Winter is here, and your skin might have a few choice words to share with you. Dehydration, flaky skin, ashy knees and elbows, cracked heels and the feeling that you just got out of the ocean, are all signs of skin that lacks moisture. Shea butter is a natural ingredient that can work wonders for your skin, in combatting the harsh effects of colder weather.
Understanding Shea Butter
Shea butter is derived from the nuts of the shea tree, native to Africa. It's not just any ordinary moisturiser; it's loaded with essential fatty acids and vitamins that nourish and hydrate the skin.
Here's a breakdown of some of the key components of shea butter:
- Emollient Properties: Shea butter helps seal moisture into the skin, preventing dryness and dehydration. This makes it particularly effective for winter skin.
- Rich in Fatty Acids: Shea butter is abundant in fatty acids such as Oleic acid (Omega-9), Stearic acid, Linoleic acid, and Palmitic acid. These fatty acids help maintain the skin's barrier function and help to lock in moisture, keeping your skin soft and supple.
- Vitamins: Shea butter contains vitamins A and E, both of which are powerful antioxidants known for their skin-nourishing properties. These vitamins help protect the skin from environmental damage and promote a healthy, radiant complexion.
Some things to consider
To select the type of shea butter you would benefit from using, refined or unrefined, can check out our in-depth analysis here.
Now that you're familiar with the incredible benefits of shea butter, why not whip up your own luxurious body butter at home? Here's a simple DIY recipe to get you started:
