One of the most popular products in cosmetology and Food Industry all over the world is the oil of the fruit of the Vitellaria astonishing tree. This plant is endemic only to equatorial Africa, but its plantations are so large that they are enough to satisfy all the needs of people. Shea butter (karite) – unique useful product, which can not only be applied to the skin and hair, but also used internally without fear. The product has found its use in people of any gender and age, even small children and pregnant women.
Shea butter composition
The main components of the finished product are fatty acids, which in excellent combination mutually potentiate the effects herbal remedy. Thanks to the long but gentle method of obtaining oil, all the active substances of vitellaria fruits are transferred to shea butter.
The composition of shea butter is multicomponent, it includes:
- fatty acids, including polyunsaturated ones (oleic, linoleic, palmitic and linolenic);
- tocopherol – vitamin E;
- natural steroids (stigmasterol is especially important);
- phenols;
- some hydrocarbons;
- terpene alcohol;
- B vitamins.
Such a multi-component composition provides wide possibilities for using shea butter (karite). The combination of polyunsaturated fatty acids with active plant steroids, which contribute to a mutually powerful potentiation of effects, is especially important.
Properties of shea butter
The properties of shea butter depend on the method of application. It can be used externally in pure form or in combinations, as well as taken internally.
As a result of the complex effect on the body, as well as local effects, the following properties of shea butter quickly appear:
- active moisturizing and softening of the skin;
- anti-inflammatory effect for any method of application;
- relieving itching and irritation;
- vitaminization of skin and hair;
- facilitating bowel function;
- healing of minor abrasions and diaper rash;
- powerful softening and protection of the skin from the effects of aggressive environmental factors.
Since the product is low-allergenic, the use of hair, etc. accessible to most people. The use of shea butter is allowed in children from the first days of life, during pregnancy and lactation, as well as for any somatic diseases. The only exception is proven skin cancer.
Different states of shea butter
There are two types of ready-made product - liquid and solid. The latter option is typical for the usual state of shea butter, since it melts only at temperatures above 36 degrees. Shea butter is widely used in both solid and liquid form.
How to use hard shea butter?
Freshly prepared product in solid state can be used in the following situations:
- as well as use, it is permissible to use shea butter in food - for example, as a substitute for standard butter for sandwiches;
- orally for medicinal purposes to cleanse the intestines - at least 50 grams once at night;
- to facilitate emptying of the rectum by lubricating the anal ring and mucous membrane;
- for healing small wounds for the purpose of disinfecting them - the oil is applied in a small layer under the plaster;
- for the prevention of scar formation by local application;
- for the base of ointments with other components - the softening and moisturizing effect is sharply enhanced.
But the use of solid shea butter is not basic. The main area of use of the product is cosmetology, which implies the active distribution of shea butter over large surfaces. For this, liquid shea butter is used.
Application of vitellaria oil in liquid form
It is used in the following situations:
- for intensive nutrition and moisturizing of the skin;
- to stimulate the regeneration of the epidermis (especially effective);
- to protect against dryness and irritation;
- for strengthening and healing hair, including to combat split ends;
- for prevention sunburn and chapping of the skin and lips.
Shea butter may have special indications for specific people. In particular, it can be used for intensive vitaminization and activation of subcutaneous blood flow. But only a specialist in the field of dermatology or cosmetology can determine the benefits for individual indications.
Most common way to use
How to use shea butter in the easiest way? In a standard situation, shea butter is applied externally in its pure form. The frequency of the procedure is at least 3 times a week, daily use is possible. Regular time exposure is 30 minutes, but to improve hair health, it can be left under a towel or cellophane even overnight.
After the procedure, the oil should be thoroughly washed off with neutral soap. If it thickens, the remaining product is difficult to remove from hair and skin. To make the task easier, use hot water - up to the temperature that a person can tolerate.
Shea butter can also be used as part of combination products. It combines well with other oils, as well as many natural and artificial ingredients. The product always potentiates the moisturizing and regenerative effects of any cosmetic products– ointments, creams, lotions or shampoos.
