Butyrospermum Parkii Butter in cosmetics. What is it, properties of shea butter (Shea butter), extract for face, hair

Features and description

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (in cosmetics this substance is sometimes indicated as shea butter) is obtained from the mature seeds of the shea tree. The substance has a solid consistency and a slight nutty odor. The unrefined product has a greenish or brownish tint, while the refined product (which has undergone additional processing) has a white to cream color.

Mature shea tree seeds are brown in color and small in size - only 3-5 cm in diameter. The core consists of dense white pulp. Since the shea tree grows only within African countries, it is not produced in Russia.

Real, high-quality shea butter goes through several stages during the manufacturing process:

1. During the rainy season, African women begin to collect ripe fruits, and then take them home and bury them directly in vats in the ground. There they are stored for at least 12 days, during which time the pulp rots and it becomes easier to extract the seeds from it. The seeds are then processed through prolonged cooking and roasting.
2. The peel is removed from the seeds by crushing, and the core is fried for 24 hours and also crushed with a stone. The resulting mass is pounded in a mortar, resulting in a thick paste.
3. The paste is mixed with a large amount of water and kneaded by hand for a long time. After this, it is rinsed several times in water to wash away dirty residues and obtain a light, dense foam. It is boiled for many hours, after which the top layer is removed and cooled. The resulting substance is shea butter.

The process of making shea butter is long and complicated, so this product has a high price. Tree seeds are most often sent abroad, since foreign companies prefer mechanized oil production, due to the fact that this is a less labor-intensive and expensive process.

Cosmetics containing Butyrospermum Parkii Butter should be stored in a cool, dark place. If you place the product in direct sunlight, it can quickly deteriorate and change the properties of the product - in this case, it will either not be beneficial, or, on the contrary, will do harm.

What is shea butter?

This is an extract that is extracted in Africa from the fruits (more precisely, the seeds of the fruits) of the tree of the same name growing there. It is also called the tree of life; in some countries its felling has been banned. The reason is that many African settlements make their living by extracting shea butter, and the shea tree produces its first fruits at the age of 25!

When manually producing shea butter, the process takes a long time, requires a huge amount of effort and resources: first, the fruits are collected, then the kernels (seeds) are released, after which their lengthy processing begins. The result is a solid white, slightly yellowish (ivory) or creamy shea butter that has a subtle nutty odor similar to coconut.

In its homeland, it is quietly used in the kitchen: food prepared using this extract tastes and smells the same as if it was cooked in cow butter. But the product we have is purely cosmetic in nature; food is not prepared with it.

In order for this batter to fully demonstrate all its benefits, you need to approach it seriously: use must be in reasonable doses, and various cosmetic products must be prepared from it strictly according to the recipe.

Chemical composition

The product contains a huge number of different substances. Most of the oil consists of triglycerides and fatty acids, which are responsible for the normal functioning of body cells. A lack of fatty acids in the diet leads to health problems and deterioration of the skin, hair and nails.

Shea butter also contains:

• vitamins (in particular A and E);
• micro- and macroelements;
• phytosterols;
• squalene;
• xanthophylls.

Benefits of shea butter for the face

Shea butter is a source of youth and nourishment for facial skin. It is included in cosmetics for the care of dry, normal and oily skin, as well as in anti-aging products. The action is to soften and nourish the skin, smooth out wrinkles and stimulate collagen production. The product is also used to eliminate sensitive skin problems. The oil relieves itching, dryness and irritation, normalizes the water balance of the epidermis.

As an auxiliary component, oil is included in anti-acne products. It helps reduce inflammation and restore skin after damage, and also softens and nourishes it.

In addition, shea butter is a powerful natural antioxidant. It protects the epidermis from ultraviolet radiation and prevents photoaging.

Useful properties in cosmetology

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, due to its beneficial properties, is often at the forefront of cosmetics. This oil has moisturizing, protective, regenerating, rejuvenating properties.

It is used in almost all cosmetic products.

For skin

Regular use of products containing shea butter extract will help:

1. Reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Substances contained in shea butter promote the active synthesis of collagen and elastin - skin proteins responsible for its elasticity and firmness.
2. Make the skin softer and more velvety by moisturizing.
3. Protect the skin from wind, frost, sun rays and increase its barrier functions.
4. Restore damaged skin.
5. Nourish your skin with beneficial ingredients.

