Shea butter (karite), application and beneficial properties, recipes for masks and creams. Using Shea Butter on the Face

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 shea butter in its pure form to the lips, to soften hands, elbows and knees. And there are many more ways to use it - because it not only removes flaking and dry skin, but also remarkably moisturizes, rejuvenates, and restores skin and hair.

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

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

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

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

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

5. Apply a little oil to the delicate skin around your nose when it becomes red and flaky.

6. If you apply just a little shea butter on your eyelids, the shadow will last longer and the color will be richer. Do the same with blush.

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

8. Apply a little oil along your hairline before coloring - this will help protect your skin from stains.

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

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

11. Shea butter prevents stretch marks - it is recommended to apply it to the chest, hips, and 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 oil for cuticles and for strengthening nails.

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

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. Using shea butter, you can straighten unruly curls or, conversely, give your hair shape - use it instead of your usual styling products - it’s healthier!

19. Mix shea with your favorite essential oil and give yourself 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 on your face - it helps prevent dry skin.

22. Apply a generous layer of shea butter to your hands and feet, wrap with gloves and socks. Go to bed, the next 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 pulse points and then spray the perfume.

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-aging remedy. Apply it to areas that are prone to wrinkles.

26. Shea has little protection from the sun's harmful rays.

27. Use pure shea butter as an ultra-nourishing and hydrating face mask.

28. Don’t forget to take shea butter with you on a long flight - it will very quickly save your skin and mucous membranes from loss of moisture.

Which shea butter to buy: I recommend buying 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 fairly noticeable oily odor - this is what distinguishes it from refined shea butter.

In the article we consider shea butter - its types and production technologies. You will learn how a natural product is used in cosmetology, what contraindications there are for its use, and whether it is suitable during pregnancy. We will tell you where to buy shea butter and how much it costs, and reviews will demonstrate the therapeutic and cosmetological effect of shea butter.

Shea butter is pressed from the seeds of Vitellaria astonishing (shea, shea butter) - a tree that grows in western and central Africa.

Unrefined shea butter retains up to 80% of nutrients:

• triglycerides (stearic, oleic, arachidic, linoleic, palmitic, myristic acids) are the main sources of cell energy, normalizing their life cycle;
• squalene is a polyunsaturated hydrocarbon that prevents oxygen deficiency at the cellular level;
• phytosterols – neutralizers of bad cholesterol;
• xanthophyll is a type of carotenoids that protects the body from free radicals and improves vision;
• vitamin E – a component that prevents rapid skin aging;
• carotene (vitamin A) is an effective natural antioxidant necessary for metabolism and the prevention of cellular pathologies;
• tocopherols – substances necessary for the formation of healthy cells and protecting them from negative factors;
• triterpene alcohol.

Shea butter is produced mechanically (manually) or industrially.

The manual method involves a multi-step procedure, during which local residents collect the fruits, extract the seeds from them and fry them for several days in large vats. Then it is crushed in a mortar and mixed with water, soaked and boiled until a greasy white film appears. It is the fatty deposit that will become natural shea butter after cooling.

In industrial production, the cold pressing method is used, when the seed kernels are pressed with a special press, and then the fatty mass is extracted and subjected to finishing processing. In addition, a refining method is used, in which the raw material is crushed, settled, filtered, purified and hydrated (combined with water). The whiter the shea butter, the more thoroughly it is purified.

Types of oil

Depending on the production technology, shea butter is divided into several classes:

• unrefined – class A – the healthiest oil, in which the maximum of natural substances remains;
• refined - classes from B to E (the higher the class, the more refined the product has been), while class B and C are oils made without chemical impurities, most often with the addition of cocoa butter (this is what is used in cosmetology), and class D and E – low purity oil with synthetic additives, intended for the production of household chemicals.

Whether the oil has been refined can be easily determined by its external characteristics. Unrefined ivory oil has a brownish or greenish tint. Its consistency is dense, and its pleasant aroma has nutty notes.

White refined shea butter is odorless, but its consistency is softer and more delicate. Despite the fact that during the refining process it loses some of its beneficial substances, it is what they prefer to add to cosmetic products.

There is also shea essential oil - it is transparent with a slight nutty aroma. It is used in aromatherapy and added to cosmetic masks. In its pure form, shea butter essential oil heals cracks and small wounds on the skin well.

Shea butter uses

Native Africans call shea butter “the gold of women.” African beauties use it to protect their skin from the scorching sun and dry wind.

For a third of the population living below the poverty line, the natural product is the only source of dietary fat, so it is added to various dishes instead of butter, and is also used for household needs in lighting lamps and as a kind of plaster to protect homes from insects.

