In part two of our series on potent organic ingredients, Paul Massa explains the skincare properties of shea butter.
Shea Butter (Butyrospermum parkii)
Extracted from the nut of the African Shea tree, shea butter is a powerful ingredient to renew, repair and protect the skin against ageing.
Shea butter’s phenolic, a constituent element of polyphenols, have anti-ageing benefits and properties similar to green tea. Shea butter contains five essential fatty acids, (a major amount coming from stearic and oleic acids), phytosterols, vitamin E and D, allantoin (good for healing skin irritations), and vitamin A. This combination of ingredients helps neutralise free radicals’ damage, reducing fine lines and wrinkles and fading age spots, as well as stimulating collagen production.
A solid butter that melts on contact with the skin, shea butter is an excellent skin protector and effective in the treatment of scars, stretch marks, eczema, burns, acne, blemishes, very dry skin, and chapped lips and can also be used to repair very dry and damaged hair. It is used in creams, sun creams, lotions and massage oils.
It’s a super food for the skin:
- Its high content of fatty acids (stearic and oleic) give it extraordinary moisturising, nourishing and healing properties
- Improves skin tone and elasticity
- Anti-inflammatory
- Skin protector
- Stimulates collagen production
- Since shea butter is all natural and so rich and moisturising, it is ideal for baby care. It is perfect for after bath skin care and as a healer in case of eczema or diaper rash for babies and kids
Stay tuned for the next ingredient!
Paul Massa is the managing director of Phyt’s. For more information visit http://www.phyts.com.au/