaluate what shea butter looks and smells like. The highest quality is considered to be yellow-cream or yellowish-gray oil with small inclusions and a pronounced nutty smell. Remember that the unrefined product retains a little more nutrients. However, oil that has undergone additional processing also contains a lot of nutritional components. It completely loses vitamin E, but retains fatty acids. Some women buy white refined oil because it remains usable longer.

Advice. Try to choose an organic product without hexane (it’s good if there is such a mark on the package).

Shea butter can be stored for 2-3 years, and not necessarily in the refrigerator. Just choose a dark place that is kept at room temperature. When scooping a small amount of product from a jar, use a sterile cosmetic spatula. This will extend the life of the oil and preserve useful components in it.

If you leave a bottle of shea butter open or in a hot place, a few days will be enough for the product to deteriorate. This will be indicated by an unpleasant, rancid odor. It is advisable to keep the oil in a glass container, even if you purchased it in a plastic or other container.

Look for shea butter in stores that sell basic ingredients for making cosmetic creams. This is what experienced bloggers advise.

What it is

It is known that shea is a tree that grows exclusively in countries located on the African continent, also called shea, and belongs to the Sapotov family.

Arial distribution within Africa:

West;
Center.

Description:

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crown shape – spreading;
height - from ten to twenty meters;
leaves are leathery;
foliage changes year-round;
life expectancy – up to two centuries;
flowering - in the 20th year of existence;
brown flowers;
fruit diameter – maximum 4 centimeters;
fruit shape – round, color – brown;
the seeds are surrounded by pulp.

It is from the seeds located inside the pulp that local residents extract the well-known shea butter, known for its miraculous properties - a product that is obtained by:

collecting fallen crops;
burying in the soil for an average of two weeks;
cooking;
frying;
removing the peel;
crushing the seed;
mixing with water;
filtration;
boiling the foam obtained during washing.

The lengthy process explains the high cost of the resulting product - solid shea butter, which melts at human body temperature and has a pleasant nutty aroma. The presented scheme assumes manual production; production uses various methods of cleaning and refining, as a result of which the product loses its aroma and color - it becomes snow-white.

Production

The vast majority of factory-made cosmetics are obtained from shea tree extract, which is also obtained in a factory way. The reason is that the oil obtained through manual processing and lengthy step-by-step extraction is too expensive, and the production cannot be compared with the industrial scale of use.

The current realities are such that women in African villages do not bother with the long process of production (especially since resellers take the finished product from them for pennies), but only engage in assembling fruits and separating kernels, which they sell.

Shea butter: chemical composition

The wonderful properties of the product were known to the ancient peoples of the African continent, but a scientific explanation of the regenerative effect on the skin was obtained only after the solid extract of shea seeds came to Europe in the 19th century. Detailed data on the components and their quantities helped prove that shea butter, whose properties are unique, has a wide spectrum of action and is undoubtedly beneficial with a very small list of side effects.

Component	Percentage content (minimum – maximum), %	Action
Unsaponifiable lipids	8,0 – 17,0	Combating dryness and flaking
Hydrocarbons	up to 3.0	–
Saturated fatty acids: Stearic Palmitic	35,0 – 45,0 3,0 – 7,0	Creating a protective film
Monounsaturated fatty acids: Oleic (omega-9)	40,0 – 55,0	Improving nutrient absorption by the dermis
Polyunsaturated fatty acids: Linoleic (omega-6) Linolenic (omega-3)	3,0 – 8,0 up to 1.0	Preservation of youth

The remainder comes from substances such as:

phytosterols, which relieve inflammation and soothe;
phenols;
triterpenes, antioxidants;
tocopherols, antioxidants;
retinol acetate.

Considering the chemical composition, it is difficult not to notice that the majority is oleic acid, which has an antimicrobial effect, accelerates the penetration of beneficial elements through the fat barrier, and serves as protection against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation due to the fact that it prevents the formation of free radicals during prolonged exposure to the sun. This substance, in combination with polyunsaturated fatty acids, of which there are not many, enhances the production of collagen molecules by the dermis, which leads to the prevention of early aging and smoothing out wrinkles.

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IMPORTANT. The data presented are only generalized statistics, because when it comes to plant raw materials and products made from them, no one talks about exact quantities.