The medicinal properties of the oil make it a popular component in folk recipes.

It can be used to relieve inflammation and swelling, treat wounds, and take care of the skin:

• For newborns, the umbilical cord is lubricated to prevent suppuration, and skin folds are also treated for diaper rash;
• rubbed into sore joints to reduce inflammation and relieve swelling;
• applied for sprains and muscle pain to eliminate discomfort and have an anti-inflammatory effect;
• soften and moisturize the skin with dermatitis and psoriasis, including in medicinal ointments and gels;
• used as an antiseptic with a high bactericidal effect as part of intimate hygiene products;
• relieve pain, moisturize and soothe the skin after sunburn.

In European countries, shea butter is a popular component of cosmetic products. In cosmetology, it is also used in its pure form to rejuvenate the skin, moisturize dry areas on the elbows and feet, and restore hair.

Shea butter in cosmetology

The use of shea butter in cosmetology is aimed at skin and hair care. It has a softening, moisturizing, protective and regenerating effect.

According to buyers, there is no significant difference between refined and unrefined oil - both have a beneficial effect on the skin.

To achieve the maximum effect from using shea butter, follow the rules in the instructions for use:

• Melt pure shea butter in a water bath before adding it to homemade masks (this is not necessary if you apply the oil directly to the skin, as it melts at body temperature);
• Before applying care products, thoroughly prepare the skin - clean and, if necessary, steam;
• Apply night cream 2 hours before bedtime to avoid swelling in the morning;
• Depending on the recommendations, rinse off the product with lukewarm water or soak the excess with a clean napkin half an hour after application.

For face

The ability to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin allows shea butter to restore and rejuvenate facial skin - eliminate visible signs of aging and prevent its aging. Apply a small portion of oil to your face twice a week and you will notice the results.

Shea butter products are ideal for wrinkles, including the skin around the eyes, as they increase skin firmness and elasticity. They are also able to effectively protect delicate facial skin from negative external factors - wind, low temperatures, ultraviolet radiation. It's no wonder that protective face creams with shea butter are so readily used by people jogging in the winter.

The bactericidal effect of the product eliminates skin problems - removes pimples and acne, and also prevents their appearance.

Interestingly, shea butter enhances the color of cosmetics, so it is applied as a base before applying eye shadow and blush.

For body

Shea butter is great for the skin, so it is worth lubricating dry and rough areas - elbows, knees, feet. It is indispensable for dehydrated skin, when it is necessary to eliminate flaking, as well as soothe and soften areas after depilation.

When used in massage treatments and wraps, shea butter improves overall skin tone and fights cellulite. Shea essential oil is good to use while taking a bath, adding a few drops to the water.

Shea butter is used not only for the beauty and rejuvenation of the skin, but also to eliminate unpleasant itching and discomfort that occurs after insect bites.

For hair

The moisturizing and nourishing properties of shea butter allow it to be included in hair products of any type to restore its beauty and health.

Shampoos, balms and homemade masks with shea butter give hair shine and radiance, eliminate dandruff, restore hair structure along the entire length and protect it from ultraviolet radiation and low temperatures, covering the hair with a protective film.

The natural product demonstrates high effectiveness in the treatment of brittle and damaged hair with split ends, as it quickly restores the cellular structure and replenishes the lack of water. Add a small portion of pure shea butter to your favorite shampoo to give your hair extra nourishment.

For lips, eyelashes and eyelids

Balms with shea butter moisturize lips and protect them from external factors, so apply the product 30-40 minutes before going to the beach or while relaxing at a ski resort to protect against sun rays, biting wind and frost.

Many people apply shea butter to their eyelashes to make them thick and long, as well as on their eyelids if their delicate skin gets dry and flaky from makeup.

Shea butter during pregnancy

The product can also reduce the number of stretch marks that have already appeared, but only if you start using it immediately after childbirth.

Contraindications

When studying the benefits that using shea butter can bring, not a single side effect was identified. A natural remedy cannot harm the human body if the composition does not include dangerous chemical components, therefore it is recommended for infants and pregnant women.

Shea butter should be used with caution only if you are intolerant or allergic to other nuts. If you have skin diseases, consult a dermatologist.

Where can I buy

You can buy shea butter in pharmacies, cosmetics stores, organic boutiques and on the Internet. The price for 100 g of product ranges from 450 to 550 rubles, depending on the manufacturer.

Thus, unrefined Spivak shea butter, completely natural and without additives, costs 140 rubles per 100 g, and for 50 g of refined butter from Botanika you will have to pay 380-400 rubles.

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

This product is extracted from the fruits of the African tree Butyrospermum parkii. Or rather, from fruit seeds. The name of the tree is quite long and difficult to pronounce. Therefore, local peoples called it 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. The oil is obtained by cold pressing.

