Great for skin, aids hair growth… four health benefits of shea butter

You’ve probably seen it around or maybe even used it on your hair or skin. In fact, you may have made use of it in cooking. Everyone seems to have their opinion of shea butter; for some, it works wonders, and for others, it’s an item to be avoided.

Shea butter is fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. And it is native to West Africa, from where it is mostly exported to other parts of the world.

For years, shea butter has been a major ingredient for cosmetic products.

Here are some of its benefits.

Moisturising for skin and hair

Struggling with dry skin and hair? Shea butter might be the remedy as it works as both hair and skin conditioner and moisturiser. Shea butter helps retain moisture by forming a protective barrier on the surface of the skin.

Shea butter gets its moisturising effect from fatty acids like linoleic, oleic, stearic, and palmitic acids. Shea butter is also a great moisturiser for the hair as it conditions the scalp. A well-moisturised scalp is a sure way to reduce dandruff and ensure stronger hair.

Helps soothe insect bite

You may have experienced people using shea butter as a remedy to soothe insect bites like bee stings. Although there isn’t any clinical research supporting this, shea butter may be responsible for bringing down swellings caused by insects.

This means that you may have to get an okay from your doctor before considering it as a remedy for insect bites, especially in severe cases.

Antibacterial and antifungal

Some studies indicate that taking shea butter orally can help decrease antimicrobial activities.

Shea butter and products from the shea tree are important ingredients for combating skin infections like fungi.

Shea butter also has been proven to kill fungi causing ringworm.

Promotes a younger look

Shea butter contains vitamins A and E and these are great for the skin’s health. These components of shea butter also help promote cell regeneration.

In turn, regeneration of the skin fades off wrinkles and lines, and in the long run, this slows down ageing and gives off a younger look.

Asides from vitamins A, E, and F, shea butter also contains chemical properties like triglycerides (which nourishes the skin), stearic and oleic fatty acids (which balances oils on the skin’s surface).

Shea butter contains essential nutrients which enhance a person’s natural complexion — although this might not be the same for every skin type.

There are no recorded shea butter allergies. However, should you experience irritation while using it, stop making use of it immediately and consult a dermatologist.