Shea butter has anti-aging properties

Compound

This extract is of a basic nature, its basis is triglycerides, which moisturize the skin and restore the epidermis. In addition, the use of shea butter is due to the acids it contains:

stearic;
oleic;
linoleic and linolenic;
palmitic.

There are also so-called unsaponifiable substances - phenols, tocopherols and others. The extract contains the least amount of terpene alcohols, but it is their presence that provides the original aroma used in perfumes and cosmetics for fragrance.

This composition of shea butter makes it extremely valuable in the production of cosmetics. The properties and use of shea butter cosmetics depend on whether refined or unrefined raw materials are used.

In the INCI international nomenclature of cosmetic ingredients, this product is called Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter.

Shea butter: benefits

The uniqueness of this product lies in the fact that the range of possible uses is so wide that each family member will find something specific for themselves:

antibacterial properties will be useful in the fight against dandruff and diseases of the epidermis;
regenerative – burns, bruises, wounds, cracks, diaper rash;
anti-inflammatory – acne, inflammation, pimples;
anti-aging;
nutritious;
moisturizing – curls, dermis;
strengthening – nails, bulbs;
protective – preventing the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays and low air temperatures.

Another difference from other types of oils is its versatility: it can be used both in its pure form and as part of cosmetics (homemade, purchased in retail chains).

Thus, if you decide to try this product, keep in mind that it is better not to save either on finances or on the time it will take to choose: a high-quality product will help solve more than one or even two problems.

Allergy to oil: treatment

Treatment of any allergic reactions involves strict elimination therapy, which involves completely avoiding the allergenic product. If oil causes food allergies, it is recommended to replace it with safe analogues. For people diagnosed with an allergy to butter, it is preferable to use vegetable oils, animal fat, and margarine for frying and baking. If you have an allergic reaction to cosmetic oils, it is recommended to avoid procedures using them.

Various medications are used to relieve and prevent symptoms of pathology. The following medications are indicated for the patient:

enterosorbents - for the rapid removal of allergens from the body and elimination of gastrointestinal symptoms;
antihistamines - to stop and prevent the process of histamine production;
corticosteroids - to relieve itching and swelling of the skin, as well as mucous tissue;
local vasoconstrictor drugs - to relieve nasal congestion and signs of conjunctivitis.

An allergy to oil requires complex therapy over a long period. After remission occurs, the patient is recommended to visit an allergist once every six months for a preventive examination.

Application in cosmetology

There are many products from different manufacturers on the market that are intended for cosmetic use. Above in the text there are materials about the benefits, all that remains is to understand the intricacies of use, because each part of the body requires a delicate approach.

Shea butter is used not only in cosmetology, but also in cooking

Shea butter: use on the face

As written above, it is possible to use shea butter as an alternative to daily skin care products. To avoid allergic reactions, it is necessary to perform testing first: apply the product to the forearm.

It is recommended to apply to moisturized dermis.

It is better for representatives of the fair sex with combination or oily dermis to be included in masks.

IMPORTANT. Do not use the products too often - two treatments per week is enough.

Shea butter cream

You can purchase it ready-made and follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which are presented on the product packaging, or prepare it yourself, adding no more than 10% of the total volume to your favorite cream. This approach will expand the spectrum of action, and monounsaturated fatty acids will improve the absorption of nutrients from two products at once, making the composition active against ultraviolet rays, which is important during periods of increased solar activity.

Required:

shea butter/one and a half tablespoons;
almond oil, coconut oil/one teaspoon.

Preparation: Melt the ingredients, then mix by hand or using a blender.

Application: Distribute over previously cleansed epidermis, massage, leave until completely absorbed. Frequency of use: twice a week.

Result: Moisturizing, nutrition, preserving youth.

Rejuvenating mask with shea butter

shea butter/one teaspoon;
jojoba/one teaspoon;
beeswax/one teaspoon;
aloe juice/half a teaspoon.

Preparation: Melt the wax and oils in a water bath, add aloe juice, stir.

Aloe juice can be bought at a pharmacy or prepared from the leaves of a three-year-old plant. To do this, the cut leaves should lie in the refrigerator, wrapped in paper, for at least a day. The measure is necessary for the synthesis of healing substances in the dark at low ambient temperatures.

Application: Following the general recommendations for using masks, spread over the face, and after 20 minutes, remove the mixture with water.

To enhance the effect, you can use a fabric base.

Result: Moisturizing, nutrition, preserving youth, eliminating the first signs of aging.

