Shea butter
may not be a new product for many people, but there are now claims that unrefined shea butter has even more moisturizing and health benefits for skin and hair. With a wide variety of benefits and many ways to use it, unrefined shea butter is a simple addition to your beauty and health routines.
History
Unrefined shea butter comes from the Shea-Karite tree in Africa and has been used for centuries to moisturize and protect the skin and hair. Extracted from the shea nut, the butter is produced by picking the shea nut fruits, drying, pounding and kneading them. Shea nut products are used in cooking, cosmetics and soaps. In addition, these nuts may be used as a substitute for cocoa butter in chocolate and other desserts.
Features
Unrefined shea butter contains large amounts of non-saponifiable fats. As a matter of fact, shea butter contains 7 to 12 percent of these moisturizing fats, while avocado oil only has 2 to 6 percent non-saponifiable fats. In addition, unrefined shea butter contains vitamins A, E and F, which help maintain the skin and keep it clear. Vitamin F also, found in unrefined shea butter, protects the skin from the elements. Unrefined shea butter also contains cinnamic acid, a natural sunscreen.
Benefits
Because of its high fat content, unrefined shea butter is the perfect moisturizer for extremely dry and cracked skin. Shea butter can be used for a variety of skin ailments, including psoriasis, eczema and sun-damaged skin. It also can help to relax muscles. In addition, it can be used in your hair and on the scalp.
Uses
There are many ways to use unrefined shea butter, including:
Face---simply massage into your face as you would any other moisturizer. Unrefined shea butter may be used daily or whenever needed. A small amount will go a long way.
Body---with the help of body heat, unrefined shea butter will absorb into the skin quickly. Apply it to your hands as often as possible to prevent cracked knuckles and dry skin.
Feet---add one tsp. of unrefined shea butter to warm water and soak your feet. After drying your feet, rub unrefined shea butter into them.
Hair and scalp---add a generous amount of unrefined shea butter to your hair and scalp and cover with a warm towel for 30 minutes. After, style as usual.
Storing
Store unrefined shea butter in a dry area at room temperature. Heat will cause the shea butter to melt. Unrefined shea butter has a shelf life of 12 to 18 months if stored in an air-tight container. When it's bad, unrefined shea butter smells like rancid oil.
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