In traditional medicine, Shea butter has been employed in the treatment of several ailments. It supports wound healing and decreases skin irritation. Shea butter is also used as an anti-inflammatory agent, treats rashes in children, dermatitis, chapping, and ulcers (Hong et al., 1996).
It works as an emollient that softens and hydrates skin. Because it contains several types of fatty acids — including lineoleic, oleic, palmitic and stearic acids — that improve the skin's natural barrier, shea butter also protects skin from damage from the environment like pollutants.
Rich in vitamin A which is an agent antioxidant, shea butter allows the skin to heal and ensures good cell renewal. The application of shea butter on the skin aids in skin healing by promoting cellular renewal.
People apply shea butter to the skin for acne, arthritis, burns, dandruff, inflamed skin, dry skin, eczema, insect bites, itch, muscle soreness, scaly and itchy skin (psoriasis), rash, a skin infection caused by mites (scabies), scars, sinus infection, skin breakages, stretch marks, wound healing, and wrinkled skin.
Shea butter contains anti-inflammatory substances, which ease swelling and redness in skin. People use it for any irritation, from sunburns to chapped lips to skin that's reacting to too many acid peels or scrubs.
Shea butter is safe to use on all skin types. That means that if you have oily or dry skin, it won't irritate your skin. Shea butter also has a calming effect on the skin and reduces inflammation. While coconut oil does have antimicrobial (reduces mold) properties that can be beneficial, it is also oily.
Shea Butter cream helps in the management of muscle soreness that might lead to inflammation and stiffness in the body. It helps reduce inflammation and pain in muscles due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties[4].
Shea butter will relieve itching and tightness, and preserve your skin's elasticity. Apply a generous layer of shea butter to sensitive areas (hips, buttocks, stomach, breasts) and massage in for maximum effectiveness.
According to the Derm Report, you shouldn't expect stubborn skin darkening or imbalanced colors and scar tissue to go away until four to six months of continuous use. This might seem like a long time, but it takes a while for the shea butter to penetrate the skin and return it to a healthy state.
Shea Butter can also remove skin discoloration and dark spots. Its healing properties can fade acne scars and even out skin tone. Using Shea Butter for pigmentation can give you better results than store-bought expensive products.
Vitamin A, found in shea butter, stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which help the skin maintain its elasticity. It smooths wrinkles and fine lines and prevents skin sagging.
Products such as lotion and shea butter are frequently recommended. Affiliated Dermatology® has helped many patients see relief far beyond their own attempts, often with equally affordable over-the-counter solutions.
Shea butter may have an ability to soften scar tissue. A keloid is a type of raised and enlarged area of scarring. There is evidence to suggest that using shea butter may help prevent the formation of keloids.
So if you have a tree nut allergy, shea butter may trigger it. Even though the amount of protein in shea butter is quite small, it can provoke a reaction in someone who is very sensitive. Consider that some people can have a reaction from the mere smell of peanuts due to peanut dust particles in the air.
The Verdict: Shea Butter Wins for Many Reasons
Our Recommendation: If you care about what you put on your skin and want to embrace the benefits of natural skincare, Shea Butter is the winner. It offers a wide range of uses, from daily moisturizing to soothing irritated skin and promoting a healthy glow.
It supports wound healing and decreases skin irritation. Shea butter is also used as an anti-inflammatory agent, treats rashes in children, dermatitis, chapping, and ulcers (Hong et al., 1996).
Ketoconazole (Topical) — a cream primarily used to treat fungal skin infections all over the body (including yeast infections and tinea versicolor); also available as an over-the-counter shampoo to reduce flaking, itching, dandruff, etc.
Furthermore, shea butter displayed prominent anti-bacterial activity that could potentiate the effect of FA in inhibiting bacterial growth.
For wound healing and scarring, apply shea butter in a thin layer. Make sure there are no open wounds before you apply.
For example, murumuru butter has notable benefits for its rejuvenating and moisturizing effects. It bypasses shea butter for its promotion of even deeper hair and skin nourishment and moisturization. Both shea and murumuru are called a butter because they are solid at room temperature but melt as they warm on the skin.
Face: Shea butter is great for facial skincare. It's an excellent moisturizer, especially for those with dry or combination skin. It helps restore the skin's natural barrier, reducing moisture loss and combating the effects of environmental stressors.
Certain all-natural ingredients like coconut oil or olive oil are considered comedogenic (pore-blocking)16, and might not be appropriate for many types of skin, including sensitive skin. For more sensitive areas, opt for moisturizing agents that are non-comedogenic, like Vaseline® Jelly.