15 health benefits of shea butter, side effect and more

Shea butter is a seed fat that comes from the shea tree. The shea tree is found in East and West tropical Africa. The shea butter comes from two oily kernels within the shea tree seed. After the kernel is removed from the seed, it is ground into a powder and boiled in water. The butter then rises to the top of the water and becomes solid.

People apply shea butter to the skin for acne, burns, dandruff, dry skin, eczema, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

It contains Vitamins A, E, and F which play a major role in your skin. Vitamin A helps to keep skin healthy; all three vitamins help stave off facial lines and wrinkles, and vitamin F soothes dry, chapped, or rough skin and helps it to heal.

In foods, shea butter is used as a fat for cooking.

In manufacturing, shea butter is used in cosmetic products.

How does it work ?

Shea butter works like an emollient. It might help soften or smooth dry skin. Shea butter also contains substances that can reduce skin swelling. This might help treat conditions associated with skin swelling such as eczema.

Health benefits of shea butter for skin

Whether it is dry or dull skin that you are trying to battle, she butter can be your saviour. Know all about its benefits of shea butter!

These reasons will convince you to add shea butter in your skincare routine

1. Shea butter is an excellent moisturizer for the skin

Shea butter works as a skin conditioning agent. So, if you are someone who has dry and dull skin, you can incorporate Shea butter into your skincare routine.

Shea butter possesses the ability to form a protective layer on the skin and retain water which ensures skin remains moisturized and hydrated.

2. Shea butter is suitable for sensitive skin

It might be a good idea to bid farewell to a fancy lotion for people with sensitive skin as they can further irritate your skin. Instead, pick shea butter. If you find natural shea butter, it’s the best for skin irritation.

3. Shea butter soothes the skin

As shea butter is packed with ingredients like vitamin A and E, it’s useful to treat sensitive and irritated skin. Whenever you have dry patches, abrasions, sunburns, windburns, or even when a baby has diaper rash, smother the area with shea butter and let its magic work. In a few days, your skin will be renewed.

4. Shea butter eases inflammation

If you are looking for quick relief from skin-related problems like rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema, make shea butter your go-to product. Shea butter has the ability to penetrate the skin swiftly along with the presence of an anti-inflammatory agent like cinnamic acid and fatty acids will ease inflammation and give you relief.

5. Use shea butter for youthful skin

Vitamin A and E not only soothe your skin but make it look younger and healthier. Shea butter has the ability to promote the regeneration of cells and helps to decrease fine lines and wrinkles. Its collagen-boosting properties provide you with plump-looking skin.

6. Relieves muscle pain and soreness

Muscle discomfort is frequently caused by inflammation in an affected area of the body due to exercise or a muscular illness. Shea butter has traditionally been used to alleviate muscle pains and discomfort throughout Africa.

While there is no substantial evidence to prove this, persons who have massaged affected areas with shea butter have reported a reduction in swelling and pain.

7. Perfect lip balm substitute

Shea butter is quickly absorbed and gives the extra hydration and nutrients the lips require during dry and cold months. As a result, it works well as a lip balm and can also treat dried and chapped lips. It works by forming a barrier on the lips and keeps moisture in when applied.

8. Great anti-aging agent

Many people apply shea butter to look young and healthy because of its anti-aging effect. In addition, the butter contains vitamins A and E, essential nutrients that help keep the skin smooth, luminous, and nourished.

Shea butter can be used to minimize wrinkles and control facial lines. This is because it boosts the creation of collagen, the skin’s youthful structural protein. In addition, its capacity to enhance circulation and stimulate cell renewal also contributes to its anti-aging benefits.

9. Treats skin complications

Shea butter has therapeutic qualities due to the abundance of fatty acids and plant sterols such as palmitic, oleic, linolenic acids, and stearic. When these oil-soluble components come in touch with alkalis, they don’t saponify or change into soap. Because it is not saponifiable compared to fats and other oily nuts, making it a powerful healer.

Unrefined shea butter is very effective in treating dry skin, rashes, stretch marks, scars, frostbites, and skin peels. According to some research, its application is also effective in treating eczema, psoriasis, acne, athlete’s foot, and stings. In addition, medical studies have suggested that shea butter may help prevent the formation of keloids and scars.

10. Helps to revitalize your hair

Shea butter can also be used to moisturize hair. Many people apply shea butter to their hair to prevent harmful free radicals and terrible weather conditions. This miracle butter is also rich in nutrients that are good for our scalp. Ultimately, it can be used to strengthen hair follicles, which helps to control hair loss.

