Shea butter is obtained from the seeds of a tree of the same name, also called shea butter or vitellaria amazinga. The plant grows in Africa only in the wild. Shea butter has a consistency reminiscent of ghee and has a light nutty aroma. The product, prepared in the classical way, is used as food in the homeland of vitellaria. Shea butter is popular throughout the world as an effective cosmetic product. Shea butter is also used against wrinkles: for this purpose it is added to creams and masks created in factories and at home.
What is shea butter?
This healthy product is extracted from the fruits of the shea tree, which grows exclusively in the wild in Africa. The squeeze looks like melted butter and has a barely noticeable nutty aroma. In cosmetology, it is used as a means to care for the face, body, and hair, adding it to masks, shampoos, and creams.
The traditional method of extracting marc is quite labor-intensive - it is done by women and done by hand. At certain times of the year, the fruits of the shea tree are collected, their contents are extracted, boiled, kneaded, then water is added and allowed to settle. After this, remove the top layer of the mass and re-cook it. When the water has evaporated, the product is ready.
Another way to extract oil is by cold pressing. This technology makes it possible to obtain a product of the highest quality, but the consumption of raw materials in this case is very high: to produce 3 kg of oil you will need 20 kg of fruit.
Manufacturers use another method for extracting pomace - they treat the raw material with a special solvent. This method is the cheapest, but it has a drawback - part of the chemical that was used to process the raw materials remains in the finished product. This chemical may cause skin irritation.
The final product has the consistency of butter; at temperatures above 35 degrees it becomes liquid. Its color is white or yellowish.
Preparing other cosmetics with African oil
In addition to masks, you can make your own creams and scrubs with the addition of exotic oils aimed at rejuvenating and healing the skin. These products are no less effective for facial care: the main thing is to follow proven recipes.
Creams
Creams prepared using shea butter can be used every other day for a standard course of 2 months. Then it is important to give the skin a rest for at least a month. The prepared compositions must be tightly closed with a lid and stored in the refrigerator (but no more than 1 week).
The following cream has a pronounced anti-aging effect:
- Mix 200 grams of olive oil with cocoa, shea and coconut oils, preparing 50 grams of each product.
- Add 50 grams of beeswax and heat the mixture in a water bath.
- When the ingredients have melted, let the mixture cool to a comfortable temperature (this will take about 10 minutes) and beat it with a mixer, adding about 200 ml of warm water.
- Lastly, pour in 10 drops of sea buckthorn and lavender oils, as well as 10 drops of tocopherol.
- Whisk the mixture, place it in the refrigerator and use regularly.
Beeswax contains a significant amount of vitamin A, which is a natural antioxidant
Video: how to prepare anti-aging cream
Cream prepared from the following ingredients is very popular:
- shea butter - 120 grams;
- jojoba oil - 0.5 teaspoon;
- apricot kernel oil - 0.5 teaspoon;
- carrot seed oil - 3 drops;
- rosehip oil - 5 drops.
Mix the above ingredients and beat with a mixer until a creamy consistency is obtained. Preparing the mixture will take about 5 minutes. Lubricate the surface of your face with the resulting cream every other day, about a couple of hours before bedtime.
Carrot seed oil helps even out complexion and relieve signs of fatigue
Video: whipped shea butter cream
Scrubs
Scrubs prepared with African oil will help cleanse and tone the epidermis, smooth out uneven surfaces and prevent the appearance of unpleasant wrinkles. When applying the compositions to the skin, you need to lightly massage the skin (about 2-3 minutes), avoiding the eyelid area, and then wash. At the same time, it is important to follow massage lines and use scrubbing products no more than once every 6-7 days.
For highly sensitive and dehydrated skin, you can use the following scrub:
- Prepare the mixture by combining a tablespoon of shea butter and any bran (take wheat, oat or almond).
- Distribute the scrub over your face and massage areas, leaving the product on the skin for half an hour.
- After the specified time has passed, wash your face.
