How to use Shea Butter for Skin and Hair?

Shea butter is a natural lipid which is extracted from the kernels of the shea tree. It contains triglycerides that nourish and condition skin, and a fatty acid composition of oleic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid and palmitic acid that balances oil on the skin while promoting healthy cell growth and cell repair.

Shea trees are abundantly grown from West to East Africa, and the butter extracted from shea nuts is also called ‘Women’s Gold’ by the locals, not only because of its yellow color, but also because it gives employment to millions of women in Africa.

Benefits of Using Shea Butter on Skin

• It moisturizes dry skin
  Shea butter retains moisture in the skin and strengthens its protective barrier. The top most layers of our skin contain fats called ceramides. According to a study, a moisturizer made with shea butter has the same efficacy on skin as a ceramide-precursor product.
• It reduces stretch marks
  Research states that formulations containing a blend of fats such as shea butter, cocoa butter, olive oil and sweet almond oil have been successfully proven to lighten stretch marks, repair and strengthen dermal barrier and promote collagen synthesis in the skin.
• It promotes cell repair
  Shea butter is abundant in triterpenes which promote collagen synthesis, scar healing and tissue repair. They also speed up wound closure.
• It is anti-inflammatory
  Shea butter contains a high percentage of unsaponifiable compounds like triterpenes, tocopherol and phenols that exhibit powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties when used on sensitive skin.
  Moisturizers containing shea butter have been clinically proven to reduce atopic dermatitis and eczema in adults as well as kids.
• It provides added sun protection
  Recent studies indicate that sunscreens formulated using shea butter have not only shown better photostability, but also increased sun protection factor (SPF) values.

Other Benefits of Shea Butter

• It nourishes dry scalp
  Shea butter penetrates into your scalp and moisturizes it deeply while reducing flakiness, irritation and inflammation.

• It conditions hair strands
  Shea butter nourishes hair strands and hair ends intensely while preventing hair breakage and frizz.

• It reduces muscle soreness
  The anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties of shea butter provide relief in aches and pains while reducing muscle soreness and cramping.

• It soothes insect bites
  Indigenous people of Africa use shea butter as moisturizer not only for its skin repairing properties, but also because its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory benefits provide relief on areas of the skin affected by bug bites and itchiness.

How to Use Shea Butter?

• Shea butter as Moisturizer
  Organic shea butter can be used directly as a moisturizer for nourishing dry skin on your body, or a blend of shea butter, natural plant oils and aromatic essential oils can be used for added benefits.

• Shea butter for Stretch Marks
  According to a study, body moisturizers containing shea butter and cocoa butter are capable of reducing the appearance of new stretch marks to a great extent, when used consistently for a long period of time.

• Shea Butter for Hair Care
  Juicy Chemistry hair masks, shampoos and conditioners made with organic shea butter condition hair, nourish dry scalp, repair dry hair ends, and cleanse hair gently while leaving it moisturized and frizz-free.

Juicy Chemistry Body Care Products that are Made with Shea Butter

Cold-processed Soaps –

Our natural, handmade and organic soaps are made with nourishing plant butters, aromatic essential oils and fresh plant extracts by using the cold-process method of saponification. They cleanse gently and leave your skin soft and moisturized.

• Carrot, Rosehip and Neroli Organic Soap
  It is made with Rosehip Seed Oil, Carrot extract and Carrot Seed Essential Oil to reduce scarring and pigmentation, and Mango Butter and Shea Butter for stretch marks reduction.
• Australian Sandalwood, Hemp and Charcoal Organic Soap
  It is made with Hemp Seed Oil and Sandalwood Essential Oil to soothe inflammation, and Shea Butter and Coconut Oil for moisturizing skin and creating a gentle and bubbly lather.

Organic Body Butters –

Our natural body butters are made using organic nut butters and potent essential oils to moisturize skin, stimulate blood flow, accelerate skin repair and enhance barrier protection.

• Neroli, Rosehip and Tamanu Organic Body Butter
  It is made with Rosehip Seed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil and Vitamin E to reduce scarring and pigmentation, and Cocoa Butter and Shea Butter for stretch marks reduction.
• Jasmine, Lemon and Tea Organic Body Butter
  It is made with Camellia Tea extract and Cocoa Butter to soothe inflammation, and Shea Butter, Mango Seed Butter and Olive Oil for moisturizing skin and enhancing moisture retention.

• Grapefruit and Patchouli Deodorant Stick
  It is made with Coconut Oil, Shea Butter and Beeswax to nourish underarm skin, Tapioca Starch and Kaolin to control sweat, and Sodium Bicarbonate and Grapefruit Essential Oil to eliminate odor and provide freshness.
• Damask Rose, Sea Buckthorn and Jasmine Deodorant Stick
  It is made with Sea buckthorn Oil, Shea Butter and Beeswax to moisturize and improve the skin tone on underarms, Tapioca Starch and Kaolin to control sweat, and Sodium Bicarbonate and Rose Essential Oil to eliminate odor and stimulate blood circulation on underarm skin.

Natural Sun Care –

• Camellia and Red Raspberry Certified Natural Sunscreen
  Our natural sunscreen is cosmos certified and reef-safe. It is a water-resistant formula made with 25% zinc oxide to provide broad spectrum UV protection to your skin, and Organic Shea Butter and Red Raspberry Seed Oil for added sun protection and moisturizing properties.

NOTES

• At Juicy Chemistry, we use freshly harvested ingredients that are sourced ethically and sustainably from organic farms. And all of our ingredients are derived naturally.

• Every ingredient performs differently on different skin types. So remember to patch test every new product or remedy on a small portion of your inner arm before using it on any other body part. If you see redness or signs of irritation, discontinue using that product.

REFERENCES

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5933397/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5057295/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32385930/