Shea butter is obtained from the nuts borne by the shea tree (botanical name Butyrospermum parkii). These trees are native to the savannah region in Western Africa. "Shea" is an English term that has been derived from the plant's Bambara name "sii", which denotes something blessed.
There is an assortment of applications of shea butter, but it is used extensively for therapeutic purposes and in the manufacture of cosmetics.
Shea butter is known to possess excellent emollient and moisturizing properties, which are attributed to its vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin F content. These vitamins are easily taken up by our skin, making it softer. Different from other fats, shea butter does not leave any oily or greasy residue. Many skin care products meant for treating acne, burn, eczema, rash, itching, scars, shaving irritations, stretch marks, skin discoloration, wrinkles, psoriasis and lip care contain shea butter. In addition, shea butter is also used in products like sunscreens, which block the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun, since this fat possesses the aptitude to block UV rays.
It is worth mentioning here that shea butter has been found to be among the best moisturizing, skin protective and anti-aging natural product anywhere in the world today. This natural fat obtained from the nuts of shea tree not only protects the skin against harsh climatic conditions, but also protects from dehydration as well as damages caused by pollution. Precisely speaking, shea butter is amongst the best available anti-aging agents. This substance also reinforces the skin by encouraging collagen production. Collagen is a vital protein necessary for our skin to remain tight and look youthful. Shea butter makes the skin suppler, very alive, nourished as well as glowing. If you have developed fine lines, wrinkles, crow feet or if you have very dry skin, which is devitalized or damaged, it is advisable that you use shea butter to solve your problems. At the same time, using shea butter will help to restore the life and beauty of your skin.
In addition, shea butter is among the best available skin care product for winter as well as for protection from the intense rays of the sun. This plant butter also supplies us with additional moisture, nutrients, vitamins, while protecting the skin from damages during the colder months as well as the intense summer heat. Shea butter is also an ideal lip balm and shields your lips from the dry and cold weather, thereby keeping them attractive.
As shea butter is a completely natural product and possesses potent moisturizing properties, it is also perfect for infants. This product is natural, mild and soft for all skin types. It is especially good for the subtle and sensitive skin of the infants. At the same time, it is effective for treating eczema and diaper rash in infants and small children. This plant-based fat is excellent for application to the skin after bath. In Africa, which is the original home of shea trees, women have been using shea butter for hundreds of years to protect as well as nourish the skin of their babies. Applying shea butter to your baby's skin ensures that you are using a completely natural substance that is free from any artificial chemicals. Keeping in view that numerous baby care products enclose artificial chemicals, which may sometimes be toxic, shea butter is certainly among the best available skin care agent for mothers who are eco-conscious.
For those who are still not familiar with shea butter, this natural fatty substance obtained from the nuts of shea trees is not only very soothing, but also calming when applied to irritated or inflamed skin. Since shea butter effectively heals damaged skin, applying it to your heel and skin cracks will heal them very rapidly.
Last, but not the least important, shea butter is extremely beneficial for sportspersons, because massaging the body with it readies the muscles prior to a workout and also aids the muscles to recuperate quickly after the workout is over. At the same time, applying shea butter also alleviates muscle aches, since this natural substance works to promote the removal of toxic substances from the muscles very fast.
