Shea butter is one of the most popular ingredients among skincare enthusiasts, and for good reason. We champion natural nourishment at Burt’s Bees, and shea butter is a natural moisturiser that keeps feeling beautifully soft and smooth.
Read on to discover the origins & benefits of shea butter.
What is shea butter?
Shea butter is the fat that’s extracted from the nuts of a shea tree. These trees are indigenous to West Africa, which is where most shea butter is still made today! While shea butter has a number of uses, it has been predominantly used cosmetically for centuries – mainly because of its moisturising properties.
What are the benefits of shea butter?
1) It’s a great, natural moisturiser
Shea butter contains a high concentration of fatty acids that nourish and condition the skin. Once absorbed, they restore the skin’s lipid barrier – the layer of natural oils and fats (or lipids) which defend against environmental stressors. The lipid barrier locks moisture in and prevents it from evaporating, so it’s essential for fending off dry skin. Shea butter is also a humectant, meaning it helps the skin to attract water and sustain its moisture levels.
2) It contains antioxidants
Shea butter contains Vitamins A and E, antioxidants that protect the skin from free radical damage. Free radicals occur naturally in the atmosphere, and can cause the skin to age prematurely and become dull-looking. We recommend incorporating shea butter into your regular skincare routine for a glowing, radiant complexion!
3) It boosts collagen production
Shea butter boosts the production of collagen, the protein responsible for healthy, younger-looking skin. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen naturally, so shea butter can help to prolong your youthful skin.
4) It can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scarring
Its moisturising properties, along with its high concentration of antioxidants and collagen, means shea butter can help your skin to generate healthy new cells to replace scar tissue. You can also use shea butter for stretch marks, music to pregnant women’s ears!
5) It’s hypo-allergenic
Unlike other tree nut products, shea butter is low in proteins that trigger allergic reactions, meaning it’s suitable for all skin types and even your baby’s delicate skin.
So, how do you make shea butter part of your skincare routine?
Now that you’re clued up on the benefits of shea butter for your skin, you want to take advantage, right? Well, you’re in luck – Burt’s Bees has an array of products made with shea butter, suitable for hands, lips and body.
Give a whole new meaning to butterfingers
Your hands go through a lot, so you should reward them with some natural nourishment. Use a Burt’s Bees’ shea butter hand cream to prevent dry hands, and enjoy the feeling of gorgeously soft skin all day long. Available in three incredible fragrances, these 99% natural hand creams are formulated with baobab oil and pumpkin seed oil for maximum moisture.