Shea butter is especially beneficial for dry, dehydrated or aging skin. As a result of using products containing this substance, you can get radiant, moisturized and healthy skin.

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For lip skin

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (in cosmetics this oil is usually used as a base oil) is often added to lipsticks and balms for additional nutrition and softening. Products containing it moisturize and protect lips from chapping and dryness. Shea butter extract also promotes rapid restoration of lip skin and healing of cracks.

Recipe for making homemade lip balm: add 2-3 drops of any essential oil, vitamins A and E (sold in pharmacies in ampoules) to a small amount of shea butter and mix the mixture well. You should apply this balm to your lips before going outside, before applying lipstick, or after using a scrub.

For hair

The fatty acids and vitamins contained in shea butter nourish the scalp, causing hair strands to become stronger and grow faster. Shea butter extract is beneficial for all hair types, but it will especially benefit strands damaged as a result of coloring, perm and sun exposure.

As a result of regular use of products containing shea butter extract, hair:

• are saturated with minerals, vitamins, fatty acids;

• become moisturized and silky, acquire shine and smoothness;
• look much thicker and more voluminous;
• recover from long-term damage.

The oil extract can be contained in shampoos, balms, and masks. The product also has a protective effect - products based on it are useful to use during a holiday at sea, when the hair is exposed to strong sun exposure and is over-dried by salt. After rest, a course of masks with shea butter will help restore strands and restore their beauty.

For massage

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (in cosmetics this oil is contained in the range of 30-90%, depending on the type of product) is ideal for massage. It is usually used together with other base oils (apricot, almond, jojoba). Shea butter can be applied to any part of the body.

It helps:

• accelerate the healing of cuts, wounds and scratches;
• make scars and stretch marks less noticeable (during pregnancy, it is useful for women to apply shea butter to the abdominal area to prevent the occurrence of stretch marks);
• treat psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis;
• soften rough skin on elbows and heels;
• saturate the tissues with useful components.

Massage with shea butter should be performed 1-3 times a week. The product should be rubbed into the skin with gentle movements and left for 5-7 minutes, then wiped with a paper napkin or towel. You should not take too much oil - it may not be absorbed and the skin will be oily.

For tanning in the sun and solarium

Vegetable oils are effective and healthier tanning products, and shea butter is no exception. It nourishes the skin and protects it from dehydration. But its most important quality is that it helps to obtain a beautiful, even tan and prevents sunburn.

Shea butter extract can be applied to the body either as part of sunscreen or in its pure form (in the latter it is more effective). If a special product is used before sunbathing, then shea butter can be applied to the skin afterwards to help fix the tan and moisturize the skin.

This product is also suitable for visiting a solarium - it will protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.

In soap making

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (in cosmetics, this substance is responsible not only for its caring properties, but also helps to stabilize and thicken the product) is used as a basis for creating soap. Shea butter produces a minimal amount of foam and has a very gentle effect on the skin, which is why it is suitable for those with dry and sensitive skin.

Soap based on shea butter has a beautiful snow-white color, a pleasant smell and a very delicate consistency. You can also add a small amount of oil to the finished base to make the soap softer and thicker.

In aromatherapy

Aromatherapy with shea butter allows you to relax, normalize sleep and increase the overall tone of the body. Since the product does not have a strong odor, it is better to use it together with aroma lamps, since the smell is stronger when heated.

You can also make your own scented candle using shea butter:

• Melt the required amount of butter in a water bath, mix in equal proportions with wax and pour into a mold to harden.
• Stick the wick into the mixture and wait until the candle hardens.

The pleasant smell of nuts makes it easier to cope with colds, runny nose and respiratory tract diseases. Aromatic treatments are best done before bed, as the aroma of the oil relaxes.

In other areas

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter can be seen not only in soaps, creams and shampoos.

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter application in cosmetics

It is also found in other cosmetics.

In children's cosmetics

Shea butter is used in the production of cosmetics for children and infants, as their delicate skin needs special hypoallergenic care. Shea butter is good against diaper rash in babies and additionally softens the skin.

In cosmetics for the eye and eyebrow area

Eye creams containing shea extract help smooth out wrinkles and crow's feet. Such products soften and nourish the delicate skin of the eyelids, and some of them also fight pigmentation in this area. Many of today's popular eye patches also contain shea butter extract.