It is hard in consistency and ranges in color from white to cream. Has a well-defined nutty aroma. At a temperature of 30-35 degrees, the consistency becomes like ghee. This product is consumed internally and is also used in cosmetology.

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

Shea butter consists of triglycerides. These are substances that are formed from oleic, stearic, and palmitic fatty acids. Plus, the oil contains unsaponifiable fats. These are caristerols, which are contained in the pulp of shea seeds. The uniqueness lies in this “ensemble” of fatty acids and unsaponifiable fats.

The researchers noted that the peoples of Africa use this product on their skin. And they have virtually no skin diseases, and their skin looks smooth and elastic.

Valuable 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 its unique composition, shea butter is used to treat skin. It perfectly soothes dermatitis and is suitable for treating acne.

This product has a calming effect on tissues, stimulating their protective functions. Therefore, it is often used for diaper rash on the skin of babies. Shea butter will also help soothe itching after an insect bite.

Shea butter accelerates the healing of cuts, small wounds and cracks. It can be used for muscle injuries and sprained ligaments.

Shea butter stimulates blood circulation in capillaries. The pure 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 allergic to this substance. True, such allergies are extremely rare.

Application of shea butter in cosmetology

Of course, shea butter gained the greatest popularity in cosmetology. And this is not surprising, because the effect of the product on the skin is truly unique. Shea butter is considered a vehicle in cosmetology. Since it penetrates deep into tissues and delivers nutrients to cells. Necessary cosmetic components combine perfectly with oil. And once they get into the tissue, they are also quickly released.

This is why shea butter is added to cosmetic products. It can be seen in hair, face and body products. It is actively used as a lip balm and in sunscreen cosmetics. 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:

• restorative function;
• anti-inflammatory;
• tightening;
• nourishing;
• healing;
• softening;
• transport.

Despite the fact that shea butter is 99% fat, it does not clog pores.

Recipes for masks and creams with shea butter

When making home remedies, choose quality oil. I recommend this - shea butter 100% natural. The price for it is quite affordable, considering that the jar is 100 g. It will last you for a long time :) Well, now the recipes.

For hair growth. Take 45 ml of melted shea butter + 30 ml of castor oil. Add literally 2-3 drops of rosemary ether to the resulting mixture. Apply the mixture to the roots of your hair and distribute a little throughout 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 use the mask once every 7 days. The course lasts 8-12 weeks.

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

For oily facial 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. Apply the mask to a cleansed face and leave for up to half an hour. Then rinse with water. This mask nourishes and tones the skin, tightens pores.

For dry facial skin. If you have this skin type, make a mask with ripe avocado. Add 5 ml of melted shea butter to two tablespoons of avocado pulp. The same amount of honey. Mix and apply to the skin and leave for a quarter of an hour. If the mixture turns out to be 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 essential oil
• A couple of drops of lavender essential oil

The ingredients must be mixed while warm. When the cream has cooled, you can put it in a glass container and put it in the refrigerator. It is better to use the cream at night. Take the product each time with a clean spoon, not with your fingers.

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

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

If you are not a fan of homemade 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 standard (USA). Those. face, body, and lip care products do not undergo thermal or chemical treatment. Numerous positive reviews confirm the quality of this cosmetics.

Or pay attention to the tools that I described below.

Shea butter – in finished cosmetics

Many famous brands contain shea butter. I am a fan of the Vichy brand. Therefore, I will mainly recommend their products. Vichy's dry skin products have shea butter everywhere. You can also find shea butter in KORA and Bioderma cosmetics. Here are some of the effective remedies:

1. Idealia Day Cream– a very effective product for moisturizing dry skin. The cream contains glycerin, which softens the skin and helps retain moisture. A useful substance such as adenosine stimulates the production of your own collagen and elastin, reducing wrinkles. And of course, shea butter delivers the necessary components to the cells, making the skin smooth and elastic. You can read more about this cream in my article.
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 include jojoba, apricot kernel, coriander, shea butter and macadamia. These oils perfectly nourish dry facial skin and eliminate tightness. Read about the last ingredient in the article "". In addition to its nourishing and softening properties, the light texture of the cream allows it to be used under makeup.
3. Night care cream Vichy LiftActiv Supreme
4. Bioderma - milk " Photoderm Apres Soleil"After the sun. This product allows you to avoid drying out your skin in the sun. The tan will last longer and look smoother. Thanks to the cellular protection complex, the cream stimulates the synthesis of natural skin pigment. Even if you get slightly sunburned, the cream will soothe your skin and relieve redness.

