Pure Shea Butter Benefits

Shea butter is a fatty oil made from boiling and compressing the nuts of the African karite tree, also known as “The Tree of Life.” Shea butter has been recognized for thousands of years for its wide variety of healing properties and uses. Avoid purchasing refined shea butter, since it is highly processed, often with solvents and chemicals, and loses its effectiveness and nutritional value. Pure shea butter in its natural state is considered the highest quality, since it contains no harsh additives or chemicals and retains its full potency.

Softer Skin

• Shea Butter contains several natural moisturizers that are chemically similar to the moisturizers produced by the sebaceous glands in your skin, which help to repair damage and keep the skin hydrated. Massage pure shea butter into dry areas of your face and body several times each day for optimum moisturizing and skin-softening benefits.

Healthy Hair

• Shea butter is a natural emollient that improves hair elasticity, repairs split ends and moisturizes dry, damaged hair. Warm 1/4 cup of pure shea butter in a pan on your stove. Allow the shea butter to cool, and then massage it directly into your hair, making sure all the hairs are saturated with the shea butter down to their roots. Leave the shea butter in your hair for 30 minutes to help improve the overall condition of your hair and restore its vitality and shine. Repeat once or twice each week.

Promotes Healing

• The high levels of vitamin E, vitamin A and vitamin F in pure shea butter helps soothe and promote the healing of wounds, cuts, sunburns, insect bites and other skin injuries, according to the American Shea Butter Institute. Shea butter can also relieve the itching and inflammation associated with the skin condition, eczema. Rub a small amount of pure shea butter directly into your damaged skin before applying a clean bandage.

Anti-Aging Benefits

• The high levels of vitamin A, vitamin E and healthy fatty acids in pure shea butter have anti-aging properties that help fight fine lines and wrinkles, according to the website, Pioneer Thinking. Massage pure shea butter directly into your wrinkles and fine lines on your face every morning and night. After four to six weeks, you should begin to notice smoother, younger looking skin.