Particular uses of shea butter
Numerous beneficial properties predispose to the widespread use of shea butter. The low level of allergies, natural balanced composition and almost complete absence of adverse reactions allow the use of shea butter even by children and pregnant women. After a preliminary test, vitellaria can be applied even to people with polyvalent allergies.
Shea butter in cosmetology
Shea butter is most widely used in cosmetology. It is used in the following situations and forms:
- on the skin of the body and limbs;
- in pure form or as an active additive in creams, lotions or ointments;
- on the head area for the purpose of healing and strengthening hair;
- in the form of additives in shampoos;
- on the lips to prevent chapping.
The main effect of shea butter in cosmetics is protective. It moisturizes the skin after application and forms a kind of film that has anti-inflammatory and regenerating properties. The effect of shea butter does not last long, but it can be used for for long years without risk to health.
Shea butter during pregnancy
The product is approved for use by pregnant women. effective as a skin care product. In addition, it is used to prevent the formation of stretch marks. Apply to the skin of the abdomen not only in liquid, but also thick form in small layers. You can rub in a little to moisturize and deeply soften the surface.
Despite the absence of serious adverse reactions, it is better not to use the product to moisturize the nipples and prevent the formation of cracks.
Shea butter for children
Shea butter has been used in children since birth. Any diaper rash or irritation can be treated with a small amount of the product. After 3-4 daily procedures, the baby quickly recovers.
Oil can be added to diaper creams to reduce irritation and enhance emollient properties. After such procedures, the child sleeps more soundly at night.
Where is shea essential oil useful?
Shea essential oil is also used in cosmetology and folk medicine. A few drops of it are added to shampoos and creams to enhance the activity of other components in the composition of the products. In addition, aromatherapy with shea essential oil is effectively used to rejuvenate the body and fight persistent colds. When inhaling the vapors of shea essential oil, local bronchopulmonary protection is activated, which promotes speedy recovery after respiratory illnesses.
Thus, shea butter has many beneficial properties. Shea butter is effectively used in cosmetology; it is used in the food industry, as well as in folk medicine. In the vast majority of cases, using the product is completely safe. However, sensitive people should consult a specialist before using shea butter for the first time.
One of the most valuable and useful plants is the shea tree (karite), from which rare and expensive essential oils are extracted. Shea butter is most often used for the face, as the product can effectively affect the skin, nourishing it with essential substances and vitamins.
The tree grows exclusively in Central Africa, and extract from the seeds of shea fruits has long been used by humanity in medicine, aromatherapy and cosmetology.
Characteristics of etherol
Shea butter is a solid light brown or creamy mass that melts easily when heated, especially when in contact with the skin.
Shea butter contains many useful acids: oleic, palmitic, arachidic, linoleic, stearic and many others. These substances give the product excellent anti-aging properties. Products with shea essential oil are rich in vitamins A, E and D, which protect the face from premature aging and restore smooth skin healthy color.
In cosmetology, unrefined oil is used, since its use is especially beneficial for the dermis.
Effect of the product on the dermis
Despite its dense structure, shea butter is quickly absorbed into the epidermis and nourishes cells from the inside.
Indications for use:
- Dry dermis.
A large amount of vitamins and fatty acids makes the use of the product indispensable for dry and flaky skin. Shea essential oil perfectly moisturizes tired and weakened epidermis, preventing its thinning and dehydration. Shea butter is capable of short time even out skin tone, returning your face a beautiful, healthy color. Its use is also indicated to protect dry skin from ultraviolet rays, causing enormous harm to thin integuments.
- Fading dermis.
Shea butter is very useful at the first signs of skin aging and the appearance of facial wrinkles. Regenerating and toning properties have a beneficial effect on the mature dermis, saturating it with nutrients and preventing premature aging. Consumer reviews confirm that regular use of shea butter allows the face to maintain beauty and youth for a long time.
- Aging epidermis and wrinkles.
Shea butter is a powerful tool in cosmetology to combat existing wrinkles and prevent their occurrence. Regenerative properties help cells produce collagen, which promotes smoothing and tightening skin. Using the product in old age has a positive effect on the overall condition of the skin, improving its color and evening out its structure. Shea butter has strong anti-aging properties that effectively affect sagging dermis - it becomes elastic, firm and well-groomed.
