Shea butter properties in cosmetology. Selection and storage. Shea butter is a natural product

Vitellaria fruit pulp is a unique composition of polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants. The content of the main components is presented in the table.

Substance	Proportions (in%)	Significance for the body
Oleic acid	40 – 60	deeply penetrates the skin pores, retains moisture in the upper layers of the skin
Stearic acid	20-50	supports immunity, creates a protective shell of valuable acids on its surface
Linoleic acid	3-11	heals damage, heals acne
Palmitic acid	2-9	Smoothes the skin, increases its elasticity
Cinnamic acid	1-8	Protects against inflammation and solar radiation, promotes the regeneration of epidermal cells

In addition, shea butter is rich in vitamin A, which actively restores skin elasticity, eliminating scars, stretch marks, post-acne and fine wrinkles. Another key element is vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that prevents cell aging.

The proportions of nutrients depend on the type of oil. There are 4 types in total:

1. Raw. It is a dark yellow fat mass obtained from shea nuts without filtration. It has a bright nutty aroma and retains its healing properties as much as possible, but it is heterogeneous, since it contains shell particles.
2. Unrefined. It is often confused with raw. The difference lies in straining through the fabric. Thanks to filtration, the product is freed from impurities, but does not lose its healing power. After cleansing, it becomes white and smooth in texture.
3. Ultra-refined. It goes through 2 filtration systems, as a result of which it acquires an ivory color and softens. It is considered less valuable, as it loses more than half of its valuable substances. But this type is most often used in the cosmetic industry.
4. Essential. It is a liquid product that has been chemically refined and deodorized. It is often diluted with cheaper oils - sunflower or rapeseed. Sold in pharmacies and cosmetics stores.

Raw and unrefined shea butter is only available from specialized organic stores.

How Shea Butter Is Made

The vitellaria tree has not yet been cultivated by humans. What are called "plantations" are just natural groves. Most of them are located in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Sudan and Uganda. Traditionally, the precious oil is produced by women - by hand and using the simplest devices. The process consists of 11 operations:

1. Collect the fruits and let them lie down for a while so that the flesh is easier to separate from the shell.
2. Crack nuts in a mortar.
3. Sort out, separating the kernels from the shell.
4. The nuts are washed and dried in the sun.
5. Fry for 4-5 hours.
6. Grind the kernels until a fatty mass resembling chocolate is formed.
7. Knead by hand until a thick white dough is obtained.
8. Rinse the dough by changing the water several times.
9. Heated in large boilers, diluting the nut mass with water.
10. Keep on fire until oil comes out on the surface.
11. Remove black foam.

The resulting product is 100% raw shea butter. In this form, it can be bottled and sent for sale. But most often, immediately on the plantations, the mass is filtered through cheesecloth to free it from impurities.

There is also an industrial way of producing shea butter. European and American companies buy vitellaria nuts in Africa and extract oil from factories. But the products obtained by the old manual method preserve the medicinal properties better.

Application in cosmetology

The fats in shea nuts are quickly absorbed by the cells of the skin and hair. By themselves, they are not able to moisturize, but they effectively retain moisture inside. It is often said that shea butter restores collagen stores. Unfortunately, this is a mistake - the product is not able to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin. However, polyunsaturated fatty acids saturate the epidermis with nutrients, tone up and protect against dehydration and UV rays. The effect is enhanced by vitamin E - it inhibits the oxidation processes that cause aging and cell death.

Benefits for the body: homemade recipes

Healing fatty acids help soften the skin, increase its elasticity, and quickly repair damage. Therefore, shea is used as a base for body creams. Here is a composition that helps with stretch marks and scars:

• unrefined shea butter - 90 g;
• coconut oil - 30 g;
• cold pressed olive oil - 20 g;
• vitamin E - 2 capsules;
• lavender oil - 3 drops.

The shea is melted in a water bath, coconut and olive oils are added, after 30 seconds they are removed from the heat and cooled to room temperature. Add lavender oil and the contents of the pin-pierced vitamin capsules. Beat with a blender until the consistency of whipped cream. The resulting cream is massaged onto the body after a shower.

For coarse heels, elbows, knees, another option helps. It includes:

• shea butter - 20 g;
• coconut oil - 5 g;
• wheat germ oil - 5 g.

All components are melted in a water bath, slightly cooled and whipped until the consistency of sour cream. The resulting mixture eliminates dryness and flaking, quickly heals cracks.

Shea butter home creams are stored in closed containers at room temperature. They remain effective for up to six months.

Application for the face

The legendary beauties of Ancient Egypt, Cleopatra and Nefertiti, sent merchants into the wilds of Africa to extract vitellaria nuts. The court doctors prepared ointments from them, giving the face smoothness and fresh color. Modern cosmetology has revealed the secret of shea - its composition is identical to human sebum, therefore it is suitable for all skin types.

