FREIYA BUTTER CREAM 100% NATURAL FACE CREAM 50 ml.

Carité butter: its valuable benefits for the skin.

Karité butter is derived from the natural fats of the fruit of the African Shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) and is white or ivory in colour. It is rich in vitamins A, D, E and F and its numerous benefits date back to ancient times. In fact, it has so many healing properties that in the Wolof language of Senegal, the Shea tree is called karite, which means “The Tree of Life”.

The reputation of shea butter has taken off in recent years because of its distinct healing and moisturizing properties. This also makes it a favorite ingredient in the cosmetics industry. It is proven to include antioxidant properties due to its tocopherol content. It even has anti-inflammatory properties thanks to the triterpene alcohols contained in it.

Is shea butter better than others in its class?

Most oils derived from fruits are divided into saponifiable (with moisturising properties) and non-saponifiable (with therapeutic properties). Shea butter is considered excellent as it has an unusually high non-saponifiable structure (5-17%), which indicates that it is our skin’s best friend! Other oils usually have a lower therapeutic structure (around 1%). But let’s delve a little deeper into some of the benefits of this miracle butter.

Shea butter for skin and hair

 For dry skin

Shea butter effectively moisturizes our entire body. Its biochemical properties mimic the characteristics found in the hydration released by our sebaceous glands. And, as it is composed of natural lipids, it also has natural moisturizing properties. As such, shea butter is now a key ingredient in moisturising lotions, lip balms, hand creams, soaps, eye and face creams and ointments.

Organic, genuine, 100% pure shea butter is available nowadays and you can apply it all over your body (preferably after a shower) when you need moisturizing. It also works wonders on dry skin that tends to flake. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends shea butter as a treatment against dry skin.

For stretch marks

Due to its vitamin E content, shea butter is excellent in treating or disappearing pregnancy-related stretch marks. Apply it all over your belly and hips freely during your pregnancy (not just after they appear) and it will keep your skin supple even after giving birth, thereby reducing the chance of stretch marks. It has been traditionally used for centuries by African women.

For acne scars and scars

Shea butter is effective in both preventing the appearance of acne and treating it. It also helps in reducing redness of the skin and acne-related scars. If you use acne care products, there is a good chance that they contain retinol (Vitamin A). However, shea butter is also naturally packed with Vitamin A, so if you are irritated by the heavy chemicals found in cosmetic acne products, shea butter will provide a natural alternative with the same properties found in retinol.

For itching and peeling skin

Shea butter contains alpha-amyrin, a chemical known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It provides immediate relief from itching, insect bites, rashes and redness and helps skin that is prone to peeling from the sun.

For shaving

As a natural alternative, shea butter can help you get silky smooth skin after shaving. Using it during shaving (for men and women) can help reduce cuts and irritation and allows the razor to glide close to the skin for a very smooth shave.

For eczema and dermatitis

Highly recommended for those who suffer from eczema and dermatitis. In fact, numerous products given for the treatment of eczema or dermatitis contain shea butter as the main ingredient. As it is packed with moisturizing agents that include vitamins, frequent use of the butter can help with the dryness and itchiness symptoms associated with these problems.

For hair care

Incorporate shea butter into your daily hair care routine and it will leave you with soft, shiny and thick hair thanks to its moisturizing property. Try mixing a little coconut oil with shea butter and apply freely to your hair, focusing on the scalp and ends. Wrap your hair with a damp, warm towel for 15- 30 minutes and then wash with a gentle shampoo.

For damaged hair

This magical butter works as a remedy to repair and rebuild dry and damaged hair due to too many colourings, treatments and heat from the hairdryer. As it contains fatty acids, it helps revitalize and regenerate the hair to give you shiny hair. You can make a quick mask by putting shea butter in a small bowl, adding mashed avocado, a little water and a few drops of your favourite essential oil to create a creamy paste. Apply to all of your hair, leave on for 30 minutes to an hour and rinse carefully with warm water before using shampoo.

For hair loss

Shea butter enhances hair growth and can even act as a preventative against hair breakage and hair loss, as it contains phytonutrients. These elements protect your hair from harmful UV rays, air pollution and even pool chlorine.

What if I have a nut allergy?

The news is good for you too! An extensive study conducted at the University of Nebraska found that shea butter does not contain any of those proteins that usually trigger allergies. This means that shea butter and any product containing it is safe to use even for those of you who have allergies to tree nuts!