Using the remedy for treatment
Cosmetics containing shea butter extract prevent the formation of acne and pimples. The product helps to quickly eliminate inflammation from rashes and burns, heal wounds and cuts. Also, with the help of products with shea extract, troubles such as psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis are treated. Use in its pure form will not only not cause harm to the painful epidermis, but, on the contrary, will heal and soothe irritated skin.
The unique properties of the extract help the etherol to have a gentle effect on the dermis, making the product unable to harm such sensitive areas of the face as the lips and the area around the eyes. Shea butter is used to care for them in its pure form, and is also added to cosmetics.
Popular home recipes
Before use, the shea butter extract is heated in a water bath until it acquires a liquid structure. This way, shea extract is absorbed faster and mixes more easily with other ingredients.
Most oil formulations with the addition of the product are used warm.
Shea extract can be safely used in its pure form. The etherol will not cause harm to the skin, as it does not contain potent components.
To treat diseases and rashes, as well as to get rid of wrinkles, shea butter is applied to the face with light patting movements and left overnight. If it is necessary to protect the epidermis from harmful sun rays, apply the product for half an hour before going outside. The remaining shea extract is blotted with a napkin.
To prepare a softening balm for sensitive skin lips, you need to melt half a teaspoon of wax and pour the same amount of shea butter into it. Add 1/3 tsp to the mixture. honey and 2 drops each of mint, cinnamon and lemon balm esters. The well mixed product is stored in a glass container. Indicated for cracked lips and chapped lips.
All creams and masks prepared for future use can be stored in the refrigerator. This only applies to oil creams, without adding perishable ingredients.
Softening and nourishing mask for dry skin is prepared from crushed banana, shea butter, wheat germ and honey. All products are mixed and applied to a previously cleansed face. Leave for 20 minutes.
For aging and dry skin, a cream of 2 tsp is suitable. melted shea extract and 4 tsp. almond etherol. For increased sensitivity of the dermis, add 2 drops of chamomile ether to the mixture.
An anti-acne mask with shea butter is prepared by mixing 100 ml of shea extract with walnut oil and honey - 1 tbsp each. l. Also add 1 ml to the mass salicylic acid. Leave for 20 minutes.
Attention:
The product should not be applied to the area around the eyes.
A nourishing composition for aging skin is prepared by mixing shea and macadamia extracts - 2 tsp each, to which jojoba and avocado oils are added - 1 tsp each. The mass, heated in a water bath, is cooled and enriched with rosewood and rosemary esters - 2 drops each. This mixture has strong tightening properties, as evidenced by numerous reviews from women on forums.
The properties of the product are noticeably enhanced when combined with other essential oils. The following composition can be used as a balm for daily use: 1 tbsp. l. shea butter, geranium, ylang-ylang, lemon esters - 2 drops each, tamanu oil - 1 tsp. Numerous reviews indicate miraculous properties this mixture. The dermis is aligned, becomes elastic and radiant.
As a weekly anti-wrinkle course, use a mixture of 3 tbsp. l. shea extract, 1 tbsp. l. coconut essential oil, 1 tsp. starch (preferably corn) and 2 capsules of tocopherol. To the resulting mass add 4 drops of calendula ether and 2 drops of orange and lavender. The mask is applied for 20 minutes once a day.
Contraindications
Shea extract should not be used by people with individual intolerance to its components, as well as by those who have allergic reactions skins for nuts.
In this article we discuss shea butter for skin. We talk about its benefits, application, and recipes for body masks. You will learn what contraindications exist for using the product.
Shea butter (karite) is obtained from the fruits of the tree of the same name. It has a nutty-coconut aroma and is similar in color to ghee.
There are 2 types of oil: refined and unrefined. The unrefined product contains maximum amount useful substances, since during the manufacturing process it does not go through an additional cleaning procedure and does not lose its properties. It contains vegetable fats.
The product has the following effects:
- softens rough skin;
- protects against negative impact environment and ultraviolet rays;
- smoothes out shallow wrinkles;
- heals microcracks and small wounds;
- reduces the severity of stretch marks;
- nourishes and moisturizes the skin;
- eliminates diaper rash on baby skin;
- eliminates psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis;
- eliminates minor inflammations.
