Unprocessed Shea Butter Uses

Moisturize the face with shea butter.

Natural shea butter, derived from the nut of the African shea tree seed, is rich in vitamin A. Manufacturers prepare shea butter without adding any chemicals. This cream appears as a white, beige or yellowish color. It has a soft, creamy texture as a solid, and melts when introduced to warmth. As shea butter touches the skin, it's absorbed quickly. Unprocessed shea butter offers numerous benefits.

Dark Spots, Discoloration and Stretch Marks

Shea butter lessens the appearance of stretch marks and uneven skin tone, notes the American Shea Butter Institute. Place shea butter on dark spots and discoloration. People with these conditions usually see marks and discolored areas fade over time. Manufacturers recommend using shea butter daily to see faster results. For stretch marks, rub shea butter on affected areas. Results are usually seen within a few weeks.

Dry, Cracked Skin

People get dry skin from a lack of moisture. Besides drinking plenty of water and using over-the-counter lotions, shea butter moisturizes any part of your body. Shea butter contains "the same moisturizers produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin," according to the American Shea Butter Institute. When used daily, shea butter keeps dry skin at bay. Many people also experience cracked skin in cold weather conditions. Eliminate this condition by applying shea butter on the affected areas before going outside.

Rashes and Itchy Skin

Shea butter has the ability to reduce inflammation, notes RA Cosmetics and the American Shea Butter Institute. It immediately calms rashes and stops itching. Rub shea butter on the affected area to stop irritation and itching.

Shaving Cream

Most people opt for shaving cream, or basic soap and water, to assist with shaving areas of the body. Shea butter is an alternative to traditional shaving cream products, providing users with a silky smooth shave. Shea butter also provides additional moisture to shaved skin.

Aches, Fatigue and Pain

Shea butter works as a pain-relieving cream, but without the tingling hot sensation. The American Shea Butter Institute mentions that good quality, unprocessed shea butter contains cinnamic acid, which helps in healing ailments such as aches, fatigue and pains. Rub affected areas with a bit of shea butter for relief from arthritis or other medical conditions.

Skin Problems

Shea butter contains vitamins A, E and F, which help improve skin conditions such as blemishes, dermatitis, eczema, rashes, sunburn and wrinkles, notes the American Shea Butter Institute. Some people protect their skin from the sun by rubbing a small amount on the skin before going outside.

References

• Shea Institute: What is Shea Butter
• Shea Institute: 21 Reasons to Use Shea Butter
• RA Cosmetics: Why Shea Butter