Shea Oil Benefits
The use of shea oil is quite popular with those who want to protect their skinand face, particularly if they typically use shea butter or other natural moisturizers.
What Is Shea Oil?
Shea oil is one of the byproducts of shea butter production, which is a popular nut butter derived from the nuts of the shea tree, scientifically known as Vitellaria paradoxa. While it contains many of the same nutrients and active compounds, the butter tends to have higher levels of stearic acid, which gives it some of the thickness and texture. Aside from stearic acid, the oil has many of the same fatty acids as shea butter, including capric, caprylic, lauric, palmitic, cinnamic, oleic, and linoleic acids. The oil also contains various vitamins and antioxidants that can have significant effects on the body.
In terms of color, the oil has a slightly yellow color, similar to shea butter, but it doesn’t have the same protective effects, due to its consistency. Therefore, if you want to apply more of a shield for your skin, shea butter may be a better option, but there are plenty of great uses for shea oil as well.
Shea Oil Benefits
The most notable benefits of shea oil include its ability to do the following:
1. Moisturize the skin
2. Eliminate wrinkles
3. Reduce inflammation
4. Reduce congestion
5. Straighten the hair
6. Treat acne
7. Straighten the hair
8. Prevent cracked heals
Hair Care
If you apply this oil to frizzy or unruly hair, you can keep your hair straight, making it much easier to style your hair and boost luster.
Moisturizer
Many of the volatile acids in this oil are able to be absorbed by the skin quite easily, helping to trap moisture and keep your skin healthy and your cells functioning properly.
Inflammation
If you are suffering from pain in your joints or the symptoms of an inflammatory skin condition, you can apply a few drops of this oil, and the anti-inflammatory activity of oleic, palmitic, and stearic acid will help to reduce pain.
Congestion
Small amounts of this oil rubbed near the nose or temples can help to reduce congestion in the face. This is both due to the topical absorption and the aromatic compounds acting as an expectorant.
Acne
With good levels of vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants, this oil can help to clear up acne symptoms. Shea oil, being a non-comedogenic, can also help eliminate the blockage in the pores by improving the balance of moisture and oil on your skin.
Cracked Heels
If you spend a lot of time on your feet, you may have dry, cracked heels, but the moisturizing and healing properties of this oil can solve that annoying condition.
Antioxidants
The antioxidants in this oil are excellent for any form of oxidative stress or inflammation, meaning that it can help prevent free radical activity in the body, including slowing the onset of wrinkles on the face and reducing the risk of cancer and chronic disease.
Shea Oil Uses
There are a number of excellent uses for shea oil, including as a massage oil, facial oil, body oil, and hair oil.
