Karite oil, or as it is also called, shea butter, has a number of wonderful properties. African peoples have long used plant oil to prevent skin diseases and give the skin a noticeable smoothness and elasticity.
Properties of shea butter
The oil is obtained by cold pressing. The finished substance has a white color with a cream tint and a nutty flavor. This oil is very dense, and it becomes liquid at a temperature that coincides with the temperature of the human body. Due to the content of fatty acids (stearic, oleic, palmitic) in combination with vitamins and non-dusty (not interacting with alkalis) fats, the substance is very in demand in modern cosmetology. Karite oil is an ideal tool for face and body care, since it has the following properties:
- ability to regenerate and protect the skin from the sun and unfavorable weather conditions;
- hypoallergenic qualities;
- anti-inflammatory action is aimed at getting rid of pimples and other skin formations, as well as removing swelling and inflammation in the joints, muscles;
- stimulating effect on the synthesis of collagen makes the oil an indispensable tool in caring for the fading skin.
A wide application in the cosmetic industry of shea butter is dictated by its property to penetrate deeply into the epidermis, while capturing and delivering into the deep layers of the skin the components of other substances. This quality is taken into account when developing recipes for creams with karite oil in the beauty industry. Shampoos and hair balms are also produced on the basis of shea butter, which perfectly nourish, restore the structure, give the hairstyle a well-groomed look and a healthy shine.
The use of shea butter in the home
Cosmetic karite oil can be used in home conditions in different versions. The easiest way to use it - put it on your face, like a mask, and, after half an hour, rinse with warm water. Also in its pure form, oil is used to heal cracks on the lips, soften rough and cracked skin on elbows and heels.
For toning, moisturizing and nourishing the skin, shea butter is recommended to be mixed with aromatic oils, for which it must first be dissolved in a water bath. We offer several recipes for home remedies, the regular use of which will help you achieve stunning results.
Mask for dry skin:
- Two tablespoons of mashed avocado (or banana pulp) mixed with a teaspoon of melted butter karite, jojoba oil and liquid honey.
- The ingredients should be mixed until a homogeneous mass is obtained.
- Apply the mixture to the face for 15 minutes.
Nourishing and toning mask:
- Dried lemon peel to grind in a coffee grinder to the state of flour.
- Mix one tablespoon of lemon flour and egg yolk.
- Keep in a closed container for 20 minutes.
- Add a teaspoon of karite and walnut oil.
- Apply to face mask after 20 minutes.
Cream for sensitive and fading skin:
- Two teaspoons of shea butter diluted in a water bath.
- Pour four teaspoons of almond oil , mixing thoroughly.
- In the cooled mixture add three drops of essential oils of lavender and chamomile.
The cream can be stored on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator for several weeks.
Hair Balm:
- In melted carite oil add 6-8 drops of the selected aromatic oil.
- The resulting product is applied over the entire length of the hair before washing the head.
- To the healing composition is better absorbed, it is recommended to wrap the hair with a hot towel for half an hour.