Shea butter for the face - homemade mask recipes, properties and benefits for the skin

To restore hair and skin, as well as for a beautiful and even tan, you don’t need to buy countless cosmetics. You just need to purchase shea butter, which has truly magical properties.

The homeland of shea butter or shea butter is Africa. Its extraction from seeds, use and sale to civilized countries is of great importance for the local population. And if Africans use this amazing product everywhere : for food, for household purposes and as medicine, then in our country it is known for its nutritional and restorative properties in cosmetology.

Benefits of shea butter

Shea tree seeds contain unique substances and have a pleasant nutty smell. The oil obtained from them resembles butter in consistency and taste, so it is not at all surprising that once it reached the European continent, it was also consumed as a substitute for butter made from cow's milk.

Shea butter contains the following substances:

fatty acids (oleic, palmitic, stearic, etc.)
unsaponifiable substances (in significantly higher quantities than in cocoa butter)
vitamin E
phenol
plant steroids
terpene alcohols

Shea butter is sold in varying degrees of purification and may contain impurities - carefully study the composition of the product.
Thanks to such a rich composition, shea butter has restorative, moisturizing and rejuvenating properties, and also has a protective effect. Shea butter is actively used in cosmetology and medicine:

for moisturizing areas of skin prone to excessive dryness and roughness (hands, feet, elbows)
to eliminate fine wrinkles, at the first signs of aging skin
when removing stretch marks
for protection against ultraviolet radiation and other external negative factors
for hair restoration with brittleness, split ends, dryness
for diaper rash in children
for insect bites
in the treatment of psoriasis and dermatitis (as part of complex therapy)
as an anti-inflammatory agent for treating wounds and scratches

Purified shea butter
Thus, shea butter is a valuable cosmetic product that has found its use in anti-aging, restorative and care cosmetics for the face and body. It is not surprising that many manufacturers add this component to their products and even create entire lines with shea butter for hair and skin.

Using shea butter for hair

The beneficial properties of shea butter have made it one of the most popular restorative hair products . Cosmetic stores sell a large number of shampoos, masks and balms containing the oil of this African tree.

But you don’t have to buy an expensive store-bought product with shea butter, which also has a bunch of parabens and silicones that are harmful to your hair. You can improve your hair health and give it valuable care by using shea butter both as part of homemade masks and as an additive to your favorite store-bought mask or balm.

Shea butter in a hair mask has a complex effect

Hair care with shea butter will help:

restore split ends and prevent their appearance
solve the problem of too dry hair
soothe and restore the scalp, relieve itching
soften hair and make combing easier
protect curls from ultraviolet radiation

By purchasing shea butter at the pharmacy, you can prepare healing hair masks , the results of which will be very pleasing, and their price will save your budget. Everyone has products for such masks at home, otherwise they can be purchased at any store or pharmacy.

Revitalizing mask

If your hair has become like tow, and store-bought products do not help restore it, then do not despair - shea butter will cope with this task. To prepare the mask you will need:

2 tbsp. l. shea butter
1 tbsp. l. olive or burdock oil
any balm or hair mask

Nutrients of shea butter will help restore healthy hair.
Mix all ingredients thoroughly, after melting the shea butter, and apply the resulting mixture to dry hair. Wrap your hair in cling film or put on a cellophane cap and leave it overnight. In the morning, the mask can be washed off using any shampoo and warm water.

Anti-dandruff mask

Due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing effect, shea butter is often recommended for use in anti-dandruff masks. Preparing such a product is not difficult - the following ingredients are needed for the mask:

2 tbsp. l. shea butter
4-5 drops of essential oil (lavender, tea tree, rosemary)

Shea butter can be added to hair masks and balms or prepared at home using natural ingredients.
Melt shea butter and add essential oil to it. Mix the ingredients well and apply to the scalp , then wrap in plastic and a towel. After an hour, the mask can be washed off with shampoo. If repeated regularly (2-3 times a week), the effect will not be long in coming, and the itching sensation will go away after the first use.

Growth activator mask

In order to accelerate hair growth and strengthen it, you can prepare a special hair growth activator mask. In addition to shea butter, its composition also includes other components that must be purchased in advance at the pharmacy:

Burr oil
vitamin E
vitamin A

For hair loss, make a mask with shea butter and burdock oil.
Mix burdock oil and shea butter in equal quantities and add 1 ampoule of vitamins A and E (you can purchase the combined drug “Aevit”, which contains both vitamins). Apply the mask to the entire length of your hair and scalp, leave for 50-60 minutes under plastic and a towel, and then rinse with shampoo. Repeat the procedure after a week.