Using shea butter for skin
Shea butter can be used in its pure form or added to homemade cosmetics for body skin care. The product must be slightly warmed in a water bath before use.
When using the product in its pure form, just take Not a large number of product, then rub it into the skin of the body with massaging movements. After just a few days of regular use, you will notice that your skin has become more elastic, elastic, moisturized, and soft. At the same time, the product does not leave a greasy film after application.
When creating homemade body masks, you can add olive, almond, grape oils to the main ingredient, lemon juice, avocado pulp, oatmeal.
Whipped shea butter can be used as a lip balm to prevent chapping.
Using the product together with coffee scrub, crushed rice, sea salt or oatmeal will help cope with cellulite.
To moisturize dry and irritated dermis, use a mask with honey.
To rejuvenate and increase skin elasticity, use a herbal product with dark chocolate.
Add shea butter to your regular body lotion. This procedure will avoid the feeling of tightness and irritation after a shower.
Shea butter can be used during pregnancy for stretch marks. It does not have a negative effect on the pregnant woman’s body and is safe for the child.
Body Recipes with Shea Butter
Below are recipes for body masks based on shea butter.
Body cream
Ingredients:
- Almond oil - 40 g.
- Shea butter - 40 g.
- Aloe juice - 1 tbsp.
- Lavender and chamomile extracts - 2 drops each.
How to cook: Heat the shea butter in a water bath, add the remaining ingredients to it. Stir to obtain a homogeneous mixture. Wait for the cream to cool, then place it in the refrigerator.
How to use: Apply the product to clean skin after shower.
Result: Restoration and hydration of dry dermis.
Heel cream
Ingredients:
- Coconut oil - 2.5 tbsp.
- Calendula (powder) - 40 g.
- Marshmallow root (powder) - 40 g.
- Shea butter - 0.15 kg.
- Peppermint and lavender essential oil - 8 drops each.
How to cook: Heat coconut and shea butter in a double boiler. Add calendula, marshmallow root, mix, cover the mixture with a warm towel. After 15 minutes, strain the product, beat with a mixer, pour in the ethers, mix again.
How to use: Before going to bed, lubricate your heels with cream and put on warm socks.
Result: Softening rough skin.
For aging skin
Ingredients:
- Shea butter - 20 g.
- Jojoba and avocado oils - 5 ml each.
- Rosewood and rosemary ether - 2 drops each.
How to cook: Melt the main component in a water bath, add the remaining ingredients to it. Mix the composition.
How to use: Apply the cream to a clean body after a bath. Store it in the refrigerator.
Result: Increasing tone, nutrition and hydration of the skin.
For stretch marks
Ingredients: shea butter - 40 g.
How to cook: Melt the product in the microwave.
How to use: Apply the product to your thighs, abdomen and chest using massaging movements every day.
Result: Prevention and elimination of stretch marks.
Shea butter for hands
Shea butter has a beneficial effect on the skin of the hands.
It nourishes, moisturizes, and gives elasticity to the dermis. In the cold season, the product protects against chapping and low temperatures.
How to use
Shea butter for hand skin care can be used in its pure form or as part of home-made cosmetics.
During the cold season, apply a small amount of oil to your hands before going outside. In the warm season, make various creams based on this product.
Hand cream with shea butter
Below are recipes for creams that can improve the condition of your hand skin.
For hydration
Ingredients:
- Shea butter - 80 g.
- Camellia oil - 40 g.
- Tangerine essential oil - 5 drops.
How to cook: Mix the oils and melt them until the consistency becomes liquid. Add ether, stir, cool. Transfer the cooled cream into a glass container and then place it in the refrigerator.
How to use: Lubricate your hands with the prepared mixture every day.
Result:
To make the skin of your hands soft and velvety
Ingredients:
- Shea butter (unrefined) - 60 g.
- Cocoa powder - 5 g.
- Neroli, jojoba, chamomile essential oils - 3 drops each.
How to cook: Melt the main component, add cocoa to it, stir. Pour in the ethers and stir well. Cool and transfer the mixture into a glass container, then place it in the refrigerator.
