Shea butter properties and use for eyelid skin wrinkles

For many centuries, shea butter has been the main healing cosmetic product that saves from the burning rays of the sun throughout the African continent.

A little later, thanks to the researcher Mungo Park, Europeans also appreciated the truly magical properties of shea butter.

Shea essential oil is extracted from the seeds of shea fruit in two ways:

1. traditional, which has survived to this day in Africa and includes ten stages of manual processing;
2. machine-based, carried out in large production facilities in Europe.

Composition and beneficial properties

The majority of triglycerides in shea butter are 80%.

The lack of these substances negatively affects the production of collagen, which is responsible for the elasticity of the skin.

Shea ether contains a balanced complex of fatty acids, tocopherols and vitamins A, D, E, F, which determines its regenerative (for microtraumas of the dermis), anti-inflammatory, bactericidal and protective (ultraviolet, cold) properties.

With regular use of shea butter for the face:

1. promotes nutrition and hydration of the skin;
2. smoothes wrinkles, making the skin renewed and elastic;
3. returns strength and healthy radiance to withered, depleted dermis;
4. has a softening effect on dry, irritated skin;
5. successfully fights eczema and dermatitis;
6. protects against chapping and other negative environmental factors.

What skin is it suitable for?

Shea butter is used to care for all types of facial skin. But for those with oily skin, it is important to follow two rules:

1. Do not use essential oil for long periods of time or in summer.
2. Do not apply the oil in its pure form to avoid the effect of clogged pores.

Active use of the product is indicated for the care of aging skin with signs of age-related changes. Shea increases collagen production and helps improve skin elasticity in problem areas.

Use of shea butter in home cosmetics

Shea butter for the face, which can be used in different ways, is no less effective at home than as part of professional products during salon procedures.

How to use shea butter on your face? To care for dry, normal and sensitive skin, use a natural product in its pure form:

1. Shea butter for the face, instead of cream, is applied in a thin layer to the skin after washing at night or in the morning, as a base for makeup;
2. As a quick-acting mask, the etherol is applied to the skin at a convenient time of the day, after 40 minutes it is washed off with warm water.

The beneficial properties of shea butter depend on storage conditions. The product in its pure form or cosmetics containing it should be kept in a glass container on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator.

Shea is often an indispensable ingredient in the preparation of nourishing homemade cream, softening lip balm and moisturizing masks. How to use shea butter for the face: consider popular and simple recipes.

Day face cream with shea butter for dry, chapped skin

1. 40 g shea butter;
2. 40 g beeswax;
3. 50 g ground cinnamon;
4. 30 ml orange juice;
5. 20 ml peach oil;
6. 3-4 drops of sandalwood oil.

Dissolve the wax in a water bath, add shea butter to it, then the rest of the ingredients. After the mixture thickens, you can apply it to your face.

Nourishing mask for aging skin with age-related changes

The following mask with shea butter for the face against wrinkles is effective:

1. 1 egg yolk;
2. 1 tbsp. l. melted shea;
3. 1 tsp. avocado oils;
4. ½ tsp. rosehip oils;
5. 1 tsp. ground lemon zest.

Mix the yolk with lemon zest, add the indicated oils one by one. Keep on face for 30 minutes.

Softening mask for normal skin

1. 1/3 ripe banana;
2. 1 tsp. melted shea butter;
3. 1 tsp. liquid honey.

Mix the ingredients thoroughly and apply the mixture onto your face in a thick layer. After 20 minutes, rinse with warm (not hot!) water.

Moisturizing mask for normal skin

1. 1 tsp. natural unsweetened yogurt;
2. 1 tsp. melted shea;
3. 1 tsp. olive oil;
4. 1 tsp. aloe vera gel.

Mix all components, apply the mask for 20-30 minutes.

Moisturizing face mask with shea butter for oily skin

1. 1 tsp. shea essential oil;
2. 1 tsp. white clay powder;
3. 2 tbsp. l. boiled water;
4. 2-3 drops of tea tree oil.

Mix the ingredients and apply the mask for 30 minutes.

Nourishing lip balm against dryness and chapping

1. 30 g shea essential oil;
2. 20 g jojoba oil;
3. 10 ml rose water;
4. 2-3 drops of lemon oil.

