Sheaboter

Shea butter

Discover why it’s called women’s gold and why we use a healthy dose in every soap and shampoo bar

Shea butter is a natural ingredient that is extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. It is a rich source of fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants that can benefit your skin in many ways.

In this article, we will discuss the three biggest skin benefits of shea butter and why it is a great ingredient for natural and handmade soap bars.

Botany and history of shea butter

Another name for the shea tree is karite tree. This tree only grows in a 300 km wide strip from Mali to Ghana, Togo and Benin in the African Savannah. This special tree is even known here as the tree of life because of its many special properties. 

Only women process and produce the butter, often it is also the only source of income. That’s why it’s called Women’s Gold. I think it’s fantastic that by using shea butter in every soap and shampoo bar I can support women in West Africa to build a better life.

Making unrefined shea butter is a laborious process.

  1. Picking the nuts in the wild.
  2. Washing and drying.
  3. Cracking and roasting.
  4. Grind to a dark almost chocolate-like paste.
  5. Knead and rinse.
  6. Heat the pasta over a low heat. The Shea Butter that floats to the top is the end result.

Shea butter has been used for centuries in Africa for its many medicinal and cosmetic benefits. It was traditionally used to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. It was also used to protect the skin from the sun and wind.

3 biggest skin benefits of shea butter

Moisturizes the Skin

Shea butter is a rich source of fatty acids such as linoleic and oleic acid, which help to hydrate and moisturize the skin. It also helps to create a barrier on the skin to help prevent moisture loss. This makes shea butter is a great ingredient for natural and handmade soap bars as it is gentle on the skin. 

Improves skin elasticity

Shea butter contains collagen and elastin, which are proteins that help to keep the skin looking firm and youthful. Therefor shea butter can help to improve skin elasticity and help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Some people even swear that it prevents wrinkles.

Heals the skin

Shea butter contains vitamin E, which is a natural antioxidant. Vitamin E helps to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and lead to premature aging. Shea butter has also anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe and heal irritated skin. 

Conclusion

Shea butter is a safe and effective natural ingredient that can benefit your skin in many ways. It is a good source of fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants that can help to moisturize, protect, and heal the skin.

If you are looking for a natural way to improve your skin health, consider using products that contain shea butter, such as our natural and handmade soap bars.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice or treatment.

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