How to use: Apply cream to your hands every day.
Result: Gives velvety and softness to the skin of your hands.
For dry hands
Ingredients:
- Shea butter and walnut butter - 5 ml each.
- Honey - 5 g.
How to cook: Heat the oils in a water bath and stir. Add honey and stir well again.
How to use: Apply the resulting product to your hands with massage movements. After a quarter of an hour, rinse off the composition with warm water. Perform the procedure daily for best results.
Result: Nourishes and moisturizes the skin of the hands.
Shea butter for massage
Shea butter is often used as a base product for therapeutic and preventive massage. Depending on the purpose of the massage, ethers are also used:
- grapefruit - fights fat, eliminates cellulite, strengthens immune system adults and children;
- geranium - smoothes the skin;
- tangerine (orange) - accelerates blood circulation, increases skin elasticity;
- juniper - removes harmful substances, increases skin firmness and elasticity.
Recipe for anti-cellulite massage
Ingredients:
- Shea butter - 100 ml.
- Tangerine and geranium essential oil - 2 drops each.
How to cook: Melt the main component, add other ingredients to it.
How to use: Do an anti-cellulite massage using the product.
Result: Eliminating “orange peel”
Contraindications
The natural product has no contraindications, with the exception of individual intolerance. It is safe for adults and child's body, the product is used to eliminate diaper rash in newborns.
Where can I buy
Buy natural product You can go to a pharmacy or specialized stores that supply and distribute cosmetics, for example “Planet Organika” and “Spivak”. From these manufacturers you can also purchase finished products with shea butter.
The average price for the product is 300 rubles per 100 g unrefined oil, and 150 rubles per 100 g of refined.
Each modern woman knows that she is beautiful, gentle and velvety skin faces are not only a gift of nature, but also the result of constant care, complex and painstaking work. You can take care of your skin different ways: some prefer professional procedures carried out under the supervision of specialists, while others enjoy using natural means, which have not lost their relevance for a long time. One of these products is shea butter (karite), which, despite its exotic origin, is widely used in home cosmetology. The popularity of this product lies in the fact that it has virtually no contraindications for use (except for individual intolerance) and is suitable for any skin type.
Shea butter for the face is an indispensable remedy that allows you to prolong the youth of the skin, restore its firmness and elasticity, smooth out wrinkles, and also alleviate the symptoms of various dermatological diseases - eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. In addition, shea butter has a wound-healing effect and successfully fights acne and protects the skin from ultraviolet exposure. IN for cosmetic purposes This product is used both in its pure form and as one of the components of homemade masks, creams and lotions for the face, lips and delicate skin around the eyes.
Composition and beneficial properties of shea butter
Shea butter is a vegetable fat extracted from the pulp of the seeds of the plant of the same name, which is native to West Africa. At room temperature, this product retains a solid consistency, and when heated above 30 degrees it turns into an oily liquid. Natural oil shea has a pleasant, subtle aroma reminiscent of hazelnuts. The color of the product depends on the manufacturing method; it can be greenish, cream, gray-yellow or white.
The pure white color of the extract indicates that it was obtained by industrial compression using the hydrocarbon hexane. The disadvantage of this oil is that it loses a significant part of its beneficial properties during processing. But the price of such products is an order of magnitude lower than the cost of an organic (handmade) extract.
In addition, shea butter can be refined (having undergone additional processing) and unrefined (unrefined). To prepare homemade cosmetics, it is preferable to use the second option. You can distinguish it from the first one by its pronounced nutty aroma (the refined product has virtually no odor) and by the “Virgin” inscription on the packaging.
The fruits of the shea tree contain a large amount of fatty acids (oleic, linoleic, stearic and others), which have antioxidant properties and help fight age-related changes, restore collagen synthesis, moisturize and soften the skin. Part healing oil, obtained by processing the seeds of the shea tree, contains vitamins of several groups, including tocopherol and retinol, called “beauty vitamins,” as well as unsaponifiable substances (fats) that act as a UV filter - they activate the protective functions of the epidermis and improve the process tissue regeneration.
