Daily Trust Sunday

BEAUTY Benefits of shea-butter for skin and hair

- Compiled by Rosemary Etim Bassey

Shea-butter is a fat derived from the nuts of the shea tree. Sheabutter has a long history of use in cosmetic products. It’s an excellent product for nourishing, relaxing, and conditioni­ng your skin because of its high vitamin and fatty acid content and spreadable consistenc­y. It also supports healthy hair and has numerous advantages for hair: The benefits for hair and skin include:

Soothes dry skin: Sheabutter is typically found in lotions for those with dry skin. There are fatty acids in shea-butter. They lubricate the skin and produce a moisture-retaining barrier. Sebum (natural skin oil) serves this purpose in those with oilier skin types. However, a moisturise­r aids in preserving dewiness for people with drier skin.

Calms irritabili­ty: Antiinflam­matory compounds included in shea-butter reduce skin edoema and redness. People apply it to soothe any irritation, including sunburns, chapped lips, and skin that has been overexpose­d to acidic peels or washes.

Slows cell damage: Antioxidan­ts (substances that protect cells) are frequently added to antiaging skin care products by cosmetics companies. Sheabutter has two antioxidan­ts, including Vitamin A, which is essential for healthy skin. It functions by accelerati­ng skin cell turnover and refining the skin’s surface. Additional­ly, it firms skin by promoting collagen formation, the structural component that prevents your skin from drooping. Shea-butter also contains a lot of vitamin E by nature. However, sebum production generally decreases with ageing. Exposure to sunlight also depletes it. Vitamin E protects against cellular deteriorat­ion and increases moisture in the skin.

Reduces eczema: Eczema is a common skin disorder that produces itchy, red rashes. It also increases your vulnerabil­ity to skin infections. One cause of eczema is a lack of fatty acids in the skin. Your skin barrier isn’t as effective in keeping irritants and pathogens at bay. Applying thick creams, balms, or ointments to the affected area helps to protect against infection while sealing in moisture. According to one study, shea-butter is more effective in easing eczema symptoms than petroleum-based creams, which are frequently suggested by doctors.

Calms down scalp irritation and dryness:

Shea-butter offers rich fats that may be absorbed into the scalp without leaving a greasy feeling or clogging pores, as well as anti-inflammato­ry properties. This is why it helps to relieve dandruff or a dry, itchy scalp. Shea-butter works wonders to moisturise dry or brittle hair. From the roots to the ends, it offers a lot of hydration to dry, brittle strands. As a moisturisi­ng lotion, it is also acceptable to use on relaxed or colourtrea­ted hair.

Defend hair from heat damage:

Shea-butter can serve as a heat protectant for your hair if you straighten, curl, or heat style it in any way. This is due to the fact that shea-butter penetrates into each hair strand and protects against heat damage.

Reduces hair loss and promote new hair growth: Shea-butter’s antiinflam­matory properties and fatty acids give vital nutrients that aid in treating scalp issues and enhancing the general health of the scalp. In turn, this will strengthen your hair follicles, lessen hair loss, and promote thicker hair growth.

 ?? ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Nigeria