How to Use Shea Butter

Shea butter, made from the fruit of the African karite nut tree, is known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. Extracted through a cold press process in order to maintain the shea butter's structural integrity, natural shea butter is made without chemical additives. While it has many uses, it's primary function is to moisturize skin and soothe conditions like dermatitis and eczema.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Purchase shea butter only if it has the Seal of the American Shea Butter Institute (ASBI) on the container. Studies have shown that shea butter is most effective in its natural state, without added preservatives, fragrances or ingredients. When shea butter ages, it begins to lose its healing qualities and overall effectiveness. High-quality shea butter is approved by the ASBI and certified by a marking on the container.
2. Apply shea butter to your face and exposed skin on a daily basis. The presence of cinnamic acid helps protect the skin from sun exposure and the development of skin cancer. Shea butter also prolongs skin elasticity, delays the development of wrinkles and sunspots and creates a natural barrier against air pollutants, dirt and oil.
3. Coat dry, cracked feet in shea butter before bed and sleep in a thick pair of socks. For faster skin-softening results, soak your feet in a warm bath of Epsom salts and lavender before applying the shea butter.
4. Use unscented shea butter as an alternative to medicated creams for eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. Apply a small amount to affected areas twice a day for the first 7 to 10 days, and once a day after you begin to see improvement.
5. Rub shea butter on scars, stretch marks and blemishes to increase skin elasticity and minimize appearance of lines and incisions.
6. Massage shea butter into dry cuticles and hands before you go to bed. For increased effectiveness, wear a lightweight, breathable pair of gloves to bed to encourage moisturizer absorption.
7. Apply shea butter to facial skin if it is severely dry, but do not use it around your nose and eyes. Like other intensive moisturizers, shea butter can clog the skin's pores if it is over-applied.
8. Use a tiny amount of shea butter on clean hair to tame fly-aways and moisturize the hair follicle. Focus on applying it to the ends of the hair, avoiding direct scalp application.
9. Read "21 Reasons to Use Shea Butter" at the American Shea Butter Institute's website to get other ideas about how shea butter can be used (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• To find a shea butter source certified by the ASBI, visit their website (see Resources below).
• Raw shea butter has a very distinctive, nutty scent. If you cannot tolerate the odor, purchase naturally refined shea butter, which retains much of its vitamin and cinnamic acid content and is nearly odorless.
• Extend your shea butter's shelf life by storing it in your refrigerator or other cool, dry spot.
• Do not replace your sunscreen with shea butter. While shea butter has mild sunscreen properties, it should be primarily used to heal and protect skin from irritation. Always apply adequate sunscreen when you are exposed to the elements. Check out Aubrey Organics for a line of sun care products that are free of chemical additives (see Resources below).