6 reasons to apply some shea butter to your skin today

 

6 reasons to apply some shea butter to your skin today

Everything you need to know about the magical ingredient

By Astrid Ellis, founder of The Shower Tower Company

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Published: Fri 2 Jun 2017, 12:00 AM

Last updated: Fri 2 Jun 2017, 2:00 AM

Sourced from the nuts of the shea tree, shea butter is a common ingredient in natural skincare products, thanks to its extremely useful qualities. Here's why you should make it part of your daily routine!

Dubai summer-proof
The rich, stearic and oleic acids in shea butter make it the perfect hydration solution for your skin. Not only will your skin feel softer and smoother after just one use, it will stay hydrated and moisturised all day. It can even be used to treat sunburn! So, if you want to stay smooth and cool this summer, have a shea butter shower every day.

Confidence-boosting glow
The rich quantities of Vitamin A in shea butter are a natural balm to persistent skin conditions. Studies have shown that regular use can drastically improve skin blemishes, eczema and even dermatitis. Its moisturising properties mimic and increase the natural moisturisers produced through the sebaceous glands of the skin, helping to naturally fight skin allergies, stretch marks, scarring and cellulite. Perhaps this is why the shea butter tree got its other name - karité - which means tree of life.

A younger-looking you  
Shea butter's unique composition provides anti-ageing benefits for the skin. The butter promotes tissue cell regeneration, which softens the skin and evens out wrinkles. It also boosts collagen production and increases the microcirculation of blood to the skin - all of which leaves your skin looking younger than ever before, so you don't need that botox appointment just yet!

Healthy skin: healthy you
Shea butter contains vital anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties that are crucial to fighting off infection. It promotes rapid healing for babies suffering from diaper rash by combating the yeast that causes it; good news for mums looking for a non-chemical solution to a common problem! The anti-inflammatory agent is similar to that derived from cinnamon and can help with a variety of skin infections in adults as well.  

Don't lose your head
Shea butter is not only a fantastic treatment for skin, it also works wonders on hair by sealing in moisture and conditioning the scalp. This helps alleviate dandruff and protects your hair against the harsh humidity of summer. Simply apply all over and leave on for 20 minutes; rinse as usual and see great results! (Tip: you can also use it to provide volume when styling, if you pop it on your roots!)

Not all oils are created equal
Most natural oils either contain mostly moisturising or mostly healing properties, but shea butter contains both in large quantities. In fact, the healing properties in shea butter are among the highest of any natural seed oil available. Also, it's super easy to use, as it doesn't liquefy at room temperature, but softens enough in your hands for easy application.
wknd@khaleejtimes.com


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