What is Shea Butter?
Shea butter is a fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree. It is rich in vitamins A, E, and F, as well as fatty acids and antioxidants. Raw shea butter has a creamy, yellowish color and a nutty scent.
Benefits of Shea Butter
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Moisturizing: Shea butter is a highly effective moisturizer, providing long-lasting hydration to the skin and hair. It is especially beneficial for dry, itchy, or flaky skin, as well as for those with eczema or psoriasis.
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Anti-inflammatory: Shea butter contains cinnamic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness and swelling.
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Anti-aging: The high concentration of vitamins and antioxidants in shea butter can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as protect the skin from environmental stressors that can contribute to premature aging.
Misconceptions About Shea Butter
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Shea butter is only for black skin: While shea butter is a popular ingredient in many products marketed to people with black or African American skin, it is suitable for all skin types and can provide benefits to people of all ethnicities.
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Shea butter clogs pores: Shea butter is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores or cause acne. In fact, it can help balance oil production and reduce the appearance of acne scars.
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Shea butter is greasy: While shea butter is a rich, creamy texture, it absorbs easily into the skin and hair without leaving a greasy residue.
