Shea butter is a fat extracted from nuts, the majority of which come from trees in West Africa. It is off-white and has a creamy consistency that can be easily applied to the skin. The high concentrations of fatty acids and vitamins make shea butter an ideal cosmetic for your skin care routine.
Benefits of using shea butter on your face:
1. Anti-inflammatory and therapeutic properties
Shea butter has been shown to have extensive anti-inflammatory properties. The redness and swelling on your face can be calmed with regular applications.
2. Emollient properties
The rich texture of shea butter creates a soft and gentle barrier on the skin that seals in moisture, producing a moisturizing effect that can last for several hours.
3. Anti-aging properties
Shea butter has also been reported to have anti-aging properties. Although the exact mechanism of this action is not known, it is thought that it may be related to the ability of shea butter to promote collagen production or to reduce the breakdown of collagen already present.
How to use shea butter on your face?
The easiest way to use shea butter on your face is to buy a cream containing shea butter from a health food store, pharmacy or online retailer. Shea butter can be applied directly to the face before going to bed.
You can also make a face mask using shea butter as a base!
To make your own mask, mix:
1 tablespoon of raw honey
3 to 4 drops of oil
1 tablespoon of pure shea butter
Mix well and apply the mixture to your face. Leave the mask on for 10 to 12 minutes before gently cleansing your face with warm water and a soft cloth for best results. If you are prone to acne, these face masks are best done with caution and on a thinner basis, as their deep consistency may promote acne.