Wheat bran in the scrub deeply cleanses pores, promoting deep penetration of other components of the mixture into the dermis
For oily as well as normal skin, a coffee-sugar mixture is suitable:
- Melt 200 grams of your regular cream in a water bath, adding 50 grams of shea butter to it.
- When the mixture becomes liquid, cool it and beat with a mixer.
- Add 150 grams of sugar and 20 grams of ground coffee.
- Use after mixing.
Ground coffee in the scrub not only effectively removes dead cells, but also tones the skin
Video: coffee and sugar scrub with shea butter
Is it worth enriching purchased cosmetics with shea butter?
Instead of preparing mixtures with the addition of numerous ingredients, many decide to enrich their existing cosmetic product with shea butter. Cosmetologists do not advise doing this, since store-bought products often contain artificial impurities. When adding healing oil to them, there is a risk that such substances will penetrate into the deep layers of the skin, and this is extremely undesirable. It is important to remember that oil has the ability to carry into the dermis any components of the products used simultaneously with it.
Instead of mixing shea butter with store-bought products, it is better to prepare simple homemade moisturizing compositions, because the product goes well with a large number of base oils (coconut, avocado, almond, cocoa, apricot and grape seed) and essential oils (ylang-ylang, lavender, jasmine, tea tree , rose, lemon balm, chamomile).
Chemical composition of shea butter
Shea tree fruit juice is rich in nutrients. It includes:
- Unsaturated fatty acids . They nourish epidermal cells, activate blood circulation, and treat inflammation.
- Caritesterols . These substances improve the protective function of the skin, preventing the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays, prevent the formation of wrinkles, and slow down the aging process and withering of the skin.
- Latex . It has the property of absorbing ultraviolet rays. As you know, from excess sun the skin quickly deteriorates and ages early. Latex prevents this.
- Terpene alcohols. They remove free radicals from the body, heal inflammation, remove irritation, and increase the elasticity of the epidermis.
- Vitamins A, E, D. These vitamins are useful for maintaining youthful and beautiful skin. They prevent premature aging and accelerate cell regeneration.
Reviews about the use of shea butter
Reviews from those who have used shea butter on their face are mostly positive. Here are some from real people:
Victoria, 32 years old: “I discovered shea butter recently, but I’m already convinced of its effectiveness. I have very sensitive facial skin, and almost all creams cause redness and flaking. But shea does an excellent job of moisturizing and nourishing the skin. No more store-bought creams, just your favorite butter.”
Evgeniya, 43 years old: “I use shea butter as a day cream. It is quickly absorbed, without leaving a greasy film, and smoothes out wrinkles no worse than the products of expensive advertised brands.”
Anastasia, cosmetologist: “For centuries, women have been helped by the gifts of nature in caring for themselves. Shea butter is a universal natural remedy containing a powerful dose of nutrients. I recommend using it after deep cleansing and exfoliating treatments to eliminate irritation. The result is noticeable after 2&minus.3 applications, the skin takes on a healthy, radiant appearance, and wrinkles disappear.”
Shea butter for the face will give your skin youth and beauty. It is easy and convenient to use, and a variety of recipes for masks with the famous karite will satisfy any cosmetic needs. Be creative and experiment, and your skin will certainly respond to your care.
Beneficial features
Shea tree fruit oil has many beneficial properties, for which it is valued in the cosmetics industry.
- Nutrition . The vitamins contained in the product actively nourish the epidermal cells.
- Hydration . Fatty acids saturate the skin with moisture and prevent its loss.
- Recovery . Small wounds and scratches heal quickly, the skin becomes smoother.
- Protection . The oil creates a thin film on the surface of the epidermis that protects against the effects of harmful ultraviolet radiation and other environmental factors.
- Cell regeneration. The active components of the squeeze accelerate metabolic processes in the cells of the epidermis, due to which they are renewed faster.