Anti-loss mask

A mask combining shea butter and castor oil will help stop hair loss. To prepare it, you also need rosemary essential oil, but if you can’t find it, you can safely make a mask from two components. Mix 2 tablespoons of castor oil with 3 tablespoons of shea butter and 3 drops of essential oil. Then apply the mixture to your hair and leave for 2-3 hours.

Applications and recipes for face masks with shea butter

Shea butter has truly magical properties in face masks. It heals and moisturizes, restores skin elasticity and smoothes out fine wrinkles, protects against ultraviolet radiation and has an antibacterial effect . To maximize the effect of shea butter, it is combined with various components that are available in the kitchen of every housewife.

Home remedy for a youthful face with shea butter

Nourishing and toning mask

If your skin is dry, peeling and tightness occurs in places, then you simply need a mask with shea butter. To prepare it, mix the yolk, a teaspoon of melted shea butter and the same amount of olive oil. Apply the resulting mask to your face for 20 minutes and then rinse with warm water.

Thanks to the nourishing mask, your skin will transform before your eyes: it will become silky, soft and moisturized, and you can finally forget about annoying peeling if you repeat the mask once a week.

Anti-wrinkle mask

A mask with the following ingredients will help get rid of small wrinkles:

1 tsp. shea butter
1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp. almond oil

Shea butter is effective against wrinkles.
Add two other oils to the melted shea butter and mix them well. After this, apply the mixture to cleansed facial skin and keep for at least 20 minutes . Then the product can be washed off with warm water.

Mask recipes

Shea seed fat can be used as a base for a cosmetic mask or a healthy supplement. The oil softens the effect of the active components and ensures their deep penetration into the epidermis.

Depending on the combination of other components, shea masks can be suitable for dry and dull skin, as well as normal, oily or problematic skin.

To ensure the effectiveness of the cosmetic procedure, you must follow the following rules:

use masks at least 2 times a week;
for dry skin choose an oil base, for normal skin - a moisturizing one (water, honey), for oily and problematic skin - a sour one;
Before using the mask, steam your face, cleanse it of impurities and apply a moisturizing toner;
After a 2-month course, you should take a break of 2–3 weeks.

For wrinkles

The following mask recipes are suitable for rejuvenating and tightening the skin:

1 tbsp. low-fat cottage cheese and shea fat, 2-3 quail eggs. Grind eggs with cottage cheese, add melted butter and apply to face after steaming. Leave the mixture on your face for 10-15 minutes, and then carefully rinse with cool or lukewarm water.
Mix black or dark milk chocolate with shea extract in a 2:1 ratio. Steam, cleanse and lightly pat your face. Apply chocolate paste and leave it for 20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
Take 1 peach, mash it with a fork, chop it on a grater or in a blender. Add 1 yolk, 2 tsp to the fruit puree. shea fat and 3–5 ml of vitamin B5 or Panthenol. Apply to face after cleansing, avoiding the eye area. Leave for 20–30 minutes. During the procedure, prepare lukewarm water with a few slices of ginger root. Rinse the mixture off your face with the prepared infusion.

When choosing an anti-wrinkle product, you should consider your skin type. If there is excessive fat secretion, it is recommended to increase the proportion of cottage cheese in the mask, and use whites instead of eggs.

For acne

To get rid of acne and pimples, you can use a mixture of nut pomace, honey and salicylic acid. To prepare the mask you need to take 1 tsp. shea butter, 10–15 drops nut oil (walnut or cashew), 1.5 tsp. honey and 5-6 drops of an alcohol solution of salicylic acid (2%).

Melt the fat, mix all the components of the mask and rub it into your face with massaging movements. After 15–25 minutes, rinse off the composition with a previously prepared infusion of calendula or chamomile flowers.

To get rid of post-acne, you should use masks with retinoids (vitamin A).

From blackheads

To eliminate open comedones (blackheads), a mask made from cosmetic clay, base and essential oils is suitable. To prepare a cosmetic product, you need to take 10 ml of Shea oil and add 2-3 drops of lemon ether to it. In a separate container, dilute 1 tbsp. white or blue clay to the consistency of sour cream or thick yogurt. Add the oil mixture to the diluted clay, mix and apply to a cleansed and moisturized face for 10–15 minutes.

For oily and combination skin, the oil base should be replaced with a curd-oil base.

In addition to reducing the number of blackheads, this mask helps normalize sebum production, lighten the dermis and improve complexion.