Unlike other oils, shea butter can be applied in its pure form. It is enough to hold it in your hands for a while 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. It is better to make mixtures with grape seed oils, jojoba and others.

Frosts are coming soon, so it won’t hurt to have a cream with shea butter in your cosmetic bag. I hope I helped you decide on the choice of cosmetics. Perhaps you learned something new. I'm waiting for you on the pages of my blog, as well as on social networks. Join us and be sure to bye!

The tree from the fruits of which shea butter or shea butter is extracted grows in West Africa and Sudan. From time immemorial it has been used in folk medicine and cosmetology. The protective properties of the finished product helped residents of the hot continent protect their skin from ultraviolet radiation, moisture evaporation and dry air. Also, the unique softening and protective properties of shea are useful in caring for hair, rough areas of the legs and arms, nails and cuticles.

The fruits of the shea tree are distinguished by their granular shape, firm consistency and pleasant creamy color. At room temperature, they resemble clarified butter, so it is almost impossible to confuse a natural product with a fake. The smell of the finished oil is light nutty, close to walnut and coconut.

The shea tree is called the “tree of life” in its homeland. The first fruits appear only after 20–25 years, and the average lifespan of the plant is 300 years. In many countries, cutting down this tree is prohibited.

According to the richness of its composition, shea butter can be refined or unrefined. The first undergoes additional purification and is deprived of a number of healing properties. It costs an order of magnitude cheaper and lasts longer.

Refined shea butter is an ideal option for allergy sufferers. It is odorless and colorless, and also has a softer, more gentle effect.

Compound

Shea butter or shea butter is basic in nature. The product gained fame in cosmetology and medicine due to its unique composition. More than 80% are triglycerides - fats of plant origin, necessary for hydration and cell restoration. Organic oil also contains acids:

• oleic;
• stearic;
• palmitic;
• linoleic;
• linolenic

The smallest proportion (8%) of the content in shea butter is occupied by unsaponifiable substances:

• phenols;
• tocopherols;
• triterpenes;
• steroids;
• hydrocarbons.

The composition contains terpene alcohols in small quantities, which provide shea with a unique and refined aroma. Often this component is extracted from the natural environment and added as a fragrance to perfumes and cosmetics.

Cosmetic properties

The main properties of shea butter are softening and protection. This allows the active substances of cosmetic industry products to quickly penetrate the skin and act on cells. The oil coating also prevents the penetration of UV rays and prevents dehydration.

Shea butter (shea) is often added to anti-aging care products. Its organic components promote collagen production and slow down the aging process. If you regularly use the product on your skin, it becomes more elastic, firm and smooth.

In cosmetics for pregnant women, shea butter is an effective remedy for combating stretch marks. Its advantage is environmental friendliness and hypoallergenicity.

Medicinal properties

Modern medicine suggests using shea butter to combat various diseases. Among them:

• sprain;
• dislocations and damage to joints and muscles;
• flu;
• ARVI;
• cold;
• dermatitis;
• burns;
• ulcers;
• acne, etc.

Naturally based preparations relieve inflammation in the extremities and have an anti-edematous and warming effect. For antiseptic purposes, shea butter is recommended to be used in the mouth and nose. This makes breathing easier, moisturizes dehydrated areas and protects against the penetration of bacteria and viruses. In the fight against psoriasis, eczema, dermatosis, cracks, acne, burns, etc., the product is prescribed in its pure form or ointments with its addition.

Video: benefits of shea butter (karite)

Use for face and body care

A favorite in face and body care at any time of the year is shea butter. Due to its versatility, the organic product perfectly copes with moisturizing, nourishing and restoring the skin. In its pure form, it can be safely applied to lips, arms and elbows, knees and feet, chest, hips and many other areas. The result will not be long in coming. The effect will be especially noticeable on dry and aging skin.

For face

Shea butter or shea butter performs its functions both in its pure form and as a base ingredient. It is applied to the lips to protect against chapping and cracks, and to the face - instead of a makeup base or evening care. By combining the product with essential oils and plant extracts, you can prepare homemade masks, scrubs and creams. Their recipes are available to every woman.

Healing lip balm

1. Melt 15 g of shea butter.
2. Without removing it from the water bath, add 10 g of jojoba oil.
3. Stir ingredients, remove from heat.
4. Add 2 drops of lemon essential oil and 7 ml of rose water.
5. Mix thoroughly again and pour into a convenient container.
6. Wait until it hardens completely and use the finished balm as intended.