- Smoothing wrinkles. The oil penetrates into fine wrinkles, filling them with moisture and smoothing them out. Systematic use of the product gives the skin smoothness, softness and radiance.
- Fight inflammation. The product heals pimples, blackheads, and skin rashes.
- Skin lightening. Shea butter can eliminate age spots and lighten skin tone, making it more even.
Gentle care
One of the most unique forms of cosmetics is facial cream soufflé. With shea butter and other healing ingredients, it can be seen on the shelves of many health stores. It was not by chance that the product received this name. The fact is that in its consistency it resembles an appetizing and airy dessert cream. The incredibly delicate structure of the product is loved by many women.
Such creams contain ingredients used in conventional cream making. These are saturated and fatty shea butters, grapes, coconut, etc. All these ingredients are thoroughly whipped, acquiring an airy and light structure. At the same time, all the ingredients become very useful, including shea butter for the face. Consumer reviews confirm that such products perfectly moisturize and soften the skin, and also smooth out wrinkles that appear on it. At the same time, replenishment of the epidermis occurs much faster than when using conventional creams. In addition, the cosmetic soufflé will not leave residue on the face like a greasy film after use.
Thanks to the delicate structure of the product, shea butter for the face produces maximum effect. User reviews claim that this cream has a particularly beneficial effect on the skin, clogging pores and eliminating many imperfections. Cosmetologists claim that this product perfectly restores all damaged cells. This results in facial skin becoming silky, soft and soft.
Who is recommended to use
Cosmetologists advise using this product to solve the following problems:
- dry, flabby, dehydrated skin;
- expression and age wrinkles;
- sagging face, loss of elasticity;
- dark circles under the eyes;
- chapped lips;
- minor wounds, light burns, cracks and scratches;
- acne, rashes, irritation;
- peeling, the appearance of rough areas on the elbows, heels and other parts of the body;
- dry, brittle, damaged hair.
Shea butter is suitable for all skin types. The only contraindication is individual intolerance. To ensure its absence, an allergy test must be performed before the first use.
Contraindications and side effects
An oil solution produced using cold pressing or the classical method rarely causes unwanted reactions. Usually, side effects in the form of allergies occur due to the use of low-quality products.
The use of shea butter is not recommended in the following cases:
- hypersensitivity to components;
- allergic reactions to latex;
- nut intolerance;
- childhood;
- pregnancy.
Attention! The use of an oil solution during pregnancy and childhood is contraindicated due to the lack of scientific research confirming the safety of the product.
How to choose a quality product?
Buy cosmetic oils only from pharmacies and trusted cosmetic stores. You can also buy natural products at handmade soap supply stores.
Pay attention to the consistency. It should be hard and white, yellowish or yellow-brown in color. Its smell is similar to the aroma of a nut with light coconut notes.
As already mentioned, shea butter is extracted in different ways. Depending on this, the finished product is divided into three categories. Category A is a pomace that has undergone minimal processing. It is the most useful because it has retained a maximum of vitamins and nutrients. The product is expensive and has a yellowish or beige color.
Category B products are refined, while category C products are processed with chemicals. These oils are white in color and are much cheaper, about 500 rubles per 100 grams.
In order for the pomace to be stored better, it must be kept in a glass jar in a cool place, possibly in the refrigerator.
Features of use for the face against wrinkles
The product can be used in its pure form or mixed with other components to make masks, as well as enrich face creams with it. In its pure form, it is best to apply the oil at night, after removing makeup and washing your face.
Shea butter can also be used as a makeup base. To do this, apply a thin layer of it on your face, let it absorb, and then apply makeup. In winter, the beneficial components of the squeeze nourish the skin and protect it from cold wind and frost, and in the summer - from sun rays and dehydration.
If you regularly lubricate your face with this product, then within a few weeks it will become tightened, its tone will even out, small wrinkles will smooth out, and large ones will become less pronounced. Women with oily skin should not use the product for a long period without interruption, for example, more than a month. In summer, it is also better to give it up so as not to overload the epidermis with excess fats.