Dissolve the oils in a water bath, add rose water and stir the mixture until it cools. Transfer to a glass container with a wide neck.

Contraindications

Shea butter is an excellent natural remedy that can bring enormous benefits. But unfortunately, it also has contraindications due to the small amount of latex it contains. Those who have previously experienced allergic reactions to this component, as well as nuts and their derivatives, should refrain from using cosmetic products containing shea.

In addition, it is not recommended to use shea butter if you have allergic rashes or acne on your facial skin.

How to choose a quality product

For real shea butter, you should go to a good pharmacy, brand store of natural cosmetics or soap-making supplies.

Before purchasing, you should study the contents of the treasured jar. It should be hard and dense, reminiscent of melted homemade butter in consistency, but white, beige or brown in color.

If storage rules have been followed, shea butter has a bright aroma with notes of nut or coconut. It’s better not to save money - real shea is expensive, and handmade, cream or brown shea is even more expensive, so the natural product will not be sold at a reduced price.

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.”

Evgenia, 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: “Women from time immemorial 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 2-3 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.

Useful video

Shea butter is an amazing substance, the properties of its composition are unique, they make it justified to use it for the face in its pure form and as part of masks. The presence of minerals and vitamins makes it a healing remedy for restoring the health of the face, with skin of any type.

Shea butter composition

Shea butter is extracted from a plant called Shea butter, which is native to the African continent. Shea butter lives for more than one century and during this time reaches a height of 20 meters. At 20 years old it blooms, and at 50 it begins to bear fruit. Interestingly, only the fair sex is allowed to pick shea fruits, because their hands can handle this work carefully and accurately.

It is the fruits that are used to extract healing oil.

Shea butter has an aromatic, nutty odor.

It is classified into several types:

1. A – raw;
2. B – refined;
3. C – has a high degree of purification;
4. D – has a minimum amount of impurities;
5. E – contains impurities.

The oil contains more than 80% triglycerides and only 20% unsaponifiable fats.

Unsaponifiable fats are:

Triglycerides contain different types of acids:

1. oleic and linoleic;
2. stearic and palmitic;
3. arachine, linolenic and myristic.

The oil contains a huge number of vitamins that have the most beneficial effect on the condition of the skin.

Effects of shea butter on the skin

Shea butter has a general softening effect on the skin, allowing you to achieve the following goals:

1. softening areas of the body that have become rougher;
2. caring for people with different skin types, including dry skin;
3. skin nutrition;
4. rejuvenating and toning skin that has withered and become wrinkled;
5. restoration of fibers that are responsible for collagen synthesis;
6. UV protection;
   
   
   
   
   1. sensitive skin: mix lemon zest with yolk, as well as shea butter and walnut butter (1 tsp each). This composition perfectly tones, nourishes and softens the skin;
   2. normal skin: chop a banana, add a teaspoon of honey, as well as jojoba and shea oils. This mask will significantly soften the skin, working as a peeling and at the same time nourishing it with vitamins E and A;
      
      
      
      
   3. oily skin: mix tea tree extract with 2 tbsp. water, add 1 tsp. shea butter and white clay. This antiseptic effectively eliminates inflammation and redness, in addition, exfoliates the skin and soothes it;
   4. for eyelid skin: To moisturize this sensitive and delicate area and reduce the number of fine lines and wrinkles, you can mix a teaspoon of shea and almond oils. This composition is applied to cotton pads, which are placed on the eyelids.

   Shea butter has a dense structure, so it is better to use it as part of a cream applied in the evening rather than in the morning. It is best to apply it a couple of hours before going to bed, otherwise there is a high risk of swelling. It is important to apply the composition to the face and neck area only after cleansing, and then remove excess with a paper towel.

   For normal skin type: mix a teaspoon of shea butter with a drop of essential oil (any: verbena has a rejuvenating effect, clove gives tone, almond whitens, jasmine moisturizes, rosewood soothes);

   For oily type: mix 2 tsp. olive oil, jojoba and shea, add a drop of mint and lemon oils. This composition must be preheated in a water bath and applied to the skin: the texture of the cream will be airy, it will whiten perfectly, remove shine and relieve inflammation.

