Shea - Superfood for the Skin

shea butter in skin care

Shea - Butyrospermum Parkii

♦ Gives the skin deep moisture

♦ Rich in vitamin A and relieves eczema and rashes

♦ Well suited for dry and sensitive skin

What is Shea?

Shea and Shea Butter are both superfoods for the skin. Shea butter comes from the seeds of the fruit on the Shea (Karite) tree, and it is naturally rich in vitamins A, E and F. Shea provides the skin essential fatty acids and the nutrients needed for collagen production. Shea butter has been used in Africa and other countries for years to moisturise and improve the appearance of skin and hair.

The Shea we use is so pure that that type of Shea is often used in cooking in Africa!

What does Shea help with?

Reduces inflammation: A 2010 study found that Shea contains cinnamic acid which gives Shea anti-inflammatory properties. This means that Shea helps to sooth irritated and sensitive skin, but it also helps those with acne because it reduces inflammation in the skin.

Smoothes the skin: Shea strengthens the skin's natural collagen production and contains oleic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid and linolenic acids that protect and nourish the skin to prevent the skin from drying out. It's been reported that regular and consistent use of Shea works as a emollient for the skin, strengthening the skin's moisture barrier and it reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Shea is a completely natural source of vitamin A and will aid common skin complaints such as eczema, blemishes, acne, fine lines and wrinkles.

What is special about the Shea we use?

We use raw, organic Premium Fair Trade Shea in category A that has been washed below 40 degrees to remove impurities and bacteria. Shea is available in 5 categories. In the skincare industry, categories A, B and C are used. Unfortunately, many people use category C because then the Shea is washed white, but then as much as 95% of the vitamins and nutrients that are in Shea will be washed away after refining.

We only use certified organic premium Shea from category A, which means that all of the nutrients and vitamins are preserved but the Shea is still washed completely free of toxins. The Shea we use is Fair Trade Shea butter which is collected and processed by women in an aid program in northern Uganda.