Shea butter is used to combat allergic dermatoses and psoriasis

Intensely moisturizing mask with shea butter

Suitable even for oily dermis.

Required:

mashed potatoes/one teaspoon;
classic yogurt/one teaspoon;
shea butter/one teaspoon.

Preparation: Melt the solid component, add the rest, stir.

Application: Distribute over previously cleansed face, remove after 15 minutes with boiled water.

Result: Regulation of the level of sebum produced by the glands, hydration, nutrition, preservation of youth.

Skin care for seborrheic dermatitis

If with atopic dermatitis the skin dries and cracks, then with seborrheic dermatitis it begins to become shiny, and oily scales may appear on it. In children under 3 years of age, the disease usually appears on the top of the head. Skin care for seborrheic dermatitis in this case comes down to the use of special shampoos prescribed by a dermatologist. It is important to stop the itching, because a child can scratch the affected area and accidentally cause an infection.

For seborrheic dermatitis, agents that reduce skin inflammation are used: keratolytics, corticosteroids, antifungals.
They should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. If seborrhea has become chronic, a dermatologist may prescribe oral antifungal medications. March 24, 2021
Author of the article: dermatologist Mak Vladimir Fedorovich

Shea butter: harm, contraindications

Undoubted harm to health can be caused by ingesting a product intended for use for cosmetic purposes, or by performing procedures too frequently, which can cause impaired functioning of the lipid layer of the dermis and dryness.

You should also be careful when purchasing – the high cost of a product does not guarantee appropriate quality. Storing in a warm room or in direct sun can lead to spoilage, and the use of such a product can result in disastrous results in the form of allergies.

Use is contraindicated for:

individual intolerance;
oily or combination type of epidermis/strands;
hair coloring;
open wounds;
diseases of the dermis.

Use for medicinal purposes is prohibited without consulting a doctor.

Side effects

Since shea butter is made from nuts, it is classified as a highly allergenic product. People who are allergic to other nuts should do a test before first use by applying a little oil to the inside of their wrist. If no skin irritation occurs within 24 hours, the product is considered safe.

It is also not recommended to frequently use shea butter masks on thick, curly hair. To remove oily ingredients from curls, you have to use shampoo 2-3 times, which leads to dehydration.

Shea butter: product rating

You can buy a product intended for cosmetic use in a pharmacy or retail chain. Now there are many products on the market under this trade name and some brands have already earned the trust of customers.

Since each of us strives to purchase a quality product by spending a minimum amount of money, and cosmetologists recommend opting for non-refined, unrefined shea butter, the price of which is much higher than refined one, we will present a rating of the highest quality shea seed extract.

Brand, weight, gr. or ml	Points, out of 5.0 possible	Cost, rubles
Spivak, 100	4,6	200,0
Aromatika, 45	4,8	300,0
Royal Forest, 150	4,4	370,0
Tara, 100	4,0	750,0
Sky Organics, 450	4,0	1000,0
APC, 75	4,4	200,0
DNC, 80	4,7	500,0
Levrana, 150	4,8	350,0
Zeytun, 50	5,0	750,0
Botanika, 30	4,5	250,0

Of the ten products presented, the Zeytun brand has the highest rating, which is distinguished by its high cost per weight.

general information

Oil allergy is a common pathology that significantly impairs a person’s quality of life. Oils are used for cooking, cosmetic and therapeutic purposes. There are natural vegetable oils and synthetic products, and all of them are actively used for various household purposes. In case of allergies, the body perceives the oil as a dangerous substance, so it begins to produce antibodies against its components. A person develops acute intolerance to this product. When even a small amount of oil enters the body orally or through the skin, inflammatory processes begin to occur in the body, falsely signaling the presence of an infection or other foreign body in the blood. The mechanism for the development of an allergic reaction lies in the functioning of the immune system.

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An immune system that is too weak or unstable can easily malfunction and become hypersensitive to any irritants. As a rule, an allergy to oil occurs in infancy, when the body's defense mechanisms are not yet sufficiently formed.

Rules for selection and storage

From the data presented above, it follows that for better results it is the unrefined product that should be used. In fact, all products on the market are available for testing their performance on the dermis or hair only after opening the package, but here too there are nuances:

not opened;
only sealed;
with data on expiration dates and storage conditions;
availability of the record, refined/unrefined.