In winter weather, lips often become cracked and dry. Shea butter effectively copes with this problem, restoring softness and smoothness to the lips. Shea butter in its pure form can be used to care for the area around the eyes.
Reviews
Shea butter has become universal for me - heels and elbows, in hair masks - the skin becomes very soft, tender, and the hair looks more elastic, gives it shine. But, the most important thing for which I use it is to replace the jojoba oil that I applied instead of eye cream. Of course, the effect of jojoba oil is excellent, but I liked shea butter more. I went even further - I made an eye cream and I liked it much more than all the store-bought ones. This, of course, is not a cream in the full sense, just melted shea butter (1 teaspoon) and 3 drops of rose oil. You can add an Aevit capsule. I don’t make a large amount; a teaspoon of this “cream” lasts a long time. I apply the “cream” in the evening under my eyes - it smoothes the skin and helps fight crow’s feet. Shea butter not only nourishes and moisturizes the skin, but is also an excellent remedy for burns, as I was convinced of myself - it quickly soothes pain and removes redness; for this “ointment” I mixed shea butter with lavender essential oil. It also soothes the skin well after the sea - it removes tightness, redness, and dryness. I think that this oil will also perfectly protect the skin during frost. In general, shea butter is simply universal, because it helps restore sagging, mature skin, and is also effective for acne.
Ellochka
https://otzovik.com/review_3658075.html
This is my favorite oil, I use it very often - Shea butter (karite). This is not the first time I have bought it and I consider it most valuable and indispensable for the skin. You can buy it at the pharmacy, the cost is about 130 rubles. Jar 50 ml. It has a very thick consistency, reminiscent of congealed fat. Shea butter is an effective means of protecting the skin from the aggressive effects of sunlight in the summer, including ultraviolet radiation. It is used to care for delicate baby skin, as well as mature and aging skin. It should be slightly heated in a water bath and applied to your problem areas. I apply it most often on my face, the effect is noticeable after the fourth application, my small expression wrinkles in the corners of my eyes are smoothed out!! I was incredibly happy about this!!
MrRouz2017
https://otzovik.com/review_5389130.html
This is where Shea butter showed itself ideally as a lip balm. After applying it, it instantly melts and spreads over the lips, leaving them moisturized and soft. I apply it to my lips very often, and even if the skin of my lips is very dry, Shea butter eliminates this dryness in a matter of seconds and my lips look well-groomed. It also works great on small cracks on the lips. And even when it’s frosty outside, I use it to protect my lips.
User Arianna Sunshine claims that after using shea butter, her lips stopped getting chapped.
Arianna Sunshine
https://irecommend.ru/content/tsenneishee-maslo-shi-karite-dlya-kozhi-moi-sposoby-primeneniya-i-rezultat-ot-ispolzovaniya
I am 40 years old. Problem skin (oily, with pores, pigmentation, blackheads). The biggest problem is nasolabial folds. When I first tried to apply Shea butter, I was even disappointed. The skin turned slightly red, there was even some tingling. applied at night. In the morning it even seemed that there were more wrinkles. I did not despair and applied it persistently for several more days. There was no more redness or tingling. For the cold season, it’s simply an excellent product, especially for the eyelids and nasolabial folds. Here is MY composition for instantly reducing wrinkles: 1. ALOE juice (I think many have it on the windowsill) 2. Unrefined olive oil Shea butter (Shea butter). I squeeze the aloe through a regular garlic press. Now I want to add flaxseed oil to this composition. So, after using this mixture literally the second time, I saw a difference. That is, I applied this mixture at night. After 2 days I saw a difference. True, then it returns “to normal.” Nevertheless, there is an effect!!!!
