6 Exceptional Rose Water Benefits for Skin

benefits of rosewater for face and skin

Extracted from rose petals, benefits of rose water for skin or face are extolling all over cosmetic world. In fact, this tonic has illustrious culinary and cosmetic history. Women through ages included it to their beauty regimen to soothe skin and as conditioner for lips and hair.

Renowned for its aromatic property, rose water has been used in religious ceremonies. In India, rose water is used as eye drop to treat minor infections. Fascinating properties of rose water forced many cosmetic industries to incorporate rose water into their pricey creams. (source: Wikipedia)

If you’re looking for inexpensive skin moisturizer and toner, then rose water is the best go for you.

Rose Water Benefits For Face and Skin

  • Assorted properties in rose water thwart bacterial infection and purify the skin.
  • It’s an exceptional skin toner that helps to remove dirt, excess oil and makeup off the skin.
  • Astringent properties in rose water are beneficial as a facial toner.
  • Moisturizing agents in rose water