In West Africa Vitellaria grows amazing - a large spreading tree that fructifies for more than 100 years. A valuable oil is extracted from the seeds, which is called karite or shea. Its cosmetic properties have not yet been officially investigated, but women in different countries of the world actively use this product for skin care, nails and hair.
Shea Butter - Composition
The basis of the substance under consideration are triglycerides. They contain rare fatty acids, for which the shea butter is highly valued:
- oleic;
- stearic;
- linoleic;
- palmitic;
- linolenic.
Additionally, the product contains unsaponifiable compounds represented by fat-free fractions:
- tocopherols;
- phenols;
- triterpenes.
In a small amount, shea butter contains:
- hydrocarbons;
- steroids;
- terpene alcohols.
Shea Butter - Properties
Scientific studies of the described product and its effects on the human body have not yet been carried out. African women use shea butter for the preparation of ointments from skin diseases, healing of minor abrasions and wounds. Manufacturers of cosmetics claim that the presented product has the following properties:
- moisturizing and softening the skin;
- cell renewal;
- wrinkle smoothing;
- struggle with dryness and peeling;
- restoration of hair and nails;
- protection from ultraviolet radiation;
- increased elasticity of the epidermis;
- treatment of diaper rash;
- removal of inflammation after insect bites;
- relief of allergy symptoms.
Shea Butter for Hair
This product is recommended for use in the care of dry, split and dull curls. Shea butter (carite) restores the structure of dehydrated hair, gives them elasticity, lively shine and smoothness. This natural substance deeply nourishes the bulbs and protects the scalp from dryness, peeling and dandruff. With constant use, the strands stop peeling and splitting at the ends.
Especially useful is hair oil for hair, which often undergo staining or lightening, hot styling and perm. The product gently restores the damaged structure of the curls, makes them more dense and elastic, prevents disruption and loss. Oil helps keep the color bright and saturated, adds strands of healthy shine.
Other properties:
- prevention of alopecia ;
- treatment of head skin irritation;
- acceleration of hair growth;
- protection from sunlight and burnout;
- activating the "sleeping" follicles;
- strengthening of roots.
Shea Butter for Eyelashes
Hairs around the eyes spoil from frequent application of make-up and building procedures. Shea butter helps in a few weeks to completely restore the length and thickness of natural eyelashes, even after severe damage. It promotes nutrition, moistening and strengthening of bulbs, stimulates the growth of hair threads. The product is effective even after chemotherapy and irradiation, providing restoration of missing lines of eyelashes.
Cosmetic oil of shea for eyelids should be of high quality and degree of purification, without foreign admixtures. Such a substance has a white or cream color and a soft texture. The consistency of the product is similar to a light melted butter. When heated, the oil quickly melts, turning into a transparent thick liquid with a golden hue. It can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Shea butter for eyebrows
Thin "strings" over the eyes have long out of fashion. Modern women prefer thick, broad and natural eyebrows. For their growth, karite oil will suit - the properties of this product help to activate hair growth even in those areas where they were actively plucked for years. Daily application of the substance with a thin layer provides an increase in the length and thickness of the eyebrows for 2-4 months.
Available hairs can also be strengthened with shea butter. Due to the high concentration of fatty unsaturated acids, the product strengthens and nourishes the roots, prevents loss. In addition, oil restores eyebrows damaged by chemical paint and styling agents. It promotes healing of the skin after tattooing and microblasting.
Shea butter for face
The product in question is necessary for the care of dry, sensitive and fading skin. Regularly applying karite oil to the face, you can achieve such positive results:
- moisturizing and softening the skin;
- disappearance of peeling and microcracks;
- reduction of inflammatory processes;
- smoothing and preventing the appearance of fine wrinkles;
- elimination of redness, irritation and allergy;
- smoothing the complexion;
- increased skin turgor ;
- lightening of pigment spots and post-acne.
It is useful to use shea butter for lips daily instead of hygienic lipstick or balm. This natural product moisturizes and softens the skin immediately after application, promotes healing of cracks, elimination of peeling and hard crusts. In summer, it protects sensitive epidermis on the lips from exposure to ultraviolet rays, and in winter - from cold wind and frost.
Shea Butter for Body
The described product successfully replaces the caring milk or cream. Cosmetic karite oil for the skin produces the following effects:
- softening of coarse zones (heels, elbows, palms);
- healing of scratches, small wounds;
- moisturizing and nourishment;
- prevention of ingrown hair after hair removal and depilation;
- removal of inflammation;
- relief of allergic reactions;
- protection from ultraviolet radiation;
- increased elasticity of the epidermis;
- alignment of the relief;
- acceleration of cell regeneration;
- restoration of elasticity.
Often, cosmetologists recommend using shea butter for the skin during and after pregnancy. The presented product prevents the appearance of streaks and stretch marks. If these defects are already present in the problem areas, the carite oil will lighten them a little and smooth them. In combination with certain esters, the agent under consideration helps to reduce the severity of cellulite.