According to user Liluizh, after just 2 times of using shea butter, nasolabial folds decreased significantly
Liluizh
https://irecommend.ru/content/obyazatelno-poprobuite-moi-sposob-momentalnogo-effekta-umensheniya-nosogubnykh-skladok
I use shea butter as a night cream. Apply a thin layer to the skin before bed. It does not make the skin oily, but on the contrary, it perfectly nourishes and performs the main function of a night cream. The face after it is tender and soft)) There is a result!!! I use it as the main component in sunscreen and sunscreen. I add it directly to the cream and haven’t burned even once this year, although I was on the beach at the peak) all my girlfriends burned, but I didn’t. I shared my secret with them. Sometimes I apply it under my eyes, especially if I wake up with bags, it relieves swelling immediately. I add some creams to masks, it only improves the effect.
TatyanaPolupan
https://irecommend.ru/content/unikalnoe-maslo-ubrala-morshchinki-vozle-ugolkov-glaz-mame-vylechil-bolnoe-koleno
The oil, produced in exotic Africa, has been popular in its homeland for a long time: in Russia it appeared in the recent past and immediately won the trust of many women. The product can be used regardless of skin type to rejuvenate the face and solve many other cosmetic problems. If you use shea butter correctly, then in just one course you can achieve a pronounced lifting effect and reduce wrinkles. In addition to various masks, this ingredient is used to prepare creams and scrubs.
- Author: woman
Rate this article:
- 5
- 4
- 3
- 2
- 1
(1 vote, average: 5 out of 5)
Share with your friends!
Recommendations for use
To get the best result, use the advice of cosmetologists.
- Before applying the product to your face, rub it between your palms to melt it. Liquid oil is better absorbed.
- If you are preparing masks, heat the product in a water bath until it becomes liquid. After heating, do not wait long, but immediately add the product to the mask, otherwise it will harden again.
- Mix all the ingredients of the mask thoroughly so that the oil does not form lumps.
- Before the procedure, it is advisable to steam the skin over a steam bath so that the nutrients penetrate deeper into the epidermal cells.
- You can wash off the mask with warm or cool water.
Contraindications to use of the product
The only contraindication that was identified during testing of African oil is individual intolerance. Since this product is exotic, before using it you must check whether you are allergic to its components. 1 hour before starting to use the product, apply a little oil heated in your hands to the bend of your elbow. If red dots or other negative signs do not appear on the skin within the specified time, then you can start using shea butter.
In addition, the product is not used if the condition of the skin and mucous membranes is unsatisfactory, namely:
- for serious dermatological diseases, especially in an advanced stage;
- with severe inflammatory formations on the skin (ulcers, severe irritation);
- for diseases of the mucous membranes of the eyes.
Since shea butter increases the activity of the sebaceous glands, it is not applied as a separate product to skin prone to excessive oiliness. In this case, the product is supplemented with appropriate ingredients.
Possible side effects
In case of individual intolerance to the product or incorrect use, unpleasant consequences may occur in the form of:
- small rash;
- acne;
- itching sensations;
- oily shine on the skin.
The listed side effects can be avoided if you follow the rules for using shea butter and follow the following recommendations:
- Avoid using an exotic product after its expiration date. Do not regret the money spent and feel free to throw away expired oil: the oxidized composition will not help your skin, but will only cause harm.
- Be sure to conduct a test to identify individual intolerance to the composition. This must be done every time you purchase oil from another manufacturer.
- If your skin is oily, mix the product with appropriate ingredients that reduce the pronounced moisturizing effect of the main component.
- Do not forget to cleanse your face before applying shea butter or masks from it: remove any cosmetics, scrub and steam the skin.
- The product should not be used continuously. The product forms a kind of film on the surface of the face, the constant presence of which provokes the appearance of inflammatory phenomena. Do not exceed the maximum period of external use of shea butter without interruption, which is 2 months.
In order not to waste time preparing masks, many people decide to add the product to ready-made cosmetic products for the face. It is not recommended to do this, since commercial drugs often contain artificial components, the penetration of which into the skin is extremely undesirable. If formulations are enriched with shea butter, this situation is very likely. It has the ability to transport any substances into the deep layers of the skin.