The anti-inflammatory quality in this nature’s gift is another key feature that can be used to treat scalp complications and enrich your hair. Studies have shown shea butter can be used to treat dandruff.

11. Enhances collagen production

Collagen is a protein and a major component of your skin. It plays a role in strengthening the skin. Shea butter boosts collagen production because it contains triterpenes. Triterpenes are naturally occurring chemical compounds that improve the production of collagen. Thus, giving you healthier and plumper skin.

12. Prevents hair breakage

Shea butter might be useful in preventing hair breakage. Many women have reported that using shea butter significantly reduced hair breakage.

13. Treats skin burns

Another one of the many impressive health benefits of shea butter is that it can be used to treat skin burns, such as sunburn. Shea’s anti-inflammatory abilities reduce skin redness, soothe pain, and swelling.

14. Powerful antifungal agent

Shea butter is a powerful antifungal agent that fights some skin infections caused by fungi.

15. Soothes arthritis pain

Shea butter has strong anti-inflammatory properties. One study found that shea oil can help reduce inflammation and protect joints from further damage due to arthritis.

Side effects of using Shea butter

When taken by mouth: Shea butter is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in foods. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if taking shea butter by mouth in larger amounts as medicine is safe.

When applied to the skin: Shea butter is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin appropriately for up to 4 weeks. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if applying shea butter to the skin for longer than 4 weeks is safe. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Shea butter is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in foods. There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking shea butter in greater amounts if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Shea butter is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in foods. Shea butter is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin appropriately, short-term.

Final say

One of the primary reasons shea butter can heal the skin so well is that it doesn’t clog the pores of your skin and allows the skin to breathe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can shea butter cure yeast infections?

There is no strong evidence to support shea butter as a cure for yeast infections. It’s best to consult a healthcare professional for proper treatment.

Is it good to drink shea butter?

Shea butter is not meant to be ingested and should not be consumed as a drink. It is primarily used for external skincare but it is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in foods

Does shea butter lighten skin?

Shea butter might help with moisturizing and nourishing the skin, but it’s not a reliable skin lightening solution.

What can shea butter be used for?

Shea butter can be used to moisturize skin, soothe irritation, and help with conditions like dryness, eczema, and more.

Can I put shea butter on my face?

Yes, shea butter can be applied to the face as a moisturizer, but it’s important to do a patch test first to ensure it doesn’t cause any adverse reactions.

What can I mix with shea butter to lighten my skin?

Lemon juice or other natural ingredients might be suggested, but it’s important to be cautious as skin lightening is a complex issue.

Can I mix shea butter in my cream?

Yes, shea butter can be mixed into creams for added moisturizing benefits.

Can shea butter make face glow?

Shea butter can contribute to a healthy glow by moisturizing and improving skin texture, but results vary.

Can I mix honey with shea butter for body cream?

Yes, mixing honey with shea butter can create a nourishing body cream, but it’s best to test a small area first.

Who should not use shea butter?

Those with nut allergies should avoid shea butter. Additionally, always consult a doctor if you’re unsure about using it.

Can shea butter clear stretch marks?

While shea butter might help improve skin elasticity, it’s not a guaranteed solution for clearing stretch marks.

Does shea butter expire?

Shea butter has a long shelf life, but it can eventually go rancid. Check for any changes in smell or texture.

Is shea butter good for the vagina?

It’s recommended to avoid using shea butter internally. For vaginal concerns, consult a healthcare professional.

What kills yeast infection the fastest?

Consulting a doctor for proper antifungal medications is the most effective way to treat yeast infections quickly.

What are the side effects of shea butter?

Shea butter is generally safe, but allergic reactions or skin irritation can occur in some individuals.

How long does it take for shea butter to work?

Results from using shea butter can vary, but you might notice improvements in skin texture and moisture after consistent use.

What vitamins are in shea butter?

Shea butter contains vitamins A and E, which contribute to skin health.

Does shea butter contain Omega 3?

Shea butter doesn’t contain a significant amount of Omega-3 fatty acids.

Can I leave shea butter on my face overnight?

Yes, you can leave shea butter on your face overnight as a deep moisturizing treatment.

Which is better for skin, coconut oil, or shea butter?

Both coconut oil and shea butter have their benefits. Try both to see which works better for your skin type and needs.