Shea Butter for Nails
Most women face the problem of dryness and cracking of the cuticle. Unrefined African shea butter contributes to its instant softening and moistening. This cuticle is easier to remove or remove, both in the classical and European manicure. Small wounds with sloppy cutting of dead skin will heal faster due to the described product.
Shea butter helps to grow healthy nails. It deeply nourishes the matrix and strengthens the horny plates, prevents their stratification and accidental breakage. Regular application of vegetable fat provides alignment of the relief of nails, removal of furrows, strips and spots on them. Many masters of nail art advise to constantly use the product in the intervals between manicures.
Shea butter - application
The described agent is applied mainly in pure form, in a solid or melted state. There are other ways to use shea butter, adding it to multicomponent caring masks, balms and creams. Additional ingredients strengthen and accelerate the action of the product, promote a deeper penetration of nutrients.
Face mask with shea butter
Caring home cosmetics based on the substance is suitable only for dry skin. You can also use shea butter for facial wrinkles, but it does not help get rid of deep creases. The natural product slightly smoothes "crow's feet" around the eyes and slightly aligns the overall relief of the skin, improving its elasticity and increasing elasticity.
Intensive nourishing mask for dryness and peeling
Ingredients:
- crushed pulp of banana or avocado - 2 tbsp. spoons;
- melted shea butter - 1 teaspoon;
- liquid honey - 1 teaspoon;
- raw egg yolk - 0,5 tsp.
- wheat germ oil or jojoba - 1 tsp.
Preparation, application
- Mix all the ingredients.
- Apply mass to the cleansed dry skin with a thick layer.
- After 20 minutes, remove the product with a soft cloth.
- Rinse your face with warm water.
- Repeat 2-3 times a week.
Shea butter from wrinkles in the composition of a rejuvenating mask
Ingredients:
- raw egg yolk - 1 pc .;
- walnut oil - 1 teaspoon;
- ether ylang-ylang - 2 drops;
- softened carite oil - 1 tsp;
- oat flour - 1 tbsp. a spoon.
Preparation, application
- First mix the yolk and oils.
- The resulting composition to dissolve oat flour.
- Apply a thick layer on your face.
- After 25 minutes, gently wash off the mask with warm water.
- Repeat 1-2 times a week.
Hand cream with shea butter
The proposed cosmetic product is suitable for any skin, especially in the cold season. For 1-2 hours before going outside, you can lubricate your hands with pure shea butter. This will help protect them from frostbite and dehydration, prevent peeling, irritation from cold, redness and cracking. If the skin on the hands dries strongly, it is better to make a multicomponent product.
Cream with shea Butter
Ingredients:
- mandarin ether - 2 drops;
- camellia oil - 2 tbsp. spoons;
- ester of jasmine - 2 drops;
- Karite oil - 4 tbsp. spoons;
- ether rosemary - 3 drops.
Preparation, application
- Melt the fat from the shea tree seeds in a water bath.
- Mix it with camellia oil.
- Add ethers.
- Cool the composition.
- Transfer the cream into a clean glass jar with a lid.
- Use the product daily.
Shea Butter for Cuticle
To nails were healthy, and the skin around them did not crack and did not peel, you need regular nutrition and deep hydration. For this purpose unrefined karite oil is suitable - the application of the product in its pure form promotes rapid softening of the cuticle. Use the substance in question simply: you need to melt the fat slightly in a water bath and brush it with the skin around the nail plate, waiting for complete absorption.
Hair mask with shea Butter
In the care of curls, the described product is also used in its pure form. Shea butter for the tips of hair helps to eliminate their dryness and cross-section. Every day before bedtime, carefully massage the problem areas with fingers dipped in melted fat. You can wash off the remedy after 30-45 minutes or leave it for the whole night, wrapped in plastic wrap.
Mask for dry scalp and hair
Ingredients:
- shea butter - 1,5-2 tbsp. spoons;
- lemon ether - 1 drop;
- castor oil - 15-20 ml;
- ether ylang-ylang - 1 drop.
Preparation, application
- Melt karite oil in a water bath.
- Mix it with castor oil.
- Add essential oils.
- Warm the composition on the scalp and spread to the hair.
- Rub the mask with light massaging movements.
- After 30-40 minutes, wash the head with shampoo.
- Use 2-4 times a week.
- You can proportionally increase the number of ingredients and prepare the mask for future use. Keep it in the refrigerator.
Suntan oil
The presented product is used as a protective agent, preventing burns, and healing balm, if skin damage was not avoided. Cosmetologists recommend using pure karite oil for the body before taking sun baths . Thanks to this, the tan will lie evenly and gradually, without consequences in the form of reddening and exfoliation of the epidermis.
In the presence of sunburn, shea butter will help gently, but quickly restore the skin. After gently washing the damaged areas, it is necessary to apply the melted product in a thin layer, without rubbing it. Residues of oil that have not been absorbed should be removed with a soft cloth. For the healing of the skin, 4-6 procedures will suffice with a break of 8-12 hours.