Shea butter or shea butter

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.

How to get shea butter + composition

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.

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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:

1. restorative function;
2. anti-inflammatory;
3. tightening;
4. nourishing;
5. healing;
6. softening;
7. 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 - 100% natural shea butter. 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 jojoba oil and 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:

1. 2 tsp melted shea
2. 20 ml almond oil
3. Two to three drops of chamomile essential oil
4. 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 Organic Essence brand . 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 is 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 about Idealia series creams.
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 “properties of macadamia oil.” 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 - this product helps to actively fight aging. In addition to apricot kernel oil and shea butter, it contains 5% rhamnose. This component promotes the active production of collagen and elastin in tissues. The cream also contains thermal water of volcanic origin. Which moisturizes, restores and soothes the skin.

Shea butter (karite) is included in the list of the most valuable cosmetic oils, which have, first of all, softening, moisturizing, strong protective and restorative abilities. They are widely used in the cosmetic field, in particular in skin and hair care.

Shea butter is isolated from the fruit pulp of the Shea tree (Shea butter, Vitellaria paradoxa, Butyrospermum parkii). A tree can live for several centuries, and maintains high productivity throughout the century. Grows mainly in Western and Central African countries (Ghana, Mali, Sudan, Cameroon, Nigeria, etc.).

Shea butter has a pleasant and light nutty aroma, sometimes with a slight hint of coconut. The consistency of the product is solid and remains so at temperatures up to 27 degrees; as the temperature rises, the oil melts quickly. This feature makes it convenient to use in skin care (move a piece of oil over the skin, saturating it with life-giving components). Only organic (non-chemical) unrefined oil is suitable for use, in which a huge amount of useful substances is concentrated. More than 80% of shea butter consists of triglycerides; it also contains squalene, phytosterols and xanthophyll, vitamins (E, A (carotene) and tocopherols), triterpene alcohols.

Shea butter is used in Western countries for skin care and cosmetics production; in African countries it is actively used for food (fat) and medicinal purposes.

Properties and beneficial effects of shea butter.
The oil's excellent softening ability is effective against excessively dry and rough areas of body skin (hands, elbows, knees, feet, etc.). This property of shea butter makes it indispensable for dry and dehydrated skin with signs of flaking, unevenness and roughness. The ability to influence the synthesis of collagen and elastin, as well as the restorative and rejuvenating properties of the oil, fights visible signs of aging and aging of the skin, increases firmness and elasticity, improves skin turgor, smoothes wrinkles, and improves complexion. Oil can improve the condition of skin affected by stretch marks only if treatment was started immediately after their occurrence.

The high protective ability of shea butter makes it an effective and indispensable remedy against the effects of ultraviolet rays, as well as the aggressive effects of external environmental factors.

Shea butter also exhibits moisturizing and nourishing properties, which allow it to be used on absolutely any type of skin and hair, including sensitive ones. The soothing properties of the oil will come in handy for the skin of babies, especially in the presence of diaper rash, and will also be useful after insect bites.

Shea butter is mainly known as an effective cosmetic product; few people know that its equally high healing properties can be useful in the treatment of various diseases. Shea butter also has some medicinal properties that are effective against many skin diseases, in particular psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema. It can also speed up the healing of minor cuts, wounds, and cracks in the skin. It exhibits an anti-inflammatory effect in case of injury to ligaments and muscles, in case of joint diseases, it also has anti-edematous properties, and stimulates capillary blood circulation. Pure oil is applied to the affected area with light circular movements.

The oil should be stored tightly closed in a cool place away from light; in its original packaging, the shelf life is up to two years.

Shea butter application in cosmetology.
Shea butter has found wide application in the field of cosmetology; it is one of the most common components of care, anti-aging and sun protection cosmetics for the skin of the face and body, as well as hair. The oil is universal, so it will suit everyone. The oil is also included in massage mixtures and is an ideal remedy against stretch marks during pregnancy (and not only). Daily self-massage of problem areas with this oil will increase the elasticity and firmness of the skin.

Shea butter for face.
Like any other cosmetic shea butter, it is well tolerated by the skin in its pure form, nourishes, moisturizes, softens it, and is suitable even for the delicate and sensitive area around the eyes, cracked and dry skin of the lips, neck and décolleté. To increase the effect, it is good to combine the oil with essential oils and other beneficial ingredients and use it in the form of masks with different effects, depending on the result you want to get. Shea butter is an excellent base for preparing homemade restorative, nourishing and rejuvenating creams. Before using as a basis for preparing care mixtures and formulations, it is recommended to melt the oil in a water bath.

