iBreathe Blog : Shea Butter

Shea butter, also known as karite butter, is a cream-colored fatty substance made from the nuts of karite nut trees (also called Mangifolia trees) that grow in the savannah regions of West and Central Africa. Karite trees, or shea trees, are not cultivated; they grow only in the wild, and can take up to 50 years to mature (they live up to 300 years!). Shea butter is a particularly effective moisturizer because contains so many fatty acids, which are needed to retain skin moisture and elasticity. The high fatty acid content of shea butter also makes it an excellent additive to soap, shampoos, anti-aging creams, cosmetics, lotions, and massage oils—their soft, butter-like texture melts readily into the skin.

Benefits of Shea Butter for Your Face and Skin -

Shea butter protects the skin from both environmental and free-radical damage. Shea butter contains vitamins A and E, and has demonstrated both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Shea butter locks the moisturizer in skin as hydrates face and body for long time.

Shea butter is considered as one of the best anti-aging agents for the skin by stimulates the production of collagen, the youthful scaffolding protein in the skin.

Recommends for Face and Skin

Do it yourself –

Shea Butter for Face Cleanse – 1 tbsp of raw honey, 3 to 4 drops of grape seed oil, 1 tbsp of pure shea butter. Mix well and spread out over your face. Leave the mask on for 10 to 12 minutes before gently cleansing your face with warm water and a soft washcloth for best results.

Shea Butter for Body Moisturizer – 1 cup raw shea butter, 1/2 cup Skin and Hair Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, 1/2 cup Moisturize Sweet Almond Oil. Melt the Skin and Hair Extra Virgin Coconut Oil and shea butter in a double boiler. Mix well and let it cool down for a couple of minutes. Add Moisturize Sweet Almond Oil and mix well. Place this in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. The oils should start to solidify a little. Once the natural solidification process has started, whip the oil blend using a hand mixer or a kitchen aid mixer until you get a thick, creamy consistency. Transfer this to an airtight container and keep it aside. Allow it to set. Use as and when required moisturizing the body. You can also add essential oils of your choice in the almond oil step.

Shea Butter for Lip Care - 2 tablespoons raw shea butter, 1 tablespoon beeswax, 1 tablespoon Skin and Hair Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, 6-7 drops Harmony Lavender Oil, 6-7 drops peppermint oil. Melt the shea butter, beeswax, and Skin and Hair Extra Virgin Coconut Oil in a double boiler. Let them cool down slightly and then add the essential oils. Mix thoroughly and pour the concoction into small jars or lip balm tins. Leave aside until the contents set. Use once or twice a day as a regular lip balm.

Benefits of Shea Butter for Your Hair -

Shea butter is non-greasy and so makes the perfect moisturiser for hair.
Dry, brittle and damaged hair can benefit from Shea butter.
Say goodbye to wild, frizzy hair. Shea butter will tame and make your wildly-flying tresses more manageable.
If you straighten or iron your hair regularly, use a little Shea butter to protect your hair against heat damage.

Do it yourself –

Shea Butter for Dandruff - Take a dollop of Shea butter in one hand. After it melts, use the fingers of the other hand to massage it bit by bit into your scalp. Do this 2-3 times a week to eliminate dandruff.

Shea Butter for Hair Nourish - Mix Shea butter with a carrier oil, like olive or coconut oil. Apply this Shea butter hair mask to your tresses. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Wash it out with a nourishing shampoo like Hair Renew Rice Protein and Aloe Vera Shampoo and Hair Nourish Rice Protein and Aloe Vera Conditioner.

Shea Butter to Protect Hair against Heat Damage - You can use the butter directly or add grapeseed/ Hydrate Avocado Oil, both of which have a high smoke point. Apply it to small areas as you blow dry or straighten your hair.