With its ultra-nourishing fatty acid and antioxidant profile, shea butter has developed quite the fan base for smoothing and protecting skin.

Shea butter, derived from the African shea tree, has been used for centuries to protect skin and hair from dryness and damage.

Today, we are still harnessing the impressive nourishing capacities of shea thanks to its rich composition of essential fatty acids and plant compounds — both for hair and skin.

But what exactly makes it so beneficial?

Let’s dive deeper into shea’s top five skin-enhancing superpowers!

What Is Shea Butter?

Shea butter is a skin and hair-loving extract from the nut of the African shea tree, scientifically known as Vitellaria paradoxa. Indigenous to the western and central regions of the continent, the shea tree produces a plum-like fruit. Once ripe, these shea fruits are collected and split open to reveal the prized shea nuts nestled inside their shells.

To transform the nuts into skin-nourishing shea butter, they are washed, crushed and boiled to extract the precious fats. The crushed shea nuts release an oily emulsion that rises to the top, where it is skimmed off and left to cool. As it solidifies, pure shea butter forms which is then collected. Unrefined shea butter retains the highest concentration of vitamins, fatty acids and other nutrients that make it so beneficial for skin and hair.

Top Shea Butter Skin Benefits

1. Soothes Skin Irritation and Minor Ailments

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory components like cinnamic acid and other plant sterols, shea butter is extraordinarily effective at soothing irritated or damaged skin. The vitamins A and E provide antioxidant protection while the fatty acids help restore skin’s lipid barrier. This makes shea butter ideal for easing inflammation from cuts, scrapes, burns, bug bites and stings, acne breakouts, eczema flare-ups, and sunburns. Shea butter seems to know exactly how to comfort distressed skin!

It also creates a protective moisture barrier so skin stays hydrated while it works to heal underlying damage faster. This moisturizing barrier prevents irritation from scabbing and peeling to keep skin calm and comfortable.

2. Combats Visible Signs of Aging

The vitamins A and E in shea butter, plus catechin antioxidants similar to those in green tea, help shea butter combat the look of wrinkles, fine lines, sun spots, dull tone and uneven texture. These nutrients also help wipe out free radicals to combat further damage. Shea butter also boosts collagen production — which decreases significantly as you age — thanks to anti-aging compounds called triterpenes. More collagen typically means firmer, plumper skin with fewer creases. These combined effects mean shea encourages skin cell regeneration for an overall more youthful appearance.

3. Hydrates Dry, Flaky Skin

Shea butter’s unique composition of five different fatty acids – including oleic, palmitic, stearic, linoleic and arachidic acids – allows it to deeply moisturize by sealing in hydration. Remember, healthy skin barrier function relies on adequate lipid levels. Shea butter is able to emulate skin’s natural sebum to prevent moisture loss without clogging pores. This makes it excellent for helping extremely dry skin and has even shown promise when mixed with other powerful ingredients to soothe skin issues like eczema and atopic dermatitis by helping to restore hydration to parched skin.

4. Suitable for All Skin Types  

Thanks to its low-comedogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, shea butter may generally be used safely across all skin types without concern of breakouts or clogged pores. People with sensitive skin often appreciate shea butter’s soothing capabilities while those with dry skin revel in its rich hydration. Even oily complexions may benefit from shea butter when used sparingly as a spot treatment on drier areas.

Shea’s lightweight, velvety texture comes from its quick-absorbing oleic acid composition. Yet shea butter also offers deeper moisturizing effects from its fatty acids that support the skin’s surface. This balance of lightweight and rich textures means shea hydrates skin long after application without leaving a greasy residue.

Shea butter can easily be incorporated into skincare as part of your regular beauty routine. For oily skin types, focus shea butter on targeted areas in need of moisture like cuticles, elbows or feet and avoid applying to the T-zone which can become too greasy — especially in the summer months. For those with dry skin, shea butter can be used all over the face and body for hydration.

5. Provides UV Protection  

The vitamin E found in shea butter offers photoprotective properties that help combat UV-induced skin damage.  Keep in mind, shea butter’s UV defense isn’t enough to forgo sunscreen altogether. That said, it does give skin an added shield when outdoors.

Using shea butter along with your regular sunscreen routine could enhance overall photoprotection. The hydration shea imparts can also help skin stay resilient against drying effects of sunlight. Think of shea butter as a botanical backup defender against sun damage for healthy, youthful-looking skin.

Obtain Younger-Looking Skin with Shea Butter

If you are tired of seeing under-eye bags, crow’s feet, and dark circles when you glance in the mirror, look into the Age Defying Dream Cream from Purity Woods.

This USDA Certified Organic face and neck cream features over 20 of nature’s most effective botanical extracts to combat visible signs of aging. It also contains zero toxins or synthetic ingredients.

The Dream Cream is suitable for all skin types and deeply nourishing for the delicate skin on your face and neck. It contains organic shea butter to maximize hydration and antioxidant activity. You’ll wake up to skin that looks refreshed and rejuvenated — no need to worry about diluting essential oils yourself.

Plus, it’s packed with other powerful antioxidant ingredients, including vitamin-rich plant oils and extracts.

Find out more about the Age-Defying Dream Cream here, and consider making shea butter a mainstay of your daily skincare regimen for younger-looking skin.