The benefit of shea butter for the face is that it has a complex effect on the skin:
- restores lipid metabolism in cells;
- resists the action of free radicals;
- deeply nourishes and moisturizes the skin;
- softens and relieves fatigue;
- smoothes out small wrinkles;
- eliminates irritation and peeling;
- neutralizes the effects of ultraviolet radiation;
- provides an anti-inflammatory effect;
- lightens pigmentation;
- restores skin barrier functions;
- activates cellular respiration;
- improves complexion.
In addition, shea butter has good transport properties: it is able to penetrate into the deep layers of the epidermis and enhance the effect of accompanying components, which easily bind to the main substance and are just as quickly released from it when it comes into contact with the skin. That is why shea butter is ideal for preparing multi-component masks and nourishing creams.
Shea butter is one of the most common components of caring (including anti-aging), as well as sunscreen cosmetics, intended for face and body skin. Like any other cosmetic oil, shea butter is usually well tolerated by the skin in its pure form. This product is also convenient to combine with various components - vegetables, fruits, herbs, honey and dairy products, selecting accompanying ingredients depending on skin type and desired result. The technique of using shea butter does not differ significantly from the use of other solid oils:
- Before preparing the mask, shea butter should be melted in a water bath (over low heat) until liquid. When using shea butter as an independent remedy, just hold the aromatic bar in your palms so that it slightly melts.
- Liquid oil must be used immediately, otherwise it will harden and mixing it with other ingredients will be difficult. It is recommended to mix the components of the mask with a blender to prevent the formation of lumps.
- It is advisable to lightly steam the facial skin before the procedure, using for these purposes steam bath or a moderately hot towel. In addition, it is recommended to additionally cleanse the skin with a scrub.
- You need to apply masks with shea butter on your face with light circular movements, strictly according to massage lines. When using pure shea butter, you can also treat the skin around the eyes and the surface of the lips.
- The duration of action of the masks ranges from 20 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the composition and purpose of the product.
- It is better to remove cosmetic mixtures with a cotton pad or soft cloth soaked in warm water or milk. After that, your face should be rinsed with running water without soap and gently blotted with a towel without rubbing.
Ways to use shea butter in home cosmetology
At home, you can use shea butter in different ways, for example, apply it to your face in its pure form, without mixing it with other ingredients. To do this, you need to melt the product in a water bath or simply rub a small piece of oil over your face, which will gradually melt upon contact with the skin. Shea butter can be used in this way at any time of the year: in winter, spring and autumn - to protect the skin from exposure to low temperatures and wind, and in summer - to protect the face from sun rays. There is no need to wash off the oil; excess can be removed with a soft cloth.
In addition, you can mix melted shea butter with other cosmetic oils and wipe your face, neck and décolleté with the resulting solution. Such products perform several functions at once - moisturize, soften and nourish the skin, and also help fight age-related changes. Oil mixtures should be applied for 20–30 minutes and then rinsed off with warm water.
Shea butter can also be included in homemade creams, lotions and face masks, the recipes for which are presented below.
Homemade face creams with shea butter
Beeswax based moisturizer
This cream moisturizes the skin, protects it from external influences, gives it firmness and elasticity. This product should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than two weeks.
- 50 g shea butter;
- 30 g beeswax;
- 30 ml cinnamon tincture;
- 5 drops of sandalwood oil;
- 10 ml avocado oil (unrefined);
- 15 ml orange juice.
Cooking method:
- Melt the wax and shea butter in a water bath.
- Add the remaining ingredients, mix and transfer the finished cream into a dry glass jar. Use this product for daily care for the skin.
Night nourishing cream with aloe and rose water
This product nourishes the skin and also has a noticeable rejuvenating effect. The almond oil specified in the recipe can be replaced with peach or olive oil.
- 30 ml rose water;
- 50 g shea butter;
- 50 ml almond oil;
- 2–3 capsules of vitamin E;
- 5 g lecithin;
- 30 g beeswax;
- 15 g aloe vera gel;
- 5 drops each essential oils chamomile and tangerine.
Cooking method:
- Mix in a separate container rose water and aloe gel.
- Place the wax and shea butter in another container and melt them using a water bath.