For dry skin

For dry skin, nourishing masks are suitable that will eliminate flaking, prevent dehydration of the epidermis and restore its barrier function. The most effective are the following formulations:

1 tsp. olive and shea butter, 0.5 tsp. orange or lemon zest. Melt the dense mass in a steam bath, mix with olive oil and zest, cool slightly. Add 1 yolk to the cooled mixture. Apply the mixture to your face and leave for 20 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.
Mix 1 tbsp. cream or natural yogurt, liquid shea butter and olive oil. Add 1 capsule (4-5 drops) of vitamin E. Mix, apply to skin and leave for 10-15 minutes.
Take 1 tsp. coconut fat and shea butter. Add a few drops of almond and jojoba oils, 1-2 drops of chamomile oil (for sensitive skin), rose (fading and dry), thyme (problematic) or lavender. Distribute the mixture over the neck and face, avoiding the area around the eyes. Leave for 20 minutes, remove any remaining residue with a soft paper towel.

For oily skin

The following masks are suitable for oily, combination and problem skin:

Made from yolk, shea and yeast. Melt the shea butter and lightly dilute 10 g of live yeast with water. Add 1 yolk and a pinch of cardamom powder to this mixture. Apply to the face and wait until the mask dries completely. Rinse off with lukewarm acidified water. To increase the effectiveness of the mask, you can add 2-3 drops of mint or lavender ether to it.
Made from strawberries and shea. Grind several medium strawberries in a blender or on a fine grater. Add the yolk to the berry puree (if the skin is very oily - an egg) and 1-2 tbsp. liquid shea Thicken the mixture with oatmeal or rice flour. Apply and leave for 25-30 minutes.

For lips

If your lips are often cracked, chapped or flaky, then a homemade oil mask will help restore them. It can be prepared from the following components:

almond and shea butter (1:2), 2 drops of sweet orange extract per 1 tbsp. mixtures;
15 g hard shea, 10 ml jojoba oil, 1 tsp. rose water and 2-3 drops of citrus oil (orange or lemon).

Melt the solid butter in a water bath, add the liquid ingredients. Stir for 1-2 minutes, remove from heat, cool slightly and add essential essences. Transfer the completely cooled mixture into a small glass container.

Use 3-4 times a day (including at night) until the cosmetic problem disappears. In the cold season, use to prevent peeling of lips.

For the eye area

Caustic ingredients and essential oils are not recommended for use around the eyes. However, the skin in this area is thin and not rich in sebaceous glands, so it needs increased nutrition and hydration.

The following formulations are suitable for the skin around the eyes:

1–2 tbsp. raw grated potatoes, 1 tbsp. shea, 0.5 tbsp. warm milk and flour (hold for 10–15 minutes);
5 ml of liquid shea butter, 1 ml of vitamin E (apply for 2 hours, blot off the remainder with a paper napkin);
15 g of melted vegetable fat of cocoa and shea, 1-2 capsules of Aevit or 2-3 drops of vitamins A and E, 2-4 drops of rose ether (apply for 25-30 minutes).

For eyelashes and eyebrows

The following mixtures are effective for the growth and prevention of hair loss of eyebrows and eyelashes:

1 tsp each grape seed and shea butter, 1 capsule of retinol or Aevita;
1 tbsp. melted shea fat, 1-2 drops each of lemon balm, rose and chamomile extracts;
burdock and shea butter in a ratio of 3:2 or 1:1, 2-3 drops of cedar ether per 1 tbsp. mixtures.

Oil masks are applied to the eyebrows and eyelashes for half an hour, and then removed with a napkin or washed off. The duration of the procedure is 1–1.5 months. After completing the course you need to take a 3-week break.

Shea butter for lips

Shea butter's active nutrients make it an excellent lip balm . This remedy will be especially relevant in the hot summer, and the healing components of the oil will have an anti-inflammatory and restorative effect on cracks and damage.

A lip balm prepared at home will be no worse than store-bought analogues, and its composition will be completely natural:

15 g shea butter
15 g jojoba oil
a few drops of lemon oil
5 ml rose water

Shea butter lip balm
Melt the oils in a water bath. Stir the mixture until completely softened and the consistency becomes similar to melted butter . Then, after removing the balm from the water bath, gradually add rose water and a few drops of lemon oil. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and the balm is ready. You can only store it in a glass container (you can use a jar of cream).

Shea butter for tanning

In order to get a beautiful and even tan, and not burn under the rays of the hot summer sun, it is not at all necessary to spend a lot of money on an expensive sunscreen. Shea butter will also be a great helper on the beach. In addition, it can be used as a moisturizer and soothing product after sunbathing.

Melt the shea butter and apply it 20-30 minutes before going to the beach. When used this way, the product will protect against ultraviolet radiation, prevent burning of the skin and its excessive dryness. If you mix shea butter with wheat germ oil , the protective effect will be significantly enhanced.

