Shea Butter, the magical moisturiser!
Shea butter is a naturally occurring fat extracted from the nut of the African shea tree from where it takes it's name. Shea fat is made up of stearic acid and oleic acid and is widely used as a moisturiser. Shea butter is also so pure and natural that it is edible and widely used in the chocolate industry as a substitute for cocoa butter. In some African countries such as Benin, Shea butter is used as a cooking oil, as a waterproofing wax, for hairdressing, for candle-making, and as an ingredient in medicinal ointments. It is used by makers of traditional African percussion instruments to increase the durability of wood and leather tuning straps. Medicinally, Shea butter is used for the management of sinusitis and relief of nasal congestion, it is also massaged into joints and other parts of the body where pain occurs.
Shea butter extraction is a long process, if done the traditional method: First, the outer pulp of the fruit is removed, when dry, the Shea nut is separated form the outer shell. The Shea nuts are the crushed, usually with a pestle and mortar. The nuts are then roasted and ground into a paste, with water gradually added. The next vital stage is the separation of the oils, the paste in kneaded by hand in large basins and water is added to separate the nut butter oils. As they float to the top, the butter curds are removed and the water is squeezed out. The curds are melted in large open pots and then cooled so it will harden which is then formed into balls.
This wondrous beauty product was being used cosmetically as early as Cleopatras Egypt. In ancient Egypt it was used to protect the hair and skin in the fierce sun and desert winds. Shea butter benefits include:
Shea butter is a skin superfood that comes from the seeds of the fruit of the Shea (Karite) tree and that is naturally rich in vitamins A, E and F. It offers UV protection of around SPF 6 and provides the skin with essential fatty acids and the nutrients necessary for collagen production. Shea butter has been used in Africa and other countries for years to improve skin and hair.
Moisturising: The concentration of natural vitamins and fatty acids in Shea butter makes it incredibly nourishing and moisturising for skin. It is often used to remedy dry skin and to help protect the skin’s natural oils. It alleviates the pain associated with tightness and itching of eczema and dry winter skin conditions.
Reduces Inflammation: A 2010 study found that due to its 'cinnamic acid' and other natural properties, shea butter was anti-inflammatory. One compound in particular, ‘lupeol cinnamate’, was found to reduce skin inflammation and even potentially help avoid skin mutations. This also makes it beneficial for some people with acne and scar tissue damage.
Skin Smoothing: Shea butter aids in the skin’s natural collagen production and contains oleic, stearic, palmitic and linolenic acids that protect and nourish the skin to prevent drying. With long term use, many people report skin softening and strengthening as well as wrinkle reduction. Shea butter melts at body temperature. Proponents of its use for skin care maintain that it absorbs rapidly into the skin, acts as a "refatting" agent, and has good water-binding properties.
Honey Oval Soap
Used regularly, Shea butter products can enliven tired dried out winter skin and boost your skins natural oils! Treat yourself and your skin, ready for the warmer months, Spring is just around the corner…Take a look at our Shea butter enriched products:
Once you’ve tried Naturally European Hand Cream we’re sure you’ll agree it’s the best hand cream around for soothing dry hands. With 20% Shea butter, Naturally European Luxury Hand Cream provides outstanding skin care at a fraction of the cost of other hand creams on the market. This rose petal fragranced hand cream with lift your mood and improve and protect the delicate skin on your hands.
This set of three mini Naturally European Hand Creams proves that the best things really do come in small packages! Using the same great formula as our full size hand creams, each miniature tube contains 20% shea butter, essential oil fragrances and no parabens or SLS.
This gift set is perfect for handbags and ideal as a gift. Bringing together three of the most popular Naturally European fragrances: Verbena, Freesia & Pear and Ginger & Lime. High levels of shea butter ensure dry hands are soothed and smooth. The best skin care for damaged skin at a fraction of the cost of other hand creams on the market.
The Candle Tree has a selection of French soaps enriched with Shea butter. These soaps are rich and soothing along with a beautiful light and refreshing scented aroma combined with enriching moisturising properties of shea butter. Shea Butter has skin healing properties and is nutrient rich, a treat for any bath tub!