   Proper use in its pure form

   The properties of shea butter allow its active use on the face as creams and in its pure form:

   1. In the form of a lip cream that will maintain softness and well-groomed appearance even in the most severe frosts.
   2. You can apply it to those areas of the body that quickly become rough (heels, knees, elbow joints), shea butter will soften them perfectly.
   3. The oil can be rubbed into the body after visiting a pool with chlorinated water or swimming in the salt sea; in addition, it will perfectly soothe the skin after ultraviolet exposure.
   4. For additional nourishment of hair follicles, you can add a teaspoon of oil to the conditioner used after washing your hair.
   5. In winter, when the central heating is active, you can lubricate your facial skin, which is red and flaky, with this oil.
   6. To make decorative cosmetics last longer on your eyelids, you can apply a little product to your cheekbones and eyelids.
   7. You can moisturize your feet by rubbing them with shea butter before leaving the house. Walking in shoes warms up the oil, and it begins to actively moisturize the skin.
   8. Before coloring your hair, you can apply a small amount of the substance to your hairline. This method will protect the skin from stains from the dye.

   
   
   
   
   In order to prevent drying and cracking of the delicate skin of the lips, you need to promptly and regularly use this product to protect and moisturize them.
   
   
   
   

   The healing properties of the oil will quickly restore the natural beauty of the lips, restore their shine, rich color and moisturize, protecting them from moisture loss.

   You can prepare this cream:

   1. melt the wax using a bowl that is in a saucepan with water;
   2. pour pre-melted shea butter into it;
   3. add the following oils to this mixture: oil, mint, chamomile;
   4. Now it’s enough to mix in the cinnamon butter and honey.

   The finished balm should be poured into a glass container, allowed to thicken and used daily, especially before going outside in frosty weather.

   All ingredients will help improve the appearance of your lips:

   1. cinnamon gives a rush of blood, which improves color;
   2. mint cools the skin, relieving irritation;
   3. chamomile and lemon balm heal microcracks and wounds.

   In addition to this recipe, there is another, no less effective:

   1. mix caride with jojoba;
   2. dilute the mixture with lemon oil and rose water (you need to take 10-15 g of each ingredient);
   3. After cooling, the balm can be applied to the lips.

   Shea butter for aging facial skin

   In order to stop the process of fading of facial skin and restore its lost elasticity, you need to use shea butter. The main condition: frequency of application.

   To increase skin elasticity, you can use the following mask:

   1. mix starch (18 g) with 5-7 g. shea butter;
   2. stir them until viscous;
   3. add dill oil;
   4. if necessary, you can add a little distilled water.

   This mask should be applied only after preliminary steaming of the skin.. During application, you need to distribute the mass over the massage points, gently driving it into the pores. You need to keep this mask for no more than 20 minutes, and rinse it off with chamomile infusion.

   Shea butter against acne

   This substance gives a good effect when used on skin damaged by acne, pimples or acne. The natural properties of the oil not only soothe inflammation, but also reduce itching and improve the complexion. To prepare such a mask, you need to mix 5 grams of shea butter. with 7 gr. honey, melted in a steam bath.
   
   
   
   

   Then add 12 drops of nut oil (ideally cashew) and no more than 5 drops of salicylate to this composition. It is better to apply the mask in the evening; the skin must first be cleansed of impurities and remnants of decorative cosmetics. After half an hour, the mass is washed off using a pre-prepared calendula decoction.

   Using shea butter against flaking

   In order to soften skin that is prone to peeling, you can use the following recipe:

   1. 2 tsp mix shea butter with a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil (it can be replaced with almond, grape, sesame or corn);
   2. add 3 drops of chamomile oil, or lemon balm, or rosewood;
   3. mash half a banana with a fork and add the oil mixture to it;
   4. This mask needs to be applied twice a week, its exposure time is half an hour.

   Use for sensitive skin care

   Shea butter is actively used for facial care in its pure form; its properties and use allow it to soothe the skin and prevent irritation. This skin type is characterized by increased sensitivity to environmental changes and cosmetic products.