A variety of face creams are prepared on its basis. For example, a moisturizer can be made with 50 g of shea butter, 50 g of jojoba oil, 30 g of natural wax, and 40 g of avocado oil. The wax and shea are melted in a water bath, removed from the heat and avocado oil is added. Stir until cool, then place in a container. If you want to give the cream a pleasant smell, add 3-4 drops of any aromatic oil.

The delicate skin of the eyelids and the area around the eyes can be strengthened and tightened by a softer fluid cream. It requires 3 tbsp. l. shea, 1 tbsp coconut oil, the contents of 1 capsule of evening primrose and 1 capsule of vitamin E. The ingredients are heated in a water bath, after 1 min they are removed from the heat and whisk lightly with a hand whisk.

Shea can be used for beauty care and in its pure form. It is applied to cleansed skin of the face and neck, slightly warming up, preferably at night.

For skin diseases

Thanks to its high content of anti-inflammatory and regenerating substances, shea helps with skin problems, including:

• burns;
• small cuts;
• cracks in the skin and mucous membranes;
• corns;
• eczema;
• acne;
• psoriasis;
• hives;
• itching from poisonous plants and insect bites.

In addition, it quickly relieves any irritation and inflammation.

Before use, the product is slightly warmed up and spread in a thin layer over the affected areas. The most effective way is to apply it overnight, and for cuts and abrasions - for 1-2 days. To keep the healing lubricant on the body as long as possible, cotton wool, plastic wrap and bandages are applied on top.

Application for hands

Taking on the harmful effects of the sun, cold, wind, dirt and household chemicals, the skin of the hands from the age of 20 begins to coarse, become covered with wrinkles and age spots. Homemade Shea Butter Cream eliminates and prevents these problems.

Prepare it as follows:

1. Steam 50 g of shea butter and 1 tbsp. beeswax.
2. Once the mixture is melted, add 25 g and 7 drops of chamomile oil.
3. Pour into a glass container, cool and place in a refrigerator for 20 minutes to solidify. Store at room temperature.

The cream is used in the evenings and after each hand wash. If the skin is too dry or cracked, the cream is applied in the evening, put on linen, and plastic gloves on top and left overnight.

Homemade lip balms

To avoid chapping and to heal cracks and bumps in the corners of the lips, you can prepare shea balms.

The first option is for cold weather. It is prepared from 5 g shea, 4 g of beeswax, 3 g, 4 g of calendula oil tincture, 4 g of avocado oil and 3 drops of vitamin E. All components are heated in a water bath until smooth, removed from heat, 3 drops of cardamom oil are added and mix. For ease of use, it is better to pour the mixture into bottles from ready-made balms.

The second option is suitable for moisturizing the lips before applying decorative lipstick. 1 tbsp is heated in a water bath. l. shea, 0.5 tbsp wax, 0.5 tbsp. coconut or almond oil. When the mixture is melted, stir, remove from heat and add 7 drops of mint oil.

In a cool dry place, homemade balm is stored for up to 1 year.

For hair

Shea's dense and heavy texture keeps many organic aficionados from using it for hair care. Meanwhile, the abundance of vitamin A and fatty acids in this product is the perfect cocktail for weakened and dry hair.

There are several ways to use it:

1. Rubbing into the roots. Helps with dandruff and hair loss. It is performed 20-30 minutes before shampooing.
2. Sun protection. A small amount of crude oil is rubbed along the entire length of the hair before visiting the beach.
3. Masks. Apply 10-15 minutes before washing. Nourish, strengthen and prevent harm from sodium lauryl sulfate in shampoos.
4. Conditioning. Lightly warmed oil is added to a regular hair conditioner, applied after washing and rubbed thoroughly over the entire length. Wash off after 5 minutes.

To reduce the shea's thickness, it can be mixed with liquid oils such as coconut or olive.

15 more ways to use

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

There are 15 other original uses for karite:

1. Lubricate the eyelids before applying the decorative eyeshadow to set the makeup.
2. Rub into feet before training to soften rough skin on feet.
3. Massage muscles after sports training. It relieves fatigue and muscle pain.
4. Inject 2 g into each nostril for acute rhinitis. Shea relieves congestion for 5-8 hours.
5. Use instead of leg shaving cream.
6. Use as an ointment against diaper rash in infants.
7. Rubbing your belly and thighs during pregnancy to prevent stretch marks.
8. Treat nails. This strengthens the cuticle and adds shine to the nail plate.
9. Rub into eyelashes and eyebrows. This will speed up hair growth and increase hair thickness.
10. Brush your teeth to get rid of plaque and whiten.
11. Mix with aromatic oil and use for body massage.
12. Lubricate your face before going out into the cold.
13. Apply to areas of the body where the perfume is supposed to be sprayed. The oil fixes the aroma.
14. Add a few scoops to a hot bath to keep the skin hydrated.
15. Lubricate the wings of the nose during a cold.