This versatile and natural cosmetic product will also help protect your skin from the sun, wind and cold temperatures. The oil is applied forty minutes before going outside; after absorbing the product, the skin must be blotted with a paper napkin to remove oil residues.

Shea butter is good to use as a night nourishing and restorative product. While warm, lubricate the entire surface of the face with oil. Before going to bed, pat your face dry with a cosmetic napkin.

Recipes for masks and creams with shea butter for the face.

Cream with shea butter for sensitive, dry and aging skin.
To two teaspoons of pre-melted shea butter, add four teaspoons of almond butter. The mixture should be constantly stirred until completely cooled, gradually adding essential oils of chamomile (three drops) and lavender (two drops). Transfer the cooled cream into an empty, clean glass jar from any cream and place in the refrigerator. Store the cream for no more than two weeks. Use as needed (at least twice a day).

Rejuvenating cream for mature skin with signs of aging and wilting.
Also melt two teaspoons of shea butter using a water bath, add two teaspoons of macadamia oil, a teaspoon of avocado oil and the same amount of jojoba. Remove from the bath and stir constantly. As it cools, add essential oils of rosemary (two drops) and rosewood (three drops) to the mixture. Transfer to a jar with a lid and place in the refrigerator. Store for no more than two weeks.

Revitalizing night cream for dry, sensitive skin with signs of aging.
Combine a tablespoon of ordinary rose water (not alcohol-based, available at the pharmacy) with a teaspoon of aloe vera gel. In a separate bowl, using a water bath, dissolve a teaspoon of beeswax, two teaspoons of shea butter and one and a half tablespoons of vegetable oil (olive, almond, peach, apricot, etc.). Mix everything well, the butter should all melt completely. Then squeeze vitamin E from one capsule into the mixture, add a small amount of lecithin (at the tip of a teaspoon). Stir the mixture thoroughly and add a mixture of rose water and aloe. Next, remove the composition from the bath and begin to beat intensively with a mixer. Add essential oils of tangerine (two drops) and chamomile (three drops) to the warm mixture while whisking. Transfer the finished cream into a jar with a lid and place it in the refrigerator for storage.

Recipes for masks for dry skin with shea butter.
A mask will help to tone and nourish dry and dull skin: grind the peel of a previously dried lemon using a coffee grinder. Take one level tablespoon of this flour, combine with egg yolk, cover tightly with cling film and move aside for twenty minutes. Next, add a teaspoon of liquid shea butter and the same amount of walnut oil to the mixture. Stir everything thoroughly and apply to a cleansed face; after twenty minutes, remove the mask with warm water.

Nourishing and softening mask for very dry skin: crush avocado (banana) pulp, take two tablespoons and mix with a teaspoon of liquid shea butter, add to the mixture the same amount of jojoba oil (or wheat germ) and honey (melt in advance) . Apply the composition to cleansed skin and leave for twenty minutes, rinse with warm water. If the mixture is too thick, add another half of the yolk.

Lip treatment with shea butter.
Place half a teaspoon each of beeswax and shea butter in a special bowl, melt in a water bath, add the same amount of honey and cocoa butter. Stir everything well to a homogeneous liquid mass, remove from the bath and stir a little, add a drop of cinnamon oil and two drops of mint oil (can be replaced with lemon balm or chamomile). Store the product in an individual jar in the refrigerator. Good to apply at night, as well as in cold and windy weather.

Softening hand mask with shea butter.
The following remedy will help soften rough and dry skin of your hands: add calendula and walnut oil to melted shea butter. Take the ingredients one teaspoon at a time and mix thoroughly. Massage the skin using the product. Remove any remaining oil with a paper napkin.

Treatment mask for acne with shea butter.
This mask works well against acne: combine 100 ml of melted shea butter with liquid honey, add a tablespoon of walnut oil and 1 ml of salicylic acid. Apply the composition to the skin, avoiding the area around the eyes, and leave for twenty minutes. Rinse off with warm water. It’s best to make this mask at night; you don’t need to apply anything else to the skin. Store the product in the refrigerator.

Shea butter for hair.
Shea butter has no less beneficial effects on the hair and scalp. It also nourishes, moisturizes, eliminating dryness and brittleness, improves blood circulation in the skin, stops hair loss, strengthening hair follicles. When regularly included in hair care, the oil makes hair manageable, shiny and healthy.

