Extracted from the nuts of the shea fruit, shea butter contains numerous beneficial properties for the skin.
Moisturiser
Rich in fatty acids, comprising between 40 and 50% oleic acids and 36 to 50% stearic acid, shea butter helps to maintain skin hydration. It strengthens the skin barrier, thereby reducing noticeable water loss and maintaining hydration.
The hydrating properties of shea butter were demonstrated in an experiment where participants' hands were washed with ethanol to absorb water and induce dryness. The results showed that the skin fully recovered from transepidermal water loss within two hours when treated with shea butter.
Regenerating
Shea butter aids in promoting collagen production, a protein crucial for skin elasticity, firmness, and resilience. α-amyrin and lupeol are triterpenes found in the unsaponifiable fraction of shea butter. They deactivate proteases such as collagenase, a metalloprotease, and elastase, a serine protease. Generally, the components of the unsaponifiable part of shea butter contribute to increasing collagen synthesis.
When applied after shaving, shea butter aids in healing minor cuts.
Anti-inflammatory
Shea butter possesses anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of a terpenic alcohol, the lupeol. It has an inhibitory action on the expressions of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-12 mRNA induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS).
The application of shea butter helps to soothe inflammations caused by the repetitive use of razor blades.
Its natural composition
Shea butter does not contain any alcohol or fragrance that can harm the skin's surface. It is ideal to apply a shea-based product rather than a scented aftershave lotion, which contains alcohol and further irritates the skin.
Thanks to its active ingredients, shea butter hydrates the cellular tissues of the skin to promote their renewal and establish a protective barrier. The healing of micro-cuts and nicks is also accelerated to prevent infectious germs from settling there and causing skin infections.