- Add almond oil, vitamin E to the wax (the capsules need to be pierced with a needle and squeeze out the contents), lecithin and, without stopping stirring the mixture, carefully pour in rose water with aloe and essential oils.
- Remove the container from the water bath and continue stirring the mixture until it cools completely. The prepared cream should be stored in the refrigerator in a tightly closed container, using as needed.
Cream lotion for any skin type
This product is recommended for use during the cold season, when the skin is especially susceptible to dryness and flaking caused by adverse weather conditions. Cream lotion provides the skin with protection from negative factors, softens rough areas, eliminates itching and flaking.
- 50 g shea butter;
- 30 ml coconut oil;
- 30 ml grape seed oil.
Cooking method:
- Place all the oils in one container and heat in a water bath, making sure that the mixture does not have time to boil.
- Cool the resulting mass slightly (it should harden slightly) and beat it with a mixer. The result is a light, airy substance, ready for use.
Face masks with shea butter
Purifying mask with lemon zest for oily skin
This product gently cleanses the skin, tightens enlarged pores and eliminates oily shine.
- peel of one lemon;
- 1 raw egg;
- 30 g shea butter;
- 5-7 drops of walnut oil.
Preparation and use:
- Grind the lemon peel in a blender.
- Add the pre-beaten egg, melted shea butter and walnut butter.
- Mix everything and apply with massaging movements to the skin of the face.
- After 30 minutes, rinse off the lemon mask with warm water.
Nourishing mask with linseed oil and honey for dry skin
This mask is great for dry, rough, flaky skin. With regular use of this product, you can restore elasticity to the skin, smooth out fine wrinkles and improve complexion.
- 1 egg yolk;
- 30 g shea butter;
- 30 ml linseed oil;
- 30 g honey.
Preparation and use:
- Mix linseed oil with honey and shea butter melted in a water bath.
- Add the beaten yolk and mash the mixture until smooth.
- Apply the warm mixture to your face and leave for 20 minutes.
- Wash off the mask as usual.
Shea butter is a universal product that can replace several cosmetic products at once, because it can be used not only for the face, but also for hands and even hair. Perhaps the only drawback of the healing oil is that it contains natural latex, which can provoke allergic reactions in people sensitive to this component. But unpleasant consequences can be easily avoided if you first test the prepared mixtures for individual tolerance.
Shea nut wood. Africans consider it the tree of life, since the fruit contains a rich complex of vitamins and acids necessary for every body.
In the preparation of soap, medicines, food purposes. The resulting oil retains its density up to 42 degrees Celsius, and then begins to melt, which is why shea is well absorbed into the skin and does not leave greasy marks or streaks.
Shea butter is actively used in cosmetology and is popular. By the shade you can determine what method was used to manufacture it. This is usually cold pressing, which ensures the preservation of most of the useful components.
The composition obtained chemically loses about 60% of vitamins. Shea butter looks different. We need to focus on grey colour– the result of cold pressing, white shade– a sign of refining of shea seeds.
Properties of shea butter
The composition of nut tree seeds includes a complex of fatty acids and vitamins, each of which has valuable properties:
- Oleic, palmitic and linoleic acids protect the skin structure from the negative effects of the external environment. They dry skin and saturate cells with essential microelements.
- Vitamins A, E and F are aimed at accelerating cell regeneration. Rejuvenation occurs due to the production of collagen and complete hydration. In addition, the pores of the face are cleansed, and the cells are freed from harmful substances.
- Shea butter is effective on abrasions and cracks, tightening wounds.
- Increases elasticity and smoothes out fine wrinkles.
- Anti-inflammatory effect, reduction of swelling.
Indications for use
Healing oil is relevant in many areas: from nutrition to the treatment of chronic diseases. Shea butter for the face is popular in many countries. The main component is also used for hair restoration, strengthening joints and other purposes:
- Increased dryness of facial skin.
- Mimic and small senile wrinkles.
- Skin laxity, loss of elasticity caused by aging and frequent exposure to sunlight.
- Harsh climate and weather changes that negatively affect the condition of the face.
- Dark circles, bags under the eyes.
- Dryness and peeling of lips.