If the manufacturer has not provided data on the quality of the product, degree of purification and expiration date, you should refuse the purchase. After opening the package, you should also pay attention to the appearance of the contents:

refined – white, without any odor;
obtained by extraction - white or from light to dark tones of brown, a specific odor of solvents may be present;
unrefined - the aroma is reminiscent of nuts, the shade is ivory, yellowish.

The presence of mold, unpleasant odors, inclusions of other tones and other defects is not allowed. If at least one of the signs of a low-quality product is revealed, you should not use such a remedy.

Storage in inappropriate conditions can lead to fat oxidation and the synthesis of carcinogenic substances, so you should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and the terms indicated on the packaging. As a rule, the product should be placed in a dry, cool place (temperature no higher than 25 degrees / C), protected from direct sunlight.

Indications for use

Thanks to its saturated fatty base, base oil effectively cares for dry, dehydrated, flaky, rough, flabby, withering epidermis. It is optimal to use shea butter at the age of 35+ to eliminate age-related changes, refresh the skin, make it firmer and more elastic.

The neutral composition makes shea a suitable product for sensitive or delicate baby skin. The oil copes well with skin problems on the lips and eyelids, gently cares for rough elbows and heels, softens the body, heals hair, etc.

Regular use of shea butter on the face will achieve significant results, including:

protection of the skin from adverse environmental factors, including ultraviolet radiation;
softening, nourishing the dermis;
bactericidal effect on the skin;
acceleration of healing of wounds and cuts;
reducing the severity of wrinkles;
improvement of complexion;
maintaining moisture in the skin;
giving tone and increasing elasticity of the epidermis;
elimination of peeling, signs of chapping;
rejuvenation, regeneration of the skin;
reduction in the number of rashes.

Attention! What is good for dry skin is not quite suitable for oily, problematic, combination skin. In all these cases, shea butter is also used, but very carefully, especially carefully monitoring the individual reaction.

Shea butter: reviews

If we talk about the product rating, it is worth taking into account the variety of brands, among which buyers recommend the brands “Aromatica”, “Spivak” and many others.

Irina, 24 years old
Even during pregnancy, I started using shea butter to prevent stretch marks on my stomach. Later, after giving birth, I learned about other wonderful properties: the fight against early aging and at the same time pronounced antibacterial properties came in handy. In the first months of the baby’s life, she treated diaper rash and cracks in the skin of her hands with this remedy. Unfortunately, I didn’t notice any effect on my hair. I recommend it as a universal product for caring for different areas of the body.

Andrey, 28 years old
A few months ago I had frostbite on my face and hands. My wife applied shea butter and the epidermis recovered quite quickly. Later, my daughter tried it as a remedy for burns, but here the result depends on the degree of damage. I recommend it as a universal remedy for restoring the dermis.

Yulia, 35 years old
I have known about shea butter for at least five years. When buying, I opt for unrefined, without being embarrassed by the high cost. I use it in the area around the eyes (at night), smear it on my hands, face (in winter and in the bright sun in summer), heels and I’m quite pleased with the result - hydration, nutrition, rejuvenation. I recommend.

15 more ways to use it

In the homeland of vitellaria, in Central and Western Africa, people eat shea butter. African mothers smear their infants with healing oil from head to toe, believing that this “will make the baby plump.” Many European and American confectionery factories introduce shea into chocolate instead of cocoa butter.

There are 15 more known original uses of shea:

Lubricate the eyelids before applying decorative shadows to fix the makeup.
Rub into feet before exercise to soften rough skin on feet.
Massage muscles after sports training. This relieves fatigue and muscle pain.
Inject 2 g into each nostril for acute runny nose. Shea butter relieves congestion for 5-8 hours.
Use instead of shaving cream for legs.
Use as an ointment against diaper rash in infants.
Rub on the stomach and thighs during pregnancy to prevent stretch marks.
Treat your nails. This strengthens the cuticle and adds shine to the nail plates.
Rub into eyelashes and eyebrows. This will speed up hair growth and increase its thickness.
Brush your teeth to remove plaque and whiten.
Mix with aromatic oil and use for body massage.
Lubricate your face before going out into the cold.
Apply to areas of the body where perfume is intended to be sprayed. The oil locks in the flavor.
Add a few spoons to a hot bath to hydrate your skin.
Lubricate the wings of the nose during a cold.