Mask for dry skin

A natural face mask is aimed at eliminating peeling and deep hydration. The product is applied 2 times a week for 20–25 minutes in an even layer. The recipe is very simple:

1. Grind the dried peel of 1 lemon in a coffee grinder.
2. Melt 15 g of shea butter in a water bath.
3. Mix chopped lemon zest with 1 egg yolk.
4. Combine the egg mixture with liquid oil. Stir.
5. Add 7 ml rosehip oil.
6. Remove the mask from the heat and use as directed.

Video: universal cream for dry skin

For hands

Hands are the most vulnerable part of the body, which is constantly exposed to sudden changes in temperature, exposure to detergents and other unfavorable factors. A cream aimed at protecting the skin should be applied to dry hands immediately before going outside or doing housework.

Hand cream with camellia

To prepare the cream you will need:

• 4 tbsp. l. shea butter (shea);
• 2 tbsp. l. camellia oils;
• 7 drops of tangerine or jasmine essential oil.

First of all, melt the base oil in a water bath. Then the remaining ingredients are added to it in the specified quantities. The essential oil is added last. The finished cream is thoroughly mixed and cooled. Store the cosmetic product in a glass container in the refrigerator.

Video: hand moisturizer

Mask for dry hand skin

For a caring mask, you need to take natural honey, shea butter and walnut butter in equal quantities. Mix all ingredients in a water bath and distribute over hands using massage movements. Leave for 15 minutes and then rinse with warm water.

For body

From shea butter you can prepare a universal body cream, which is suitable for both local use and large areas. A natural cosmetic product will protect the skin from chapping, dryness, ultraviolet radiation and replenish the supply of vitamins, minerals and moisture.

Shea or shea butter is an excellent antiseptic, so it is suitable even for irritated, inflammation-prone skin. To achieve a therapeutic effect, the product can be applied to diaper rash, pimples, burns and dermatitis.

To prepare the cream, you will need several ingredients:

• 80 g shea butter (karite);
• 20 g grape seed oil;
• 6 drops of orange essential oil;
• 4 drops of grapefruit essential oil;
• 2 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil;
• 20 drops of vitamin A;
• 1 tsp. corn starch.

Melt the base oil in a water bath. While it is warm, add grape seed oil to it. Beat the mixture with a mixer and place in the freezer for 3 minutes. After hardening, beat for about 7 more minutes. Add all the esters and vitamin A into a white thick foam. Turn the mixer back on for 2-3 minutes and pour 1 tsp into the cream. corn starch. Mix the finished product until smooth and place in a convenient container. Be sure to pre-treat the cream jar with alcohol.

Distribution of the cream from bottom to top provides a lymphatic drainage effect, and additional hydration is achieved by applying the composition to a damp body.

If you are allergic to any of the essential oils, they can be replaced with a suitable one or completely excluded from the composition. Otherwise, the cream is ideal for everyday use for any skin type.

For chest and abdomen

The need for special care for the skin of the chest and abdomen arises in a woman after childbirth, sudden weight loss or age-related changes. Shea butter fully copes with the task and, with regular use, allows you to restore firmness and elasticity to problem areas. There are several simple homemade beauty recipes.

Arabic wrap for breast enlargement

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shea butter;
• 5 brewer's yeast tablets or 2 tsp. dry yeast;
• 2 tsp. wheat germ oils;
• 1 tsp. ground fennel.

All components must be mixed in a water bath. First of all, melt the base butter - shea butter. Pre-crush the brewer's yeast tablets.

Leave the finished mixture to infuse overnight. The next morning, apply half of it to your chest and wrap your body with cling film. After two hours, wash off. Repeat the procedure in the evening.

Video: cream for stretch marks on the stomach

Universal skin care product

Take 5 ml of melted shea butter and 3 drops of patchouli oil. Mix both ingredients until smooth and apply to the décolleté in the morning and evening. The product has an excellent moisturizing effect, increases skin elasticity and saturates it with vitamins.

For hips and legs

In its pure form, shea butter helps relieve dry knees and heels. If you add essential or lighter textured oils, herbal extracts or salt to the base product, you can get an effective caring cream, mask, scrub.

Cooling foot balm

The most delicate balm consists of organic ingredients that are light in texture. It not only nourishes and moisturizes the skin, but also strengthens blood vessels and tones the veins. At the end of the working day, after wearing uncomfortable shoes or heavy stress on the feet, the product will quickly relieve fatigue and tension.

To prepare the balm you will need:

• 40 g shea butter (karite);
• 9 g arnica oil;
• 15 drops of lavender oil;
• 10 drops of myrocarpus oil;
• 10 drops of mint oil;
• 0.5 g rosemary extract;
• 0.5 g chestnut extract.

