Shea Butter: The Holy Grail of Hydration

If you read the ingredient list of any product meant to hydrate your skin, you are most likely going to see shea butter in that list. While there are many other ingredients that can lend some moisture to your skin, shea butter is unparalleled in its ability to heal, protect, and restore. Unlike other moisturizers, shea butter creates a dense barrier on your skin, locking in moisture, protecting from environmental stressors, and soothing irritation. Let’s take a closer look at why shea butter is so important in the skincare industry. 

What Is Shea Butter?

Shea butter, also known as “women’s gold” comes from the nuts of the Vitellaria paradoxa tree, also known as African butter trees. These trees grow in certain African countries, and according to Tree Aid, “Currently, in West Africa, shea trees absorb and fix an incredible 1.5 million tonnes of CO2 every year.” While in Africa, shea is incorporated into many recipes, in other countries, shea is used in the skin and hair industries. 

In order to make shea butter from shea nuts, the nuts must first be crushed and processed to extract the yellowish butter. This process is primarily conducted by women in Africa, giving the butter its nickname.

The Skin Benefits of Shea Butter

• Intensive Moisture Retention: Shea butter forms a breathable barrier on the skin without clogging pores. This is the perfect ingredient for those with dry skin.

• Soothes Irritation: For any skin type that faces irritation, shea butter calms inflammation and supports its recovery process.

• Natural Sun Protection: While you should always wear sunscreen, shea butter’s cinnamic acid reduces UV penetration.

• Restores Elasticity: Shea butter promotes supple and strong skin by promoting collagen production and preventing moisture loss.

Why Üazú Chooses Shea Butter

Üazú Skincare fully believes in shea butter’s superpowers; it doesn’t just hydrate your skin, but it affects your skin on a deeper level. Because it is such an amazing hydrator, all skin types can benefit from shea butter (although those with acne-prone skin should be wary when using it on a daily basis). This ingredient strengthens and soothes your skin while remaining true to its roots, avoiding chemical processing to achieve its buttery composition. It works perfectly in our Tattoo Balm, giving your skin the added hydration to heal from both tattoo-work or dry skin and restore it to its full potential.

There is some concern with the sustainability of shea butter due to the tree only producing nuts for six months of the year. Even so, shea trees can be grown in unwelcoming conditions, and organizations are working to create spaces where shea tree nuts can be available all the time. Shea production is important because it produces income for these communities while also being a staple food source.

How to Use Shea Butter in Your Skincare Routine

Shea butter can be used morning and night, but if you have acne-prone skin, you might want to consider starting with just once a day.

• As a Daily Moisturizer: Because shea butter is so hydrating, a small amount can be used in your skincare routine to lock in moisture.

• For Targeted Healing: Shea butter works great when applied to dry patches of skin, chapped lips, or other dry parts of the body.

• In Your Nighttime Routine: Massage a small amount of shea butter at the end of your skincare routine for overnight restoration.

• Post-Sun Treatment: Calm and replenish your skin’s moisture and resilience after sun exposure.

The Future of Shea Butter in Skincare

Shea butter has been used for hundreds of years for its multitude of benefits and will continue to be used as a protector and healer as its uses evolve. Shea butter is a great option for sustainable, plant-based skincare, and is essential to most hydrating products sold today. At Üazú Skincare, we celebrate shea butter for its unique abilities and restoring properties. This ingredient is sure to be seen in more of our upcoming products as we continue to put our faith in the most wholesome and sustainable ingredients available. 

Sources

Ayling L. (2023). 15 Tips on Formulating With Shea Butter. Formula Botanica. https://formulabotanica.com/tips-formulating-shea-butter/

(2022). 6 Incredible Benefits of Shea Butter. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/shea-butter-benefits

Celebrating The Power of Shea. Tree Aid. https://www.treeaid.org/blogs-updates/celebrating-the-power-of-shea/?srsltid=AfmBOorMpHp97h5dFA_YTYWgAFrowu7pJJeDtQ4xAOFlul2wxIxaOL9W

Unlocking the Benefits of Shea Butter for Natural Skincare: From Women’s Gold to Skincare Essential. School of Natural Skincare. https://www.schoolofnaturalskincare.com/shea-butter-benefits-for-skin-and-hair/