FAQ

What does unrefined shea butter mean?

During manufacturing, this product undergoes only filtration - cleaning from mechanical contaminants. For this reason, the color can range from yellow to brown, which is not a deviation from the norm. The paste retains all the beneficial properties of the plant seeds, therefore it is highly expensive.

What does the word “butter” mean on the packaging?

Butter is a general name for solid oils, so you can often see the entry “shea butter” on the packaging, which does not indicate specific differences in the product.

Can you expect results when buying inexpensive shea butter?

The quality of even the most expensive product of this product category directly depends on the integrity of the manufacturer. Hand-made and cold-pressed require a fairly high cost, but not always the promised result due to possible fakes. When buying shea butter at a low price, you should not expect a complete lack of results, regardless of the degree of purification, what is common to all categories (from A to F) is a pronounced moisturizing effect.

Can shea butter be used around the eyes?

The resulting paste from the seeds of an African plant contains vitamins A and E, retinol acetate and tocopherol acetate necessary to prevent early aging. The dermis of the periocular area is devoid of sebaceous glands, therefore it quickly responds to collagen deficiency in the body in the form of wrinkles. Since shea butter has a stimulating effect and is suitable for use in mono form, it is quite possible to use this cosmetic product to care for the area around the eyes, but in moderation and in courses.

Can shea butter be used every day?

In this case, it is worth considering the type of dermis and the supporting effect on the lipid layer. Due to an excess of fatty acids, it is possible not to moisturize, but, on the contrary, to dry out. For this reason, it is highly not recommended to use this product daily without breaks.

Which is better to buy shea butter: refined or not?

Additional purification leads to a partial loss of beneficial properties, because during the processing of any product there is a decrease in the concentration of valuable elements of the composition, and sometimes destruction. When purchasing, it is advisable to opt for unrefined.

Where is the best place to buy shea butter?

In this case, we are talking about purchasing a cosmetic product, so it is better to search for a product in pharmacies or retail chains, where you can get acquainted with the quality certificate from the manufacturer and customer reviews of the product. The place of purchase should be treated with special attention, because poor quality can cause allergic reactions or lack of results when used.

Doesn't shea butter clog pores?

Here everything is determined by the individual characteristics of the body and the quality of the product. There is a wide variety of products on the market under this trade name of varying degrees of purification, but they are united by one property - non-comedogenicity. Despite the indicated quality, which is confirmed by animal studies, representatives of the fair sex with oily dermis should still include shea butter in cosmetics and not use it in a mono-variation.

How is shea butter different from other types of oils?

The properties of the product are directly determined by the chemical composition. So oils consist of fatty acids, which are saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated. The former create an impenetrable moisture-retaining film on the dermis, which can cause clogged pores if done incorrectly. The second have a regenerative, nourishing, strengthening effect, and contribute to the preservation of youth - the third. This product, along with unsaturated ones, contains monounsaturated omega-9 and polyunsaturated omega-3, omega-6, which together serve as the prevention of early aging.

Is shea butter edible?

At home, in African countries, the product is used in the same way as butter in our country. Food enterprises use this component as a raw material for the production of margarine, but it is prohibited to use the product intended for use for cosmetic purposes.

Does shea butter have any medical uses?

Official medicine does not currently confirm the presence of a therapeutic effect due to the lack of appropriate trials in humans. For this reason, you should not prescribe treatment for yourself - it should be used in the treatment of psoriasis, eczema, and lichen only after consulting a dermatologist.

Getting rid of the causes of atopic dermatitis

Now scientists classify atopic dermatitis as a neuro-allergic disease. This means that the course of the disease can be caused and aggravated by both allergens and nervous disorders. Accordingly, an important part of care for atopic dermatitis consists of eliminating allergens and causes of nervousness.

Eliminating allergens

Even if you are not a pronounced allergy sufferer, it is worth taking care of your surroundings and eliminating possible allergens. Adults often have food allergies: chocolate, citrus fruits, eggs, seafood, nuts and berries. Milk protein intolerance is common in children under three years of age.

Dust is one of the most common allergens. More precisely, not the dust itself, but the waste products of dust mites that live in it. Wet cleaning should become a regular ritual.

Allergies can also be caused by household chemicals. Aggressive cleaning powders, dishwashing detergents, washing powder - all this can provoke exacerbations. Choose the most gentle formulations, give preference to special children's washing powders and use household chemicals only with gloves.

