The Benefits of using shea butter on your skin

Years ago, a jet setting friend of mine gave me a small moisturizer that she had received on her latest long-haul trip. I loved the decadent richness of the moisturizer and used it all up in no time, Years later, when beginning my skincare brand, I knew that I'd be putting shea butter into all of our moisturizers.  

Shea butter is such a luxurious and nourishing ingredient and has been a beauty staple for centuries. Derived from the nuts of the African shea tree, shea butter is celebrated for its impressive skin benefits. ......

The Benefits of Shea Butter for Your Face

Shea butter is packed with vitamins and fatty acids, making it an exceptional moisturizer for the skin. Here are some of the key benefits of using shea butter on your face:

1. Deep Moisturization: Shea butter penetrates deeply into the skin, providing intense hydration without clogging pores. It's perfect for dry and sensitive skin types.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The cinnamic acid and other natural compounds in shea butter have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce skin redness and swelling.

3. Anti-Aging Benefits: Rich in antioxidants such as vitamins A and E, shea butter helps to combat free radicals, promoting skin cell regeneration and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

4. Healing and Soothing: Shea butter's healing properties can help soothe skin irritations, such as eczema and psoriasis, while promoting faster healing of minor cuts and burns.

5. Sun Protection: While it shouldn't replace your sunscreen, shea butter offers a mild SPF, adding a layer of protection against harmful UV rays.

"Shea butter is a powerhouse ingredient in skincare due to its high concentration of vitamins and fatty acids. Its ability to deeply moisturize and heal the skin makes it an excellent choice for those dealing with dry or irritated skin. I often recommend it to my patients who need a gentle yet effective moisturizer." Dr Jane Smith, Dermatologist

How Shea Butter is Made

The production of shea butter is an intricate and labor-intensive process, primarily carried out by women in rural African communities:

1. Harvesting: The process begins with the harvesting of shea nuts from the shea tree. These trees can take up to 50 years to mature and bear fruit.

2. Drying: The nuts are then sun-dried to reduce moisture content and make cracking easier.

3. Cracking and Roasting: Once dried, the nuts are cracked open to extract the kernels, which are then roasted. Roasting is a critical step that enhances the nut's natural oils.

4. Grinding and Kneading: The roasted kernels are ground into a paste and kneaded by hand to separate the oils from the solids.

5. Boiling and Filtering: The resulting paste is boiled, allowing the pure shea butter to float to the surface. It is then skimmed off, filtered, and left to cool and solidify.

Its important that Faor Trade Shea butter is chosen, so that the women providing all this labour get paid properly for their efforts. Here at Flowerdale Valley, we only use fair trade shea butter. 

Shea butter has a rich history dating back to ancient times, where it was used in African communities for its protective and healing properties. It was a valuable commodity, often used in skincare, haircare, and medicinal treatments. Today, shea butter is recognized globally for its versatility and effectiveness, becoming a key ingredient in numerous skincare products.

Incorporating shea butter into your skincare routine can bring a host of benefits, from deep hydration to anti-aging properties. Its rich history and meticulous production process make it a truly unique and valuable ingredient. At Flowerdale Valley, we harness the power of shea butter in our products to provide you with the best natural skincare solutions.