Side effects

Since shea is extracted from nuts, it is referred to as. People who are allergic to other nut crops should be tested before first use by applying a little oil to the inside of the wrist. If skin irritation does not occur within 24 hours, the product is considered safe.

Selection and storage

For the treatment of skin diseases, baby care and home cosmetics, you should purchase only raw or unrefined product. In consistency, it resembles melted lard, and to the touch it is dense, like wax. Natural oil softens quickly on contact with the human body.

When choosing, you should give preference to a product with a yellow tint and a weak nutty aroma. These signs indicate a lack of chemical cleaning.

It is important to check the release date as raw shea butter retains its beneficial properties for 2 years. The organic logo is a guarantee that there are no harmful pesticides or chemical additives.

Natural shea butter is stored in a cool place in an opaque, sealed container. There are several ways to extend the shelf life of a product:

• choose aluminum or glass containers;
• keep the container in the refrigerator;
• do not heat the entire volume of the product;
• do not leave in a car with closed windows;
• add a natural preservative - liquid vitamin E, in a ratio of 1:20.

A rancid odor means the oil has deteriorated and should not be used.

The topic of the article is shea butter. We will tell you about its properties, applications and types. You will find out in which cases the use of the product is undesirable, whether it is useful during pregnancy and where to buy it.

Shea butter (shea butter) is the most valuable cosmetic oil. It has an emollient, nourishing, regenerating and protective effect. Its main field of application is cosmetology. The product is used for skin, hair and body care.

Shea butter is made from the fruit pulp of the Shea tree, which has been growing for several centuries, maintaining high yields for a century. The tree grows in the countries of West and Central Africa.

Obtaining shea butter is a laborious process. The ripe and fallen fruits of the Shea tree are collected in baskets and then buried in the ground for 2 weeks. This procedure promotes rotting of the fruit, followed by obtaining seeds.

After 14 days, the inner seeds are boiled to prevent sprouting and then fried for 4 days. Thanks to this, the bones do not deteriorate for a long time.

The seeds then undergo a multi-stage processing process, after which they turn into a useful oil:

1. The top shell is removed from the seeds, crushed, and fried for a long time.
2. After roasting, they are pushed in mortars until they become a tough paste.
3. At this stage, several women are involved in the process due to the fact that kneading the paste is a rather laborious task for one person. A small amount of water is constantly added to the paste, mixing it thoroughly.
4. After kneading, rinsing and digestion of the paste occurs. To obtain pure oil, the thick mixture is boiled and the top layer is removed from it.

Shea butter has a pleasant and light nutty aroma, in rare cases with notes of coconut. Its consistency remains firm at temperatures up to 27 degrees. If the temperature rises, then the oil begins to melt quickly. This feature makes it convenient to use in skin care. For example, you can move a piece of oil over a clean face and enrich the dermis with beneficial trace elements.

The product contains:

• triglycerides;
• vitamin A;
• vitamin E;
• triterpene alcohols;
• squalene;
• xanthophyll;
• phytosterols.

Now let's discuss the useful properties in more detail:

• Shea butter is actively used for face, body and hair care. The product softens the skin, eliminates wrinkles, irritation and flaking. It can be used along with other plant and essential oils.
• The tool has a wound healing effect. It effectively heals wounds, cracks and scratches without leaving scars. Many women use it in the treatment of inflammation in the dermis.
• The oil does not cause irritation, so it can be used to care for the sensitive and delicate skin of newborns.
• The product relieves pain from injuries and sprains, softens the dermis on the elbows, knees and heels.
• The oil can be used to treat and treat sun and thermal burns.
• The tool effectively copes with many dermatological diseases, acne and edema.
• The product strengthens the nail plate, making nails strong, healthy, prevents and eliminates delamination.

Oil types

Shea butter is of several types:

• Butter (literally translated “butter”) - the consistency resembles ghee. Has a creamy shade, melts quickly in the hands. Among the shortcomings, we can note the appearance of granules in the oil, which look unaesthetic.
• Oil (literally "sunflower") - liquid shea butter. Most of the stearic acid, which is responsible for the thickness of the product, is removed from it. This type of product is the most effective, because it contains only the most useful vitamins and fats.

Shea butter is classified as follows:

1. Unrefined (class A) - contains most of the beneficial trace elements, as it undergoes minimal processing.
2. Refined (classes B-E) - cleaner than unrefined product, but at the same time it contains fewer useful components. Oils of class B and C are produced without chemical impurities, usually with the addition of cocoa butter (it is used in cosmetology). Class D and E products are intended for the production of household chemicals, they contain synthetic additives.

You can easily determine whether the oil is refined or unrefined in front of you. Unrefined ivory has a brown or green tint. It has a dense texture and a pleasant nutty flavor. The refined product is white but odorless.

There is also shea butter. It is transparent and has a light nutty aroma. It is used in aromatherapy, added to homemade cosmetic masks. Using pure ether helps to heal cracks, small scrapes and wounds in the skin.

