Shea butter: ingredients, application and effects at a glance

The nourishing effect of shea butter is known from the cosmetics and wellness sector. However, the fat from the fruit of the karité tree can do much more and is a helpful remedy in addition to a care product.

Ingredients & effects of shea butter

Shea butter is rich in vitamins and minerals. In order to be able to use all healthy ingredients, you should refrain from refined products and instead spend a little more money on pure and unrefined shea butter.

• Vitamin E: This vitamin is one of the antioxidants that remove harmful substances from the body. Since it slows down the aging process of the cells, it is considered a healthy "fountain of youth".
• Beta-carotene: Beta-carotene is also called provitamin A, so it is a precursor of vitamin A. The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A. The phytochemical regulates cell growth and controls some reactions in our immune system.
• Omega 3 fatty acids: They take on an important function in the metabolism and ensure normal heart function.
• Allantoin: The anti-inflammatory property of this ingredient supports wound healing and also has a positive effect on skin diseases such as neurodermatitis.
• Stearic acid: This is an unsaturated fatty acid that is responsible for storing energy.
• Linoleic acid: Linoleic acid is also an unsaturated fatty acid and belongs to the group of omega-6 fatty acids. It cannot be formed by the body itself, but is part of our skin and takes on an important barrier function there. It protects against light damage and irritation.
• Treterpenes: These ingredients have a positive effect on inflammation, allergies, high blood pressure and viral diseases.

The product can be used in a variety of ways

Due to its richness, the healthy ingredients of shea butter can be used in many ways.

• Skin: Your skin benefits from healthy shea butter. Not only does it moisturize dry skin, it also relieves sunburn, the itching of insect bites and helps to heal smaller wounds.
• Skin diseases: With skin diseases such as neurodermatitis, treatment with shea butter can be successful. Rashes and eczema also improve with shea butter.
• Scars: In their country of origin, Africa, shea butter is used to treat scars.
• Hair: If you use shea butter for your hair, it will be smooth, soft and shiny.
• Joints: If you massage aching joints, for example in the case of rheumatic diseases, you will experience relief.

In the next article we will show you how you can use coconut oil for skin and hair.