Natural product
What is shea butter, what is it made of and how do you use it?
If you read the ingredients of common care products in more detail, (un) sophisticated shea butter is often listed. But what is actually hidden behind it?
Shea butter is obtained from the fruits of the Karitébaum, which is located in Africa. More precisely, it is the nut -like cores, the shells of which contain the coveted plant fat. For the production, the kariténuts must first be dried and peeled by hand to remove the pulp. Then the shells are roasted in an oven and processed with a mortar into porridge, which is mixed with water and beaten until a white-yellowish fat mass on the surface can be used-and can be skimmed. Only when this has cooled and hardened is it spoken of by unaffected shea butter. However, this is usually only found in (certified) natural cosmetics. You can read why this is so.
Content: What is shotter made of?
Shea butter smells slightly nutty, some also claims that the fragrance note would remind of chocolate. However, this likely depends on the respective variety. She only keeps her yellowish color if it remains unaffected – in other words. In other words, if the shea butter is white, it was refined for commercial further processing. As a result, it no longer contains a valuable beta-carotene (a preliminary stage of vitamin A), which is supposed to counteract natural skin aging. To the other ingredients of the skin and hair care counts:
- Allantoin: Efforting anti -inflammatory and should counteract skin irritation. It also has wound healing properties, which is why it is used to reduce scar.
- Vitamin E (Tocopherol): is an antioxidant that the body cannot produce itself. It counteracts skin aging and promotes skin moisture.
- Linolic acid: Can calm the skin and improve the skin moisture. The essential omega-6 fatty acids strengthen the complexion and make it more resistant.
- Oilic acid: Is rich in vitamins and helps the skin to omit important ingredients through the natural barrier of the skin.
- Palmitic acid: Supports the skin cells in binding moisture. For this reason, the ingredient to maintain dry skin should be particularly suitable.
- Stearic acid: binds moisture. It is like a kind of film to be understood that lays over the skin to protect it from external influences.
What are the advantages of shea butter?
Since in most products exclusively Steck, valuable ingredients are lost. Nevertheless, in a weakened form, as it occurs in many cosmetics (creams, lotions), it has positive properties:
- It has a dashing effect
- It supplies the skin with moisture
- It has a calming effect on the skin
- It is suitable for all skin types
- It is therefore very well tolerated
- It counteracts skin aging
- It supports cell regeneration
- It is supposed to prevent stretch marks
On the other hand, not only has valuable beta-carotins, but should also move into the skin faster-without leaving a fat film.
How to use shea butter correctly
As already mentioned in the beginning, shea butter is suitable for equally. Regardless of whether you choose a refined or unaffected product – the way you use the same thing remains the same: only take a small amount and distribute it evenly on the skin or, for example, in the tips of the hair. However, keep in mind that refined shea butter can leave a light fat film on the skin, so that the application is particularly useful overnight. On the other hand, faster moves into the skin and can also be used easily during the day.
Another tip: Shea butter can also be used as a bath additive. Put a small amount in the water and enjoy a nourishing full bath (and your skin).
Important buying tips for shea butter
Refined shea butter often contains fragrance and preservatives. Therefore, it is advisable to only use unaffected products – especially if you have sensitive skin. In addition, sheet butter can be contaminated with pollutants if there is no corresponding certificate on the packaging. Pay attention when buying Recognizable by certificates such as that for natural and biocosmetics. And the price is also an important indication of good quality: If the shea butter comes directly from Africa, where it was made with arduous manual work, it should take a particularly cheap bargain. A high price is of course still not a guarantee of fair working conditions and sustainable raw materials, so products with a Fairtrade seal are still the better choice.
*This article contains so-called affiliate links to products in online shops. If a user clicks on it and buys something, the publisher receives a commission from the dealer, not from the manufacturer. Of course, where and when you buy a product is up to you.
Source: Stern
I’m Caroline, a journalist and author for 24 Hours Worlds. I specialize in health-related news and stories, bringing real-world impact to readers across the globe. With my experience in journalism and writing in both print and online formats, I strive to provide reliable information that resonates with audiences from all walks of life.