Getting rid of nervous disorders

Don't underestimate the impact of your psychological state on your health. It is emotional stress that often leads to relapses of atopic dermatitis, so skin care includes visits to a psychotherapist.

Brief summary

Residents of African countries have known shea butter for centuries, the use of which is not limited to cosmetic purposes.
In fact, the product in its homeland is eaten in the same way as butter is used in our country.
The chemical composition contains saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated fatty acids, more than half are oleic (omega-9), which improves the absorption of nutrients by the dermis, has an antibacterial effect and, in combination with omega-3 and omega-6, slows down the aging process.
Shea butter also has a protection factor against direct sunlight—capable of blocking 80 to 90 percent—so it can be used as a sunscreen.
For cosmetic purposes, it can be used to care for the face, hair, nails, and soften the rough dermis of the feet.
These effects apply only to high-quality products, so you should be careful when choosing. Carefully study the information provided on the packaging and the appearance of the contents after opening it.

Beneficial features

When applied to the skin, shea butter causes a number of changes in tissues, leading to an improvement in the structure and appearance of the dermis. The most pronounced processes include:

improvement of intracellular metabolism. Shea butter has the property of accelerating blood flow at the site of application. This leads to skin rejuvenation and increased formation of collagen and elastin, which increases tissue elasticity;
strengthening regeneration mechanisms, so damage heals very quickly;
elimination of inflammatory phenomena;
intensive skin hydration. When using the oil, excessive dryness of the skin is eliminated, the phenomena of peeling disappear;
neutralization and removal of toxins and free radicals that lead to deterioration of the skin;
bactericidal effect;
removal of pigment spots;
strengthening hair follicles and improving the overall condition of hair.

Fights germs, age spots, moisturizes.
Shea butter can be eaten in small quantities and added to various dishes. Regular use will restore the strength of cell membranes, increase body tone, and normalize hormonal levels.

Precautionary measures

In addition to the fact that oil can provoke the formation of comedones on oily skin, it can cause a feeling of dryness in the dermis. This often happens due to improper use of the product. If shea butter dries out your skin, you probably don’t moisturize your face before the procedure.

Like any other oily liquid, shea only retains existing moisture, so it should not be applied to completely dry epidermis. This applies not only to the face, but to the entire body.

Another reason why oil causes discomfort and can cause harm is individual intolerance. Be sure to test the product before regular use to understand whether it can be smeared on your skin. An allergic reaction is the main contraindication to the use of shea butter. Also, do not apply oil to open wounds, pimples, blackheads and skin prone to comedones.

Opinions about the comedogenicity of shea butter are controversial, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Moreover, judging by the reviews, there are still examples of clogged pores after using oil.

Contraindications of the drug

To reduce the risk of possible complications, it is very important to store shea butter correctly. This way it will retain its beneficial properties as much as possible and will not cause any harm. It should be kept in a well-closed container, protected from sunlight. It's best to keep it in the refrigerator. After opening, it is advisable to use the product within three months.

An overdose is impossible, since the skin absorbs exactly as much as it needs. And the excess can be blotted with a napkin.

Cosmetologists' opinion

Experts do not recommend getting carried away with oils. After all, there is always a risk of an allergic reaction or the possibility of incorrect use of the product.

Shea has earned a good reputation among professionals, but it has some peculiarities.

Some cosmetologists claim that shea butter can negatively affect the condition of the skin.

Because of this, it is worth using shea or any other similar base product in the hope of making the skin more hydrated. The goal of natural products in this category is to retain existing moisture.

Advantages and disadvantages

Benefits of shea for facial skin:

instant effect - after the first procedure, the face becomes moisturized, soft and tender;
hypoallergenic - with the exception of individual cases of individual intolerance, shea fruit extract is suitable even for infants;
rejuvenation, slowing down the signs of aging of the skin - shea butter reduces the severity of age-related changes, including wrinkles;
combating peeling and dryness of not only the skin of the face, but also lips, eyes, and the whole body;
protection of the epidermis from the sun, wind, frost;
the ability to use the product at any time of the year;
a sufficient range of products in different price categories.

Disadvantages of shea butter:

texture that makes it difficult to quickly apply the product;
slow absorption;
the risk of purchasing a counterfeit;
high price;
the likelihood of developing an undesirable reaction (comedones, dryness, acne, etc.).