The oil should be applied to dry hair, paying special attention to dry ends. The head is covered with polyethylene and wrapped in a towel. This mask should be kept on for an hour to two, you can leave it overnight, and wash your hair in the morning in the usual way. To achieve better results, it is recommended to add other vegetable and essential oils to the oil, depending on the goal.

Recipes for hair masks with shea butter.
To improve the condition of split ends: combine two tablespoons of shea butter (melt in advance) and almonds, add beaten egg yolk and three drops of ylang-ylang ether. Apply the mask to dry hair, wrap with film and a towel, after an hour, or more if time permits, rinse with warm water and shampoo.

For enhanced hair nutrition: combine a tablespoon of burdock oil with two tablespoons of flaxseed oil, add a tablespoon of liquid vitamin E in oil. Separately, melt 40 g of shea butter and mix with the rest of the mixture. The application method is the same.

Despite the fact that it is still an oil, it still does not weigh down the hair or make it excessively oily.

Shea butter is universal, apply it for any skin and hair problem. You will see for yourself its effectiveness.

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.

Composition and beneficial properties

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% comes from triglycerides - plant-based fats necessary for hydration and cell repair. Organic oil also contains acids:

1. oleic;
2. stearic;
3. palmitic;
4. linoleic;
5. linolenic

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

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:

1. sprain;
2. dislocations and damage to joints and muscles;
3. flu;
4. ARVI;
5. cold;
6. dermatitis;
7. burns;
8. ulcers;
9. 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.

It is recommended to carry out the procedure no more than twice a week.

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:

1. 4 tbsp. l. shea butter (shea);
2. 2 tbsp. l. camellia oils;
3. 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 skin of hands

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:

1. 80 g shea butter (karite);
2. 20 g grape seed oil;
3. 6 drops of orange essential oil;
4. 4 drops of grapefruit essential oil;
5. 2 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil;
6. 20 drops of vitamin A;
7. 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

1. 1 cup shea butter;
2. 5 brewer's yeast tablets or 2 tsp. dry yeast;
3. 2 tsp. wheat germ oils;
4. 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.

It is recommended to perform wraps every other day until the desired result is obtained. The first positive changes will be noticeable after two weeks of use.

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:

1. 40 g shea butter (karite);
2. 9 g arnica oil;
3. 15 drops of lavender oil;
4. 10 drops of myrocarpus oil;
5. 10 drops of mint oil;
6. 0.5 g rosemary extract;
7. 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:

1. 30 g calendula macerate;
2. 25 g shea butter;
3. 15 g cocoa butter;
4. 20 g beeswax;
5. 8 g sesame oil;
6. 20 drops of tea tree essential oil;
7. 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:

1. as massage oil;
2. as a base for preparing scrubs and masks;
3. 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.

Reviews

The oil can be used in its pure form. It can be applied to any area of ​​the body: arms, legs, face, body, eyelashes. Personally, I don’t often use it in its pure form; I applied it a couple of times to my hands and heels. The result is wonderful, although it takes a very long time to absorb; I then blot the residue with a napkin.

Gwen

http://irecommend.ru/content/maslo-shi-vkhodit-v-troiku-moikh-lyubimykh-masel-po-ukhodu-za-volosami-retsepty-moikh-lyubim

When it comes into contact with the skin of your hands, the oil begins to melt, after which you can apply it to your body. I use this oil for various purposes - to soften the skin of my hands, when it begins to dry out especially strongly from working with papers, for rough skin of my feet, which currently needs to be put in order for the spring season, sometimes, when I’m not lazy, I even apply it to the lower third of the hair at night, rinse it off in the morning.

Victoria Shcheglova

http://otzovik.com/review_4873391.html

Future mothers do not forget about constantly moisturizing such places as the belly, butt, thighs, if you start moisturizing the skin in advance, then stretch marks will not appear. Of course, my stretch marks will not go away, but after regular use they become less noticeable, and new ones do not appear, but my tummy becomes velvety)

Natalia Medvedeva

http://irecommend.ru/content/spasitelnoe-maslo-ot-rastyazhek-pri-beremennosti

Shea butter is a real find for those who don’t like to deal with a bunch of jars in the bathroom. This product will definitely come in handy when traveling and long business trips, replacing most of your face and body care products. The batter is also suitable for children's skin and effectively copes with dermatological diseases.