The cooking technology is completely suitable for home use. Melt the shea butter in a water bath until liquid. Add arnica oil and cool the mixture. Before it turns into a batter, start beating with a mixer. Add essential oils and extracts to the thick soufflé. Beat again with a mixer for 30 seconds and transfer the balm into a convenient container. Use as directed.

Nutritious cream

The nourishing cream is suitable for those with calloused, cracked, tired and sweaty feet. When used regularly, it has a disinfecting, tonic and moisturizing effect. The composition of the product is rich in valuable components that any skin needs. The cooking technology is very simple:

1. Melt 9 g beeswax and base oils: 70 g shea, 35 g coconut, 12 g cocoa.
2. Remove from heat and cool mixture slightly.
3. Add 9 g each of avocado, sweet almond and jojoba oils to the liquid base.
4. Also add 1 tsp. vitamin E, 10 drops of lavender essential oil, 5 drops of mint and tea tree esters.
5. Beat the cream in a blender until smooth.
6. Pour the product into a glass container and place in the refrigerator to harden for 24 hours.
7. Use foot cream as directed.

For maximum relaxation of the leg muscles, combine the cream application procedure with a massage.

Use for nail and cuticle care

Drying of the skin around the nails leads to the appearance of hangnails and inflammation. Their removal reduces the protective functions of the cuticle and allows bacteria to penetrate into the growth zone of the nail plate. To protect yourself from various types of infections and improve the condition of your nails in general, use shea butter. In its pure form, the product acts as a natural antiseptic, and also softens and nourishes the skin. In combination with other active ingredients, the effect of the base batter is enhanced.

Video: how to make cuticle oil

Balm for cuticles and nails

For beginners, it is best to start mastering home cosmetology with balms. They have the simplest recipe and cooking technology. To prepare this product you will need several ingredients:

• 30 g calendula macerate;
• 25 g shea butter;
• 15 g cocoa butter;
• 20 g beeswax;
• 8 g sesame oil;
• 20 drops of tea tree essential oil;
• 20 drops of lavender essential oil.

In a stainless saucepan, melt the wax, solid and liquid base oils. When the ingredients become liquid, stir them with a glass rod and remove from heat. Let the balm cool for a few minutes and add the esters. Mix again and place the product in a convenient container. Wait until it hardens. Use as directed.

Use of shea butter in medicine

Shea butter was first used in African medicine. Based on it, local residents prepared various ointments and lotions for dermatitis, ulcers, acne and burns. Modern doctors have adapted the product to combat respiratory diseases, varicose veins, cellulite and more. Some of the recipes are available for home preparation and are actively used among the people.

Wound healing ointment

Heat 1 tsp in a water bath. shea butter and add 1 tsp. sea ​​buckthorn oils. Mix the ingredients of the ointment and cool. Apply the product to cracks, wounds and ulcers. You can also make masks from it for the most damaged areas.

For joint pain

Warm a small amount of shea butter in your palms and rub into the sore joint for 3-5 minutes. Apply a warming bandage on top for 2 hours. If the procedure is performed in the evening, you can leave it overnight. This will speed up the removal of swelling and inflammation. The course of treatment is 20 days.

Important! To speed up the healing process, apply the oil twice a day - in the morning and before bed.

For dermatitis and psoriasis

Shea butter is applied to damaged skin twice a day for 10 days. It relieves itching, pain and speeds up the healing process. To enhance the effect of the butter, you can mix it with essential oils of lavender, chamomile, tea tree, rose or patchouli.

For hemorrhoids

Shea butter accelerates the healing of cracks in the anus, softens hemorrhoids and normalizes blood circulation. You can apply it neat or by soaking a gauze sponge in melted butter. As an addition to the treatment, baths made from a decoction of chamomile and calendula will serve.

Use of shea butter for pregnant women

The most common problem pregnant women face is stretch marks during pregnancy and after childbirth. Shea butter is suitable for solving this problem and can be used in several ways:

• as massage oil;
• as a base for preparing scrubs and masks;
• instead of everyday body cream.

Massage using butter is famous for its greatest effect. It is performed in several stages:

1. Cleanse your skin with a soft scrub of coffee and honey mixed 1:1. The duration of the procedure is 2–3 minutes.
2. Pat the skin of your abdomen dry.
3. Warm a small amount of shea butter in your palms and begin the massage.
4. For 1-2 minutes, gently rub your stomach from the periphery to the center.
5. Perform circular movements in different directions for 5 minutes. Use two palms at the same time.
6. Massage your stomach in a spiral for about 2-3 minutes, gradually moving towards the center.
7. Finish the massage with light strokes.

A similar massage can be performed for the décolleté and hips. Use more active movements: patting, twisting, pressing.

