Thousands of years worth of legends surrounding shea butter have recently crossed from sub-Saharan Africa to the shores of the Western world. Shea butter is the fatty extract taken from the seeds of the karite tree. Praised for its antiaging and moisturizing properties, unrefined shea butter is in high demand. The pale yellow substance known as "women's gold" in Africa has surged in popularity.
Antiaging Benefits
Because of the anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties, shea butter is lauded as an antiaging cream. The chief causes of aging are inflammation and sun damage. Therefore, the anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin E and damage reversal properties of vitamin A, may be beneficial for wrinkle reduction and collagen renewal. It also contains cinnamic acid which is a naturally occurring sunblock and skin lightener.
Frank Renard, PhD., a pharmacist studied the antiaging effects of shea butter during a clinical study involving 30 participants. During a four to eight month period, participants massaged shea shea butter into their skin. The patients ranged in age from 29 to 82 years old. At the end of the study, at least half of the patients reported improvements in skin texture and fewer wrinkles.
Moisturizing Effects
Shea butter is used to combat dry skin. Due to a high number of unsaponifiable oils, it resists physical and water-based removal from the skin and hair. When coupled with its moisture penetration properties, shea butter is effective for dry skin. In another study conducted by Renard, 49 volunteers with either dry, delicate or aging skin were observed. After a twice a day application of 15 percent shea butter, there were marked improvements in moisturization in 75 percent of those treated.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
The anti-inflammatory properties of shea butte can help treat inflammatory conditions as well. In traditional Nigerian medicine, shea butter is used to treat nasal inflammation. In a study performed by the University of Lagos, 33 patients suffering from severe to complete blockage of the nasal passages, were evaluated. Topical shea butter and a placebo cream was applied. In all of those treated with topical shea butter, there were reports of prompt and prolonged relief, with no side effects.
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