Shea butter is often found in mascara. The product, enriched with useful components, not only makes eyelashes beautiful and expressive, but also additionally nourishes them. As a result, the eyelashes become thicker and begin to grow faster. Many serums for strengthening and growing eyelashes and eyebrows also contain oil.

In hand and nail products

In hand and nail creams, shea butter has a moisturizing and softening effect, saturates the skin of the hands with beneficial components and helps strengthen nails. It is best to use a cream containing shea extract in the winter season, when your hands become chapped and your skin becomes dry.

Medicinal properties

Modern medicine readily adopted this medicinal oil from the arsenal of traditional healers and uses it in the treatment of numerous ailments:

• pathologies of the musculoskeletal system (sprains, dislocations, injuries of varying severity, including fractures);
• infectious diseases of viral etiology (influenza and various acute respiratory viral infections);
• psoriasis;
• varicose veins, etc.

This extract is effective for atopic dermatitis, trophic ulcers, acne and other symptomatic manifestations of diseases of the endocrine system. It is used to treat burns (including sunburn), and it is also used to resolve scars and heal wounds.

The benefits of shea butter are also due to its ability to penetrate deep into tissues, warming them, stimulating lymph flow, and improving blood circulation. This makes it possible to use it as a decongestant for thrombophlebitis, varicose veins and other vascular problems.

Shea butter during pregnancy is used not only to prevent stretch marks (striae) or eliminate them, but also to reduce swelling of the face and limbs. It is absolutely safe for expectant mothers to use this product due to its hypoallergenicity. Pregnant women can use this product as an antiseptic and a natural moisturizer for the oral and nasal mucosa for colds.

Video: benefits of shea butter (karite)

Here you can clearly see how to use shea butter and what results you can achieve. The video shows a cream for stretch marks with an explanation of the rules for applying it.

Harm and contraindications for use

Natural cold-pressed shea butter extract will not harm the skin. Due to its hypoallergenic properties, the oil is allowed to be used even by pregnant women and children.

The exception is those people who are allergic to nuts - before using products with shea butter extract, it is necessary to conduct a sensitivity test. To do this, apply a small amount of the product to the inside of your wrist and do not rinse off. If no reactions appear within 12 hours (itching, redness, burning), then the product can be used.

If you have any serious skin diseases, you should consult a cosmetologist or dermatologist before using cosmetics with shea butter. People with oily and problematic skin types should avoid creams containing this oil - they can clog pores, and then acne and increased oiliness of the skin will only worsen.

Cosmetical tools

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Methods of application

You can make products with shea butter at home - such cosmetics will bring even more benefits, since they will be made exclusively from natural ingredients.

Nourishing face mask

You need to melt the butter a little in a water bath and mix it with 1 tsp. any honey. Apply the mixture to a clean face for 15-20 minutes. With regular use of the mask (1-2 times a week), after 15-20 days you will notice that your complexion has become more even and wrinkles have been smoothed out.

Revitalizing hair mask

To prepare the product you will need:

• chicken yolk;
• Shea Butter;
• honey.

Mix the soft butter, previously melted in a water bath, with the remaining ingredients. Apply the mask to clean, damp hair (length only), wrap with plastic wrap and wrap with a towel. You can warm your head with a hairdryer to enhance the effect of the mask.

Leave the mask on your hair for 3-4 hours (can be overnight), then rinse thoroughly with shampoo. One lather may not be enough to wash the mask completely, so it is better to rinse your hair 2-3 times. Repeat the procedure once a week until the hair becomes noticeably softer, more manageable and healthier.

Body cream

You need to mix in equal proportions:

• shea butter;
• almond oil;
• aloe juice;
• chamomile decoction.

Mix all the ingredients, add a couple of drops of lavender essential oil and beeswax in such an amount to form a thick cream and place it in a clean container. Apply the cream to the body every day. Keep refrigerated.

Soap

Beginners in soap making should use the following recipe for making homemade soap with shea butter:

• Melt 100 g of soap base, cut into pieces, in a water bath.
• Add 3-3.5 tbsp. l. butter and 100 ml of milk to obtain a creamy consistency (you can add more milk to the desired consistency).
• Stir the mixture thoroughly until smooth. Remove from heat, cool slightly and add essential oils for scent and dyes. Pour the soap mixture into the mold and leave to infuse for 3-4 weeks.

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter is found in many cosmetics. This oil has a complex effect and promotes nutrition, hydration and tissue restoration.

Article design: Mila Friedan