Shea butter will prevent sunburn

Using shea butter after sunbathing, you can moisturize your skin well, relieve tightness and restore elasticity. Simply massage the oil into your skin after sunbathing.

Shea butter for stretch marks

Despite the fact that shea butter has become generally known not so long ago, it has become the most popular remedy for stretch marks. It turns out that it even ranks first in its effectiveness against this unpleasant skin phenomenon, followed only by cocoa butter and olive oil.

For stretch marks, it is recommended to mix shea butter and olive oil in equal quantities and massage into problem areas three times a day. Do not forget that before such procedures it is necessary to cleanse the skin using a rough sponge.

Stretch marks will become less noticeable if you use shea butter as a cream.

Using shea butter will make stretch marks less noticeable , and the skin will become more elastic, which will prevent the appearance of new ones. It is advisable to use shea butter as a preventative against stretch marks - for this it is enough to apply the product 2-3 times a week.

How to properly use anti-wrinkle oil?

To transform your facial skin and get rid of wrinkles, shea butter can be used in its pure form or made into masks with other ingredients that can be easily prepared at home.

In any case, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

It is recommended to use shea butter 1-2 times a week for a month. Then you need to take a mandatory break for 1-1.5 months.
Prepared masks cannot be stored! Before each use, you need to prepare a fresh mixture.
The product must be melted before use. If you are going to make a mask, you can lower the jar into warm water and melt it in a water bath. If you want to use it in its pure form, then take a solid piece in your hands and the oil will melt on its own and you can use it.

When using pure shea butter instead of an anti-wrinkle cream, it is worth applying a small amount of oil to the entire face or the skin around the eyes. The skin must first be cleaned.
You can make a one-component oil mask - the oil is applied in a thick layer to the skin. Can be applied to the entire face or just the area around the eyes, or, in general, only to problem areas. After half an hour, the mask should be washed off with warm water.

The use of shea butter on the face will be especially effective if you do a special anti-aging massage for wrinkles with it.

With proper and regular use, you can achieve excellent results, as if after visiting a beauty salon.

You might be interested in reading this article: Wrinkles on the cheeks

Shea butter during pregnancy

Most often, stretch marks occur during pregnancy, when a woman suddenly gains weight and the skin cannot withstand the new load and does not have time to stretch. The use of any means during this period is associated with a certain risk for the fetus in the womb, so the selection of means should be careful, and it is better to use natural means.

Shea butter is not contraindicated during pregnancy

This is exactly what shea butter is - natural and effective. It does not have a negative effect on the fetus during pregnancy and can be used during lactation. The only exception is if you are allergic to this oil , in which case its use must be avoided.

Beneficial properties of shea butter for the face against wrinkles

The oil solution has a positive effect on the condition of aging skin due to the following properties:

Moisturizing. Cosmetologists recommend using the product for severe dehydration of the facial skin. The beneficial effects are associated with the presence of fatty acids that saturate the cellular elements with moisture.
Nutritious. Active skin nutrition is due to the content of skin-healthy vitamins (D, F, E, A).
Restorative. It is known that the use of a cosmetic product promotes the healing of minor inflammatory processes and injuries.
Smoothing. Regular application of shea butter to the skin can reduce the number of fine wrinkles and restore an even complexion.
Protective. The product prevents sunburn and minimizes the negative impact of external factors on the skin.
Regenerating. The use of shea butter accelerates cellular metabolism, which improves tissue synthesis.
Anti-inflammatory. One of the indications for the use of a cosmetic product is acne and post-acne. During treatment, elimination of redness and purulent elements is noted.
Transport. The product has the ability to penetrate deep into the skin, while enhancing the effects of other beneficial components. This is why experts recommend including shea butter in masks.
Brightening. The oil solution can be used to lighten age spots and freckles.

Attention! The use of the product improves oxygen cellular exchange and restores the barrier functions of the skin.

Shea butter for the eye area

The skin around the eyes requires special care, because it does not have subcutaneous fat and is extremely thin. Therefore, the first signs of aging appear in the area around the eyes - the so-called crow's feet . Many products for the skin around the eyes contain a huge number of chemical compounds that only worsen its condition.

The skin around the eyes is very thin and delicate - shea butter is an excellent care for it

Shea butter is a completely natural product, the use of which is completely safe for the skin around the eyes, and its effect is not inferior to many advertised cosmetics. Nutrients, fatty acids and proteins of shea butter will help enhance regeneration processes, make the skin more elastic and provide necessary nutrition.