Shea Butter Applications

Shea butter is allowed to be used in its pure form, added to home cosmetics for skin, hair and body care. In Africa, this product is used to protect against the scorching sun, eliminate dry skin.

For some people, a natural product is a source of dietary fat. It is added to various dishes instead of butter, used in lamps for lighting, repelling insects from housing.

In many European countries, shea butter is used as the main component of home and factory-made cosmetic products.

According to the reviews of people who have used shea butter, there is practically no difference between refined and unrefined products. When used regularly, they have the same effect.

To achieve the maximum benefit from using the oil, follow the rules in the instructions for use:

1. If you plan to add shea butter to your homemade cosmetic mask, then melt it in a water bath beforehand. If you want to apply the product directly to the skin, you can do without melting.
2. Before applying the mask, prepare your skin - cleanse it, steam it or massage it.
3. To prevent swelling, apply a night cream a couple of hours before bed.
4. Depending on the composition of the mask, rinse it off with warm water or remove with paper towels.

Shea butter in cosmetology

Shea butter is actively used in cosmetology. It is one of the most popular components of skin care, anti-aging and sunscreen cosmetics.

This product is suitable for all skin and hair types. Often, the agent is added to massage mixtures. Using shea butter can help treat stretch marks during pregnancy. Regular massage with oil helps to increase the elasticity and firmness of the dermis.

For face

Shea butter nourishes, moisturizes and softens the skin. It can be used for the skin around the eyes, for wrinkles. It effectively fights wrinkles on the neck, gently cares for the décolleté area.

To increase the effectiveness of the product, it is recommended to use it together with essential and vegetable oils, for example, with. Shea butter is a good base for making homemade rejuvenating, rejuvenating and moisturizing creams. Before using the product as a base, be sure to melt it in a water bath.

The product is often used as a protective agent against the sun, frost and wind. To do this, it must be applied to the skin 40 minutes before going outside. Immediately before going outside, dab your face with a paper towel to remove excess oil.

Shea butter is useful as a nighttime nourishing and revitalizing agent. To do this, 2-3 hours before bedtime, lubricate your clean face with warm oil. Blot your face with a paper towel before going to bed to avoid clogging your pores.

Below are recipes for shea butter home care products.

Cream for aging skin

Ingredients:

• shea butter - 10 ml;
• almond oil - 20 ml;
• chamomile ether - 3 drops;
• lavender ether - 2 drops.

How to cook: Melt the main ingredient in a water bath. Add. Stir until completely cooled, gradually adding ethers. Take a jar from the old cream, pour the resulting composition into it and place in the refrigerator.

How to use: Apply the cream to clean skin twice a day. Store the product for no longer than 14 days.

Result: Nourishing dry skin, giving elasticity and firmness to the aging dermis.

Rejuvenating cream

Ingredients:

• macadamia oil - 10 ml;
• avocado and jojoba oil - 1 tsp each;
• rosemary ether - 2 drops;
• rosewood ether - 3 drops;
• shea butter - 10 ml.

Preparation: Melt the butter in a water bath and add the rest of the oils. Add ethers as it cools. Transfer the finished mixture to a glass container. Store the cream in the refrigerator for no longer than 14 days.

Usage: Apply the cream twice a day.

Result: Reducing wrinkles.

For body

The remedy has the following effects on the body:

• protects from ultraviolet rays;
• evens out skin color;
• helps to heal minor injuries;
• softens rough areas;
• relieves mild inflammation.

If there is redness or peeling on the dermis, then shea butter will effectively eliminate them. Thinned skin covered with stretch marks, with the help of oil-based products, will partially restore elasticity, make stretch marks lighter, and relieve pain when touched.

The use of shea butter immediately after the appearance of stretch marks and other skin imperfections allows you to completely restore the health and original appearance of the dermis.

For hair

The natural remedy helps to restore the hair structure, restore the health of the dermis of the head. Regular use of shea butter-based products will help make your hair strong, beautiful and manageable.

The product also helps:

• protect hair from the harmful effects of the environment;
• eliminate dandruff;
• activate the growth of curls;
• soothe the dermis of the head;
• relieve dryness.

It is advisable to apply masks based on a natural product on the head for a long time, optimally at night. But be sure to use a shower cap and towel to avoid staining your clothes and bedding.

Shea butter has a beneficial effect on skin cells in many diseases. The active ingredients bring the same benefit to the hair follicle, shaft, split ends. The curls along the entire length receive a healing effect. Shea butter is especially effective for hair, which is often blow-dried or styled with a curling iron.

To obtain the maximum effect on the curls, it is necessary to achieve the consistency of the emulsion. To do this, solid oil is heated in a water bath or in a microwave oven, then the necessary components are added to it, and mixed. After that, the composition is applied to the hair. The minimum exposure time of the mask is half an hour. Revitalizing and healing masks should be done twice a week. The oil can be easily washed off with shampoo.

