Great Skin Care: The Properties of Shea Butter

Posted by Tree Hut in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX on Jul 31, 2011

 Learn about the properties of shea butter that promote skin care.

If you've ever used any sort of shea butter lotion, you know the luxurious feeling of the butter. This smooth cream is made from special trees found only in sub-Sahara Africa. The benefits have already been recognized for generations by the indigenous people. They have used the butter for cooking and healing.

What are the properties that makes shea so appealing?
Shea contains the following properties that support skin beauty:
  • Fatty Acids - When you apply the butter onto your skin, it should melt and absorb quickly into your skin, without a greasy feeling afterward. This is because it contains a high volume of fatty acids, which is essential for the skin to retain moisture and promote skin elasticity.
  • Cinnamic Acid - Cinnamic acid is a key component in sunscreens. The natural cinnamic acid found in Shea help protect the skin from harmful UV rays.
  • Vitamins - Shea butter naturally contains vitamins A, E and F. These vitamins have been known to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.

What else can Shea do?

Shea can also be used in hair care products. It is actually used in many anti-dandruff shampoos because of its rich moisturizing properties. For pregnant women, shea butter can also prevent and diminish the appearance of stretch marks. Moisturizing the skin helps boost the elasticity of skin, so you are less likely to have stretch marks. They have also been used to heal burns and itches with the anti-inflammatory properties of its natural vitamins.


What kind of Shea is the best?
Shea comes in two types: unrefined and refined. The unrefined retains more of their natural components, but have an odor that many find unpleasant. Refined is less unpleasant to the nose, but because they are refined, they contain more chemicals. When you are searching for a good lotion, be sure to look for a Certified Organic label like Tree Hut's Shea Extra-Rich lotions that are filled with many natural vitamins.

Learn more about the properties of organic Shea at Tree Hut.