- Dull and brittle hair.
- Sore joints.
- Skin stretch marks, swelling.
- Burns are not severe.
For each case, a specific composition is prepared. It is important to correctly correlate the components of a cosmetic product to ensure maximum results.
Healing formulations based on shea butter
Compared to others cosmetics Shea butter can be used undiluted. It does not have a strong effect and is not capable of causing a negative reaction. Thanks to the convenient consistency of the oil, you can easily and quickly prepare the desired composition at home.
Almost all additional components of shea butter masks can be obtained in a store or pharmacy. If the oil is mixed with other identical compounds, it is advisable to heat it in a water bath. The most popular are moisturizing, nourishing and rejuvenating face masks.
Moisturizing mask
To moisturize the skin and give it healthy shine, you need to prepare a mask from the following components:
- shea butter – 1 tsp;
- olive and almond oils – 1 tsp each;
- creamy yogurt – 1 tsp;
- vitamin E capsules – 1 pc.
When applying the mask to your face, you must take a horizontal position, since the resulting mixture is too liquid. You can make it thicker by adding a teaspoon of clay or oatmeal, ground into powder.
This mass should be kept for at least 20 minutes and then washed off. As a result, the skin will noticeably transform, become silky and healthy. The moisturizing mask should be used 2 times a week.
For dry skin
The use of shea butter on the face is especially popular for dull skin. Loss of elasticity worsens appearance, so you need to restore skin elasticity and tone it in time. To do this, you need to use crushed lemon peel, flour, egg yolk, shea butter and walnut butter (1 tsp each).
This mixture must be thoroughly stirred in a glass container and covered with plastic wrap. After half an hour, apply the composition to the entire surface of the face for the same amount of time. This mask can be used every other day for proper nutrition and healthy facial skin.
Protective mask
The protective composition is applied during severe frosts or, conversely, heat. For this recipe you will need more serious components:
- Beeswax – 2 tsp.
- Shea butter – 3 tbsp.
- Lecithin – 1 tsp.
- Avocado oil – 6 tbsp.
- Zinc oxide – 2 tbsp.
- Vitamin E capsules – 1 pc.
Both types of oils must first be heated. This procedure is carried out only in a water bath; using a microwave is not recommended. Add wax to the melted butter and then the rest of the ingredients.
The entire mass must be thoroughly mixed to form a homogeneous mixture. The resulting cream should be stored in the refrigerator and applied in a thin layer before going outside. It is advisable to do this 10-15 minutes before leaving.
For sensitive skin
This skin type is most susceptible to harmful environmental influences, climate change, and UV rays. That is why it needs to be protected and toned in every possible way. Thanks to a mass of valuable components, shea strengthens the skin structure and increases its stability.
To prepare the mask, you need to mix 1 tbsp. shea butter and 2 tbsp. almond oil. To enhance the strengthening effect, add 3 drops of lavender and chamomile oils to the resulting mixture. The result is a high-quality safe mask that must be applied morning and evening instead of nourishing cream for face.
Rejuvenating mask
The first signs of aging can be easily eliminated with a traditional recipe of shea butter and jojoba. These two components are found in many anti-aging masks and are the main ingredients. This mixture can be used as a daily morning cream. It is prepared simply:
- Shea butter, avocado, macadamia and jojoba in an amount of 1.5 tsp. Mix each and lightly heat in a water bath. To add an extraordinary aroma, add 3 drops of rosewood and rosemary.
- The mask can be stored for no longer than 2 weeks and only in the refrigerator.
Revitalizing mask
There is nothing better for caring for the skin of the face and body than shea butter. It not only has beneficial properties, but also allows other microelements to penetrate the skin cells almost unhindered. Thus, even the deepest layers of the skin are saturated with essential vitamins and minerals.
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A regenerating mask tones the skin, making it firmer and fresher. To prepare, you need to mix 1 tsp. shea butter, honey, aloe juice and 1 protein. It is advisable to apply this composition after cleansing your face with a scrub.
After 25-30 minutes, the mask can be washed off. After the procedure, the face does not need to be treated with tonic or cream, since the composition used is already filled with all the necessary components.