Hair growth mask

Ingredients:

• thyme oil - 2 drops;
- 30 g each;
• rosemary extract - 2 drops.

Preparation: Heat the main component in a water bath, add the rest of the ingredients to it, mix.

Usage: Apply the composition to the hair roots. After 40 minutes, wash off with warm water and shampoo.

Result: With regular use, hair growth is activated. The course of applying the mask is not less than 12 procedures.

For lips

The product helps to effectively cope with the problem of dry lips. In the cold season, the oil protects lips from wind, frost and other negative environmental influences.

The product can be applied neat to the lips. Or prepare a wonderful lip balm from it, designed to protect lips in autumn and winter.

Ingredients:

• jojoba oil - 10 g;
• shea butter - 15 g;
• lemon oil - 2 drops.

Preparation: Melt the mixture in a water bath, stirring constantly with a wooden stick. Pour the finished composition into a container from under the cream, refrigerate.

Usage: Apply a nourishing lip balm before going outside.

Result: Regular use of the nourishing balm helps prevent chapping, chapping and cold sores on the lips.

Shea butter during pregnancy

The use of oil during pregnancy prevents the formation of stretch marks on the body. The use of the product does not have a negative effect on the body of the expectant mother and fetus. In addition, the remedy can be used even while breastfeeding.

The product is applied to the chest, abdomen, thighs to stimulate the growth of cell regeneration, increase elasticity, and skin turgor. The use of the product in the postpartum period helps to cope with the striae that have already appeared.

The only contraindication to using oil during pregnancy is if you are allergic to it.

Contraindications

The oil has some contraindications. In particular, it should not be used if you are allergic to latex. The product contains a small amount of latex, which can harm women who are sensitive to it.

Also, if you are allergic to the substances that make up the product, you should stop using it.

People with oily skin should not use the product often, as its oily composition can clog pores.

Where can I buy

You can buy shea butter in specialty stores, online stores and pharmacies.

The price in a pharmacy for cosmetic shea butter is about 200 rubles for a 75 ml jar. The cost of an unrefined product is about 400 rubles per 100 g.

Shea walnut wood. Africans consider it the tree of life, since the fruit contains a rich complex of vitamins and acids necessary for every organism.

In the preparation of soap, medicines, food purposes. The resulting oil retains its density up to 42 degrees Celsius, and after that it begins to melt, which is why shea is well absorbed into the skin and does not leave greasy marks and streaks.

Shea butter is actively used in cosmetology and is popular. By the shade, you can determine by what method the manufacture took place. Usually this is cold pressing, which ensures the safety of most of the useful components.

The chemically obtained composition loses about 60% of its vitamins. Shea butter looks different. You need to focus on the gray color - the result of cold pressing, the white tint is a sign of shea butter refining.

Shea butter properties

The nut tree seeds contain a complex of fatty acids and vitamins, each of which has valuable properties:

• Oleic, palmitic and linoleic acids protect the skin structure from the negative effects of the external environment. They dry skin and saturate the cells with essential trace elements.
• Vitamins A, E and F are aimed at accelerating cell regeneration. Rejuvenation occurs due to the production of collagen and full hydration. In addition, the pores of the face are cleansed, and the cells are freed from harmful substances.
• Shea butter is effective against abrasions and cracks, tightening wounds.
• Improving firmness and smoothing fine wrinkles.
• Anti-inflammatory effect, reducing puffiness.

Indications for use

Healing oil is relevant in many areas: from nutrition to the treatment of chronic diseases. Shea butter for face is popular in many countries. The main component is also used to restore hair, strengthen joints and other purposes:

1. Increased dryness of the facial skin.
2. Expression and fine aging wrinkles.
3. Laxity of the skin, loss of elasticity caused by age and frequent exposure to sunlight.
4. Harsh climate and weather changes that negatively affect the condition of the face.
5. Dark circles, bags under the eyes.
6. Dry and flaky lips.
7. Dull and brittle hair.
8. Painful joints.
9. Skin stretch marks, edema.
10. Not severe burns.

For each case, a specific composition is prepared. It is important to correctly correlate the components of the cosmetic product in order to ensure the maximum result.

Shea butter medicated formulations

Compared to other cosmetics, shea butter can be used undiluted. It does not have a strong effect and is not capable of causing a negative reaction. Thanks to the convenient consistency of the oil at home, you can quickly and easily prepare the desired composition.

Almost all additional components of shea butter masks can be obtained from a grocery store or pharmacy. If the oil is mixed with other identical compounds, it is advisable to heat it in a water bath. The most popular are moisturizing, nourishing and anti-aging face masks.

Moisturizing mask

To moisturize your skin and give it a healthy glow, you need to prepare a mask with the following ingredients:

• shea butter - 1 tsp;
• olive and almond oil - 1 tsp each;
• creamy yogurt - 1 tsp;
• vitamin E capsules - 1 pc.