Contraindications

Shea butter can only cause harm to the body if taken internally in small doses. The use of natural butter for cosmetic and medical purposes is absolutely harmless. Doctors often recommend it to pregnant women and children.

Advice! Those with oily skin types should apply shea butter with caution so as not to clog pores. You can lighten the consistency of the product by adding starches or essential oils.

Aug-15-2016

What is shea tree?

What is shea butter, the properties and uses of this oil, as well as what medicinal properties does it have and what exactly is this oil good for human health? These questions often arise among those who care about their health and show interest in traditional methods of treatment, in particular treatment with essential oils. And this interest is understandable. Maybe in this article, to some extent, you can get an answer to these questions.

Shea, Shea, or Vitellaria amazing (Vitellaria paradoxa, or Butyrospermum parkii) is a tree of the Sapotaceae family, with a spreading crown and leathery leaves, growing in Mali, Cameroon, Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan , Burkina Faso and Uganda. It reaches 10-20 m in height and can live for several centuries. It begins to bloom with fragrant brown flowers at the age of twenty and actively bear fruit at the age of fifty, maintaining high productivity for more than a hundred years.

Unripe fruits are green and turn brown when ripe. They are round, about 4 cm in diameter. The inside of the fruit consists of a thin layer of nutritious creamy pulp surrounding a relatively large, fat-rich seed, from which the so-called “shea butter” or shea butter is extracted.

Wikipedia

In nature, vitellaria amazing, or as it is also called shea tree, shea tree or African tallow tree grows in western Africa and is the only representative of the Sapotacea family that grows in the African savanna. Outwardly resembling small avocados, the fruits of this tree have tender and aromatic pulp, as well as a seed that contains that famous oil (50% of the contents of the seed). The tree itself must be 30 years old, only then will it be possible to harvest its fruits. An adult plant produces no more than 20 kg of fruit per season. The shea tree is sacred, and its wood is used to make a mourning bed for a dead king. Only women can harvest the tallow tree.

What is shea butter?

In Africa, shea butter (natural, unrefined) is still produced in the same way as a thousand years ago. The seeds of the tallow tree fruit are dried, then crushed and ground with a pestle in a wooden mortar until it becomes flour. After that, the flour is mixed with water and boiled until a green mass has the consistency of liquid oil, which is easy to collect, since it is located on the very surface of the water. Next, the mass is removed from the water, washed several times and cooled, and the mass thickens. Later, this butter is stored in the form of bars, like loose butter, and it is sold in the same form. The oil can be stored for at least 2 years in a cool, dark place.

This herbal remedy has a pleasant light nutty aroma.

Shea butter classification:

The classification system for this oil divides it into five classes:

Class A - crude or unrefined oil extracted using water.

Class B – refined.

Class C – highly purified oil. Extract with a solvent such as hexane.

Class D – oil with a low level of impurities.

Class E – oil with impurities.

Commercial grades are cash grades A, B, C. Grade A oil, ranging in color from light yellow to grey-yellow, has a nutty aroma not found in other grades. Class C oil is pure white.

Compound:

The composition of this herbal remedy is unique. It is the only base oil consisting of almost 80% triglycerides and 20% from so-called unsaponifiable fats.

According to its fat composition, shea butter can be divided into: unsaponifiable fats (about 17%) and triglycerides (about 80%). The unsaponifiable part is represented by caristerols and carbohydrates. The fatty acid composition is represented by: oleic acid (range from 40 to 55%), stearic acid (range from 35 to 45%), linoleic acid (from 3 to 8%), palmitic acid (up to 3%), and also: myristic acid, arachidic acid (less than 1%) and linolenic acid (less than 1%).

Shea butter is a well-known source of natural vitamins A, F, E, C, which perfectly moisturize the skin.

Application:

Shea butter is used in various fields, it is consumed as food and serves as a source of essential fats for Africans. Africans use it for frying, add it to various dishes, use it to run oil lamps, even rub it on shacks and use it to neutralize soil.

The unsaponifiable fatty compounds contained in this herbal product help protect the skin from the harmful effects of direct sunlight. in this case, the natural components of shea butter act as a powerful UV filter. Shea butter activates the protective and also regenerating capabilities of the skin. Regular use of this oil for cosmetic purposes helps renew the skin, and also really slows down the natural aging process.

Beneficial features:

Summarizing the above, we can highlight the following beneficial properties of shea butter:

• improvement of cellular metabolic processes in the skin;
• moisturizing and nourishing the skin;
• healing properties;
• elimination of skin inflammation;
• ideal for dry and sensitive skin;
• influence on the synthesis of collagen fibers;
• the oil makes the skin elastic and firm, thanks to its regenerating properties;
• Helps avoid stretch marks on the skin.

