November 30, 2020
In this fast-paced world, we put extra effort into our mental and physical well-being. From waking up early in the morning, hitting the gym for a good sweat session to having a nutritious breakfast, we try to lead a healthy lifestyle. And as the world rapidly changes, one cannot help but notice its effects on skin and body which is under even greater assault from pollution and toxic elements present in the environment.
Talking about skin, in particular, its texture gets highly influenced by the pollution and dirt on a daily basis. And its consequences can range from skin damage to premature ageing, rough skin and even wrinkles.
If you are worried about your skin texture and wish to get the smoothness and softness back then it is advisable to include shea butter in your skincare routine. Known for its hair and skin-related benefits, shea butter is also referred to as the 'tree of life.' Shea (pronounced shay) butter is also known as "Mother Nature's conditioner" for its exceptional softening and moisturizing properties.
Shea butter is a fat extracted from the nut of the African shea tree. It’s solid at warm temperatures and has an off-white or ivory color. It is widely used in cosmetics as a moisturiser or lotion. Because it has a high concentration of vitamins and fatty acids, it is best used for smoothing, soothing and conditioning the skin.
As shea butter does not contain chemicals, it is safe for all skin types. It protects the skin from UV rays and sunburns and hydrates skin. Lather your skin with shea butter daily and you will notice a major difference in your skin. It also has vitamin A which helps skin remain healthy while vitamins E and F soothes chapped, dry and rough skin and helps skin heal, respectively. Apart from beauty benefits, shea butter is also edible and can be used in food preparation.
Although it is highly recommended by the skin gurus to include it in your skincare regime, one can also use shea butter if they suffer from skin dryness, rashes, rough skin, uneven skin tone, stretch marks, tanning, insect bites, wrinkles and blemishes, heat damage, and minor skin allergies.
While shea butter is mainly safe to use, it is advised not to apply pure shea butter on your face as it may lead to breakouts. It is also not recommended to directly apply shea butter on minor skin allergies. Besides these, one should always seek their dermatologist's help before using any producer on their face or body.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.