   Shea butter is not capable of causing such reactions and is therefore often used in masks:

   1. you need to mix a tablespoon of this oil with 2 tablespoons of almond oil;
   2. add a few drops of lavender or chamomile oil;
   3. You can apply this mask morning and evening, using it instead of another nourishing product.

   The valuable components contained in shea butter help to increase the level of skin elasticity and increase its resistance to external factors.

   Tanning Application

   Shea butter can be used to obtain an even tan. An important feature of this product is to protect the skin from the harmful effects of harmful ultraviolet rays.

   Shea butter functions:

   1. provides an even and beautiful tan;
   2. protects the epidermis from the sun's rays;
   3. prevents burns and redness from forming (thanks to the B vitamins and retinol it contains);
   4. eliminates increased dryness of the skin, which inevitably occurs when in a solarium or under the influence of sunlight.
      
      
      
      

   Application of the product before sunbathing:

   1. Be sure to exfoliate your body to exfoliate dead skin particles.
   2. Apply the product in an even layer over the entire surface of the body.
   3. After being in the sun, you need to take a shower and reapply oil to your body, which will soothe the skin and moisturize it.

   Shea butter against wrinkles

   To replenish the lack of nutrients in the facial skin that are responsible for its elasticity, the use of shea butter, the properties of which perform this function both in pure form and as part of creams, helps well. Shea butter perfectly smoothes out existing wrinkles and prevents the formation of new ones.

   For this purpose, you can use the following mask:

   1. grind 20 gr. cottage cheese with 2 quail eggs;
   2. add 3 grams to the resulting mass. shea butter;
   3. steam your facial skin;
   4. apply a thick layer of the mask and leave it on for 20 minutes;
   5. wash off with a damp cloth.

   Wound healing ointment for chapped lips

   In order to heal the smallest, but very painful wounds that form on the delicate skin of the lips, you can use the following ointment:

   1. melt 10-15 gr. shi;
   2. add the same amount of jojoba oil;
   3. stir and remove the container from the stove;
      
      
      
      

      Find out how to use shea butter in the video:

      
      
      
      
      

      Benefits of shea butter
      

      For exhausted facial skin, shea butter is a real find. Its unique composition literally brings dry dermis back to life. Neutral triglyceride fats provide cells with nutrition and local immunity. Thanks to this, the skin is completely healed: diseases such as eczema, psoriasis or dermatosis gradually disappear.

      A complex of oleic, stearic and palmitic acids protects the skin from drying out and dehydration. With regular use, the complexion is evened out, small wrinkles and stretch marks are smoothed out. The facial contour is strengthened, self-renewal begins in the deep layers of the dermis.

      Shea butter relieves the effects of severe frost, wind and solar radiation. Heals cuts and abrasions, relieves inflammation and allergies from insect bites.

      Harm of shea butter
      

      In addition to a huge number of useful components, the composition contains a small part of latex (up to 10 percent). If a person is allergic to the sap of rubber plants, as well as to any type of nuts, then shea butter is contraindicated for him.

      Before first use, do not forget to do a test for individual intolerance. Apply a drop of oil to the back of your elbow and wait 20 minutes. If irritation, swelling or redness occurs, the oil is not suitable.

      Also limit the use of essential oil if your skin has acne.

      Shea butter also turns into a harmful carcinogen if left in the open sun and heat for several days.

      How to choose shea butter
      

      For real shea butter, go to a pharmacy, a trusted branded natural cosmetics store, or a hand soap manufacturer.

      First, ask for a sample and study the external consistency of the oil. It should be hard and dense. Shea butter is never liquid; this is a sign of a low-quality product. Color can vary from white to brown. It has its own brightly rich nutty aroma with hints of coconut.

      There are several varieties of shea butter depending on the production method. The first category (A) undergoes minimal processing - it is as useful as possible. You can recognize this oil by its high price and pale yellow and beige color. The packaging also says “organic”.

      Next come the oils of the second (B) category - refined, and the third (C) - treated with a chemical solvent. Their distinctive appearance is white. They are from the budget line and cost about 500 rubles per 100 grams.

      Storage conditions. Keep shea butter in a cool place and in a glass container.

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