Shea Butter, A Nut Native To The African Continent Which Is Known To Improve Skin Health

Shea Butter, Nuts Native to the African Continent (iStockphoto)

JAKARTA - Shea butter is one of the most popular ingredients in body butter. Shea butter contains vitamins A, E, and F which are good for the skin. Shea butter is a fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, which is found on the African continent.

Shea has an ivory color that will turn white after going through processing. The process of processing shea butter itself is by crushing, burning, and grinding until it is smooth and has a creamy texture. Here are some of the benefits of shea butter that you must know, launch Medical News Today, Tuesday, July 19.

Moisturizes Skin

Shea butter is emollient. As an emollient, shea butter helps trap moisture in the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) recommends using shea butter products to moisturize the skin. Shea butter also contains linoleic acid. According to 2018 research, products containing linoleic acid have an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin and increase hydration.

Can Be Used As Sunscreen

In addition to moisturizing, shea butter contains SPF that can protect the skin from sun exposure. Even so, you still have to use sunblock for extra protection of your skin.

Delays Premature Aging

The triterpene content in shea butter is able to maintain and increase collagen production, so it can help prevent and disguise fine lines or wrinkles that are signs of premature aging.

Reduces Stretch Marks

Because it is able to moisturize and restore skin elasticity, shea butter with vitamins A and E in it can help fade stretch marks, scars, to keloids.

Skin Infection

In addition to the various benefits mentioned above, shea butter also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness, burns, fungal infections, and various other skin diseases.

Removes Scars

Shea butter has the ability to smooth out scar tissue. Keloids are a type of scar tissue that lifts and enlarges. There is evidence to suggest that using shea butter can help prevent keloid formation. However, it is important to note that the researchers used laboratory cultures. As a result, there isn't enough research to show how effective shea butter is at preventing keloid scars.