When applying the mask to the face, it is necessary to take a horizontal position, since the resulting mixture is too liquid. You can thicken it by adding a teaspoon of clay or powdered oatmeal.

Such a mass must be kept for at least 20 minutes, and then washed off. As a result, the skin will noticeably transform, become silky and healthy. The moisturizing mask should be used 2 times a week.

For dry skin

The use of shea butter for the face is especially popular for dull skin. The loss of elasticity worsens the appearance, therefore, it is necessary to restore the elasticity of the skin in time and bring it into tone. To do this, you need to use chopped lemon peel, flour, egg yolk, shea butter and walnut (1 tsp each).

This mixture must be thoroughly stirred in a glass container and covered with plastic wrap. After half an hour, the composition should be applied to the entire surface of the face for the same amount of time. This mask can be used every other day for nutritious and healthy facial skin.

Protective mask

The protective composition is used during severe frosts or, conversely, in heat. For this recipe, you will need more serious components:

1. Beeswax - 2 tsp
2. Shea butter - 3 tablespoons
3. Lecithin - 1 tsp
4. Avocado oil - 6 tablespoons
5. Zinc oxide - 2 tablespoons
6. Vitamin E capsules - 1 pc.

Both types of oils must be warmed up first. This procedure is carried out only in a water bath; it is not recommended to use a microwave oven. Add wax to the melted oils and then the rest of the ingredients.

The whole mass must be thoroughly mixed to form a homogeneous mixture. The resulting cream should be stored in the refrigerator and applied in a thin layer before going outside. It is advisable to do this 10-15 minutes before leaving.

For sensitive skin

This type of skin is most susceptible to the harmful effects of the environment, climate change, and UV rays. That is why it must be protected and toned in every possible way. Thanks to the mass of valuable components, shea strengthens the structure of the skin and increases its resistance.

To prepare the mask, you must mix 1 tbsp. butter and 2 tbsp. almond oil. To enhance the firming effect, add 3 drops of lavender and chamomile oils to the resulting mixture. The result is a high-quality, safe mask that must be applied morning and evening instead of a nourishing face cream.

Rejuvenating mask

The early signs of aging can be easily reversed with the traditional shea butter and jojoba recipe. These two ingredients are found in many anti-aging masks and are the main ingredients. This mixture can be used as a daily morning cream. She prepares simply:

• Shea butter, avocado, macadamia and jojoba in an amount of 1.5 tsp. mix each and warm slightly in a water bath. Add 3 drops of rosewood and rosemary to the composition for extraordinary aroma.
• The mask can be stored no longer than 2 weeks and only in the refrigerator.

Revitalizing mask

For face and body skin care, there is nothing better than shea butter. It not only has beneficial properties, but also allows other trace elements to penetrate the skin cells almost unhindered. Thus, even the deepest layers of the skin are saturated with essential vitamins and minerals.

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The revitalizing mask tones the skin, makes it firmer and fresher. For cooking, you need to mix 1 tsp. shea butter, honey, aloe juice and 1 protein. It is advisable to apply such a composition after cleansing the face with a scrub.

After 25-30 minutes, the mask can be washed off. After the procedure, the face does not need to be treated with tonic or cream, since the composition used is already filled with all the necessary components.

Suddenly I wanted to write about how to use shea butter for skin care. For some reason, not everyone uses the full potential of shea butter for cosmetic purposes, limiting themselves to applying pure shea on the lips to soften hands, elbows and knees. And there are much more ways to use it - after all, it not only removes peeling and dry skin, but also remarkably moisturizes, rejuvenates, restores skin and hair.

I have compiled 28 ways to use shea in its pure form - I hope you find something new for yourself. 28 ways to use pure shea butter

1. Use shea butter as a lip balm - lips will be soft and well-groomed even in the most severe frost.

2. Apply oil to rough skin areas - heels, knees, elbows - to soften.

3. Use the oil to soothe your skin after sunbathing or swimming.

4. Add a little oil to your hair conditioner for extra nourishment.

5. Apply a little oil to the delicate skin around the nose when it reddens and flakes.

6. If you apply very little shea butter on your eyelids, the eyeshadow will last longer and the color will be richer. Do the same for the blush.

7. If you have very dry feet, apply shea butter to your feet just before leaving the house - heating helps the oil to be absorbed better.

8. Apply a little oil along the hairline before coloring to help protect the skin from blemishes.

9. Shea butter softens and soothes disturbed skin after shaving.

10. Shea butter saves from diaper rash and irritation - apply to the baby's dry body after bathing.

11. Shea butter prevents stretch marks - it is recommended to apply it to the chest, thighs, waist area from the very first months of pregnancy.

12. Shea saves the skin from burns and accelerates skin healing.

13. Shea butter is an excellent cuticle oil and for strengthening nails.

14. Shea butter strengthens eyelashes and eyebrows. Apply some oil to your eyebrows - they will look well-groomed all day.