Thanks to all the above qualities, shea butter is used exclusively in high-ranking cosmetics.

As an active ingredient in cosmetic preparations, this herbal remedy helps protect the skin from adverse climatic conditions, helping to prevent the formation of wrinkles. It applies perfectly to the skin, is easily absorbed, leaving a pleasant feeling of softness and smoothness.

If you purchase a ready-made cosmetic product with shea butter, be sure to pay attention to how it appears in the list of ingredients; if not in the first row, then you will not get the expected effect due to the low content of active substances in the cream.

Medicinal properties:

Shea butter is used for medicinal purposes due to its decongestant and analgesic properties, it is used to rub painful muscles and joints, it is used for rheumatism, it also has a beneficial effect on open wounds (for example, to heal a cut umbilical cord) or if the skin is sensitive, especially in cases when the skin of the hands and feet cracks. Shea butter is also effective for burns, acne and eczema.

Tallow oil saves Africans from the sun, cold, heat and dry hot wind; they lubricate their scalp, exposed areas of the body, face, lips and even the nasal mucosa. Even babies in the harsh climatic conditions of Africa are massaged with shea butter in order to protect their delicate skin from the effects of heat.

Western countries actively use this herbal remedy in the cosmetics and medical industries.

How to choose shea butter?

Regardless of how you use shea butter, as part of cosmetic preparations or natural ones, it is important to know that only the oil that is produced according to ancient technologies of African tribes, that is, by hand, will be truly useful, hence the corresponding price of the product .

It is also useful to know that if shea butter does not have its characteristic light nutty odor, that is, if it has no odor at all, then such oil is old or has been treated with substances during accelerated processing, which will also not give the expected result from its use, in this case it has an unnaturally white color, without the characteristic off-white color of shea butter. This is very important, because natural shea butter cannot be faked. It will be very appropriate both in your cosmetic bag and in your home medicine cabinet.

Application in cosmetology:

Being an environmentally friendly product, this oil is highly valued by cosmetologists. Its softening and protective properties are considered especially attractive. Back at the beginning of the 20th century, it was found that peoples who actively use shea butter have practically no skin problems, they are not characterized by skin diseases, which are impressively distinguished by their smoothness and elasticity. Therefore, shea butter even serves as a base for soap production.

But it is not only due to its protective and softening properties that shea butter is so popular in the cosmetics industry. The fats that make up it are capable of regeneration and affect the synthesis of collagen fibers, and also have a sunscreen effect. Therefore, oil can not only moisturize, soften and protect the skin, but also slow down the aging process in it.

For face:

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, you can easily and quickly prepare the desired composition at home.

Almost all additional components of masks based on shea butter can be obtained in a 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 rejuvenating face masks.

Mask for moisturizing facial skin:

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

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

When applying the mask to your face, you must take a horizontal position, since the resulting mixture is too liquid. You can make it thicker by adding a teaspoon of clay or oatmeal, ground into powder.

This mass should 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 hair:

Thanks to the high content of oleic (40-50%), stearic (35-45%) and fatty acids, shea butter makes hair elastic, smooth, and silky. Despite rave reviews, you should do a trial allergy test before using the product. Shea butter contains natural latex, the use of which can lead to unpleasant consequences if a person is particularly sensitive.

Solid unrefined oil should be softened at a temperature of approximately 37 degrees before use. Apply the product to dry hair, starting from the ends. Finish with a light scalp massage. Wrap your head in a warm towel for 2-3 hours, or leave it overnight. Then wash your hair thoroughly with shampoo. A mask made from shea extract refreshes curls, enhances skin cell metabolism, and stimulates hair growth. The oil quickly revives weakened hair damaged by chemical dyes or perms. The product can be mixed with essential and vegetable oils for better effect.

Cosmetics and products based on shea essential oil

For example, BT NATURAL cream with natural shea and cocoa butters (a very common combination), according to the manufacturer, not only nourishes and rejuvenates the skin of the body, but also increases its turgor and elasticity, and also effectively fights stretch marks. It is also recommended for pregnant women to care for the skin of the abdomen and is designed to model the contour of the body, tightening the skin.

Cream-gel for the skin around the eyes with shea butter from the Kora company will help not only get rid of puffiness, but also cope with bruises under the eyes, as well as fine wrinkles and make the skin more elastic.

Cream with shea butter for skin care made by STYX also has softening, moisturizing and protective properties, as well as a very pleasant texture.

The Karites brand (karite is also the name for shea butter) offers a whole series of different products based on shea butter. It includes a variety of hair care products, such as restoring balms, conditioners and creams, as well as creams for the care of the face, body, hands, clarified oil, cosmetic milk and so on.