Along with its restorative effect, shea butter protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation, which is one of the main factors in skin aging and the formation of wrinkles. Thus, it is necessary to use the oil both for women who already have wrinkles and for younger girls who want to maintain their youth and beauty.

As a remedy for wrinkles around the eyes, shea butter can be used as part of masks with other components and as an independent remedy.

Pharmacies sell shea butter in solid form; to use it, you need to melt it in a water bath.
Prepare a mask for the delicate skin around the eyes from the following components:

1 tsp. parsley
1 tsp. shea butter
10 g butter

Chop the parsley and add butter and shea butter to it, after melting them. Apply the oil mask to the area around the eyes for 30-35 minutes , then rinse off using your usual cleanser. Repeat the mask 1-2 times a week and wrinkles will noticeably smooth out.

Efficacy and composition

As you know, this natural product is included in many cosmetics, for example, face and body creams, shampoos, hair masks, and facials. And they use it for a reason. Shea butter is very effective for skin and hair, this is evidenced by real experience and many reviews of women satisfied with the effect. Therefore, it can be used all over the face to get rid of wrinkles.

But why is it so effective? The fact is that shea butter contains up to 80% triglycerides. And triglycerides are neutral fats; thanks to them, beneficial substances penetrate deeply into the dermis, thus nourishing the cells and improving the condition of the skin.

When you apply shea butter to your face, it penetrates deep into the pores and has a healing effect. Thanks to this, wrinkles become smaller. It also serves as an excellent prevention against new wrinkles.

It is believed that this product is also suitable for caring for the delicate area around the eyes.

Compound

This product contains the following useful components:

Complex fatty acids.
Tocopherols.
Vitamins of different groups.

Effect

Thanks to this composition, many positive processes occur when applying shea butter to the skin:

It perfectly fights wrinkles and rejuvenates the skin.
Gives a regenerating effect, heals microtraumas.
Has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Gives a protective effect.
Has a bactericidal effect.

The use of any facial anti-wrinkle product should be regular. This truth also applies to shea butter.

With regular care and use of shea butter for the face as a remedy for wrinkles, you can notice a complex effect and benefits for the skin:

Moisturizing and nourishing the dermis.
Smoothing wrinkles around the eyes and on the face.
Radiant and healthy skin.
Relieves irritation and dry skin.
Mitigation.
Reducing rashes.
Protection from exposure to adverse environmental factors.

The use of shea butter for the face against wrinkles is acceptable for any skin type.

At the same time, owners of oily skin should follow a number of simple rules:

It is recommended not to use the product for a long period of time.
It is advisable to make masks with oil according to recipes for oily skin.
You should not overuse the product in its pure form, so as not to contribute to clogging of pores.

You might be interested in reading this article: How to remove expression wrinkles on the forehead: best tips

Shea butter is effective for both young and aging skin of any type. In addition to the complex positive effects, it rejuvenates due to the activation of collagen. And it is known to be the most important component of youthful and beautiful skin.

What is the harm of shea butter?

Shea butter is a miracle cure, but it can also be harmful to your skin. No clinical trials have been conducted regarding the effects of shea butter and it is not advisable to assert the complete safety of this African product. Also, do not exclude the possibility of an allergic reaction , because shea butter is made from exotic fruits.

If you have an allergy to nuts , such as peanuts, be sure to do a sensitivity test by spreading shea butter on a small area of skin.

Before using shea butter, apply it to a small area of skin and observe the reaction.
Using the oil after the expiration date, which is three years . If you have prepared cream with shea butter, it cannot be stored for more than three months. In general, numerous reviews do not indicate that any harm was caused from shea butter - only positive results.

Shea butter is an excellent substitute for skin care cosmetics , because its use is suitable for the face, body and hair. You can purchase this exotic product at any pharmacy, and preparing a mask or balm is as easy as pie. Pamper your skin with this natural remedy and it will thank you with its healthy appearance and beauty.

Some tips for choosing a product

To use shea butter for the face against wrinkles in its pure form or create such masks, you need to find a quality product. It is sold in many pharmacies.

Before you purchase the jar you need, you will have to carefully study all the information on it. It should be dense in appearance, comparable to homemade ghee, and the color can vary from white to brownish. If stored properly, the smell will be similar to nutty or coconut.

A natural product cannot be very cheap. Therefore, if you come across a product at a suspiciously low price, it is better to avoid it.

You might be interested in reading this article: Using Castor Oil for Wrinkles

Thanks to shea butter, you can give your skin youth and beauty and get rid of wrinkles without the use of chemicals and especially plastic surgery. The main thing is to use the product wisely!