15. Adding shea butter to your favorite body lotion will enhance its nutritional benefits.

17. Don't worry if you suddenly forget your moisturizer or even eye cream - use shea butter as a temporary substitute.

18. With Shea Butter, you can straighten naughty curls or, conversely, shape your hair - use it instead of your usual styling products - it's healthier!

19. Mix shea with your favorite essential oil for a pleasant self-massage.

20. Try shea butter for mosquito bites.

21. If you decide to go skiing or jogging, do not forget to apply a protective layer of shea butter to your face - it prevents the skin from drying out.

22. Apply shea butter generously to hands and feet, wrap with gloves and socks. Go to bed, in the morning you will have exceptionally soft hands and feet.

23. Perfume will last longer on the skin if you first apply shea butter to the pulsation points and then spray.

24. Dissolve a couple of tablespoons in a hot bath - the skin will be perfectly nourished.

25. Shea is the simplest and at the same time effective anti-age remedy. Apply it to areas prone to wrinkles.

26. Shea has little protection from harmful sun rays.

27. Use pure shea butter as an ultra-nourishing and moisturizing face pack.

28. Do not forget to take shea butter with you on a long flight - it will very quickly save the skin and mucous membranes from moisture loss.

What to buy shea butter: I advise you to buy unrefined shea butter, as it is healthier and contains much more active ingredients that act on the skin. Unrefined shea butter is usually light yellow or beige in color, and has a rather noticeable oily odor - this is how it differs from refined.

Greetings to all readers of my blog. I have seen shea butter on sale more than once. I saw it both as an independent product and as part of cosmetic products. It became interesting what kind of substance it is and how it is useful. It turns out that we call him - shi. Have you heard of this? Let's take a look at shea butter properties and uses, as well as recipes for beauty with it.

This product is extracted from the fruits of the African tree Butyrospermum parkii. Or rather, from the seeds of the fruit. The name of the tree is quite long and difficult to pronounce. Therefore, the local peoples called him se (shi) or karite (karite). This is how these common names came about. The peoples of Africa have been using the healing properties of this tree for a very long time. Oil is obtained by cold pressing.

It is solid in consistency, ranging in color from white to cream. Has a well-pronounced nutty aroma. At a temperature of 30-35 degrees, the consistency becomes like that of ghee. This product is ingested and also used in cosmetology.

In beauty products, this 100% natural oil can be found by the name shea butter.

Shea butter is composed of triglycerides. These are substances that are formed from oleic, stearic, palmitic fatty acids. Plus, the oil contains unsaponifiable fats. These are the caristerols found in the shea flesh. The uniqueness is in this "ensemble" - fatty acids and unsaponifiable fats.

The researchers noted that the peoples of Africa apply this product to the skin. And they have practically no skin diseases, and the skin looks smooth and elastic.

The beneficial properties of shea butter

This cosmetic product stimulates the processes of replenishment of the hydrolipid mantle located on the surface of the epidermis. Shea nourishes tissues well, softens them and relieves irritation.

Thanks to the unique composition of shea butter, it is used to treat the skin. It is excellent for soothing dermatitis and is suitable for treating acne.

This remedy has a calming effect on the tissues, stimulating their protective functions. Therefore, it is often used for diaper rash on the skin of babies. Shea also helps soothe the itching after insect bites.

Shea butter speeds up the healing of cuts, small wounds and cracks. It can be used for muscle injuries and sprains.

Shea butter stimulates blood circulation in the capillaries. A clean product is applied to the affected area and rubbed in with massage movements.

The product has practically no contraindications. The only thing is latex intolerance. It turns out that shea butter contains natural latex. Therefore, this remedy is contraindicated for people with an allergy to this substance. True, such an allergy is extremely rare.

Application of shea butter in cosmetology

Of course, shea butter is most popular in cosmetology. And this is not surprising, because the effect of the product on the skin is truly unique. Shea is considered a vehicle in cosmetology. Since it penetrates deep into tissues and delivers nutrients to the cells. The necessary cosmetic components are perfectly combined with the oil. And when they get into the tissues, they are also quickly released.

That is why shea butter is added to cosmetic products. It can be found in hair, face and body products. It is actively used as a lip balm and in sunscreen cosmetics. The unsaponifiable fats in shea stimulate the formation of collagen. That is why the oil is recommended for the care of aging skin. But the barrier functions of tissues are enhanced by triglycerides. The cosmetic properties of Shea are as follows:

• regenerative function;
• anti-inflammatory;
• tightening;
• feeding;
• healing;
• softening;
• transport.

Even though shea butter is 99% fat, it does not clog pores.

Shea butter masks and creams recipes

Choose a quality oil for your home remedies. I advise this - Shea butter 100% natural... The price for it is quite affordable, considering that a jar of 100 g will be enough for you for a long time 🙂 Well, now the recipes.

For hair growth. Take 45 ml of ghee + 30 ml of castor oil. Add literally 2-3 drops of rosemary ether to the mixture. Apply the mixture to the hair roots and distribute a little over the strands. Warm your head, you can wrap it with cling film and a towel. Leave the mask on your hair for an hour. Then wash everything off with shampoo. It is enough to apply the mask once every 7 days. The course is 8-12 weeks.

For hair strengthening. If you want to strengthen your hair, restore it shine and beauty. Take 45 ml of shea butter + 30 ml of burdock oil and 5 ml of vitamin E. Apply to the hair roots, massage well. Spread a little mask over your hair. Wrap your head in plastic and a towel. It is enough to hold the product on your hair for 40-60 minutes, then you need to rinse it off.

For oily skin. Dry the lemon peel and grind it in a coffee grinder. Add one tablespoon of this peel to the egg yolk. Leave the mixture in a closed container for 15 minutes. Then add 5 ml of shea butter + 5 ml of walnut oil there. Apply the mask to cleansed face and leave on for up to half an hour. Then wash off with water. This mask nourishes and tones the skin, tightens the pores.

For dry skin. If you have this type of skin, use a ripe avocado mask. Add 5 ml of melted shea butter to 2 tablespoons of avocado pulp. The same amount of jojoba oil and honey. Stir and apply to skin and leave for a quarter of an hour. If the mixture is thick, then add the egg yolk. After the mask, you need to apply a nourishing cream.

For dry, aging skin. Prepare the following recipe:

• 2 tsp melted shea
• 20 ml almond oil
• Two to three drops of chamomile ether
• A couple of drops of lavender ether

The ingredients must be mixed while warm. When the cream has cooled, you can put it in a glass jar and refrigerate. The cream is best used at night. Take the product each time with a clean spoon, not with your fingers.

For body. In the cold season, you can make a soothing skin cream. Take two tablespoons each of coconut + shea butter + grape seed oil. Heat them on a steam bath, let cool slightly and stir well with a whisk. You will get an airy cream that needs to be stored in the refrigerator. It can be used for hands, face and body in winter and off-season. The cream will prevent chapping, flaking and irritation.

For the spring-summer period, add sea buckthorn and aloe vera in equal proportions to shea and coconut butter. The last component perfectly protects from ultraviolet radiation, while not interfering with an even tan. Aloe Vera can be bought in ampoules at the pharmacy. The preparation method is the same as for the winter cream. The consistency will give you a creamy lotion.

If you are not a fan of home cosmetics, I advise you to pay attention to the brand Organic essence. This company specializes exclusively in the production of natural cosmetics from shea butter. The products are so diverse that everyone can find something suitable. Shea butter is used as a base, additional components are 98.8-100% organic.

The products are certified in accordance with the USDA Organic (USA) standard. Those. face, body, lip care products do not undergo thermal or chemical treatment. Numerous positive reviews confirm the quality of this cosmetics.

Or pay attention to the means that I have described below.

Shea butter - in ready-made cosmetics

Many famous brands can be found in the composition of shea butter. I am a fan of the Vichy brand. Therefore, I will mainly advise exactly their means. Shea butter is everywhere in Vichy dry skin products. You can also find shea in KORA and Bioderma cosmetics. Here are some of the effective remedies:

1. Idealia Day Cream- a very effective moisturizer for dry skin. The cream contains glycerin, which softens the skin and helps to retain moisture. Such a beneficial substance as adenosine stimulates the production of its own collagen and elastin, reducing wrinkles. And of course shea butter - delivers the necessary components to the cells, makes the skin smooth and elastic. You can read more about this cream in my article on the Idealia series creams.
2. Nutrilogie 1 and Nutrilogie 2- These creams are simply a salvation for dry and very dry skin. They contain a set of wonderful oils. These are jojoba, apricot pits, coriander, shea and macadamia. These oils perfectly nourish dry skin of the face, eliminate tightness. Read about the last ingredient in the article "Properties of Macadamia Oil". In addition to its nourishing and emollient properties, the cream's light texture allows it to be used under makeup.
3. Night cream care Vichy LiftActiv Supreme
4. Bioderma - milk " Photoderm Apres Soleil"After the sun. This product allows you to avoid overdrying the skin in the sun. Your tan will last longer and look smoother. Thanks to the complex of cellular protection, the cream stimulates the synthesis of the skin's natural pigment. Even if you lightly burn in the sun, the cream will soothe the skin and relieve redness.

Unlike other shea oils, it can be applied neat. It is enough to hold it in your hands for a little, and it becomes liquid. Ideal for dry skin, preventing the appearance of wrinkles. Even though it doesn't clog pores. It is better not to use it in its pure form for oily skin. Better to mix with grape seed oils, jojoba and others.

Frost will come soon, so having shea butter cream in your cosmetic bag will not hurt. I hope I helped you decide on the choice of cosmetics. You may have learned something new. I am waiting for you on the pages of my blog, as well as in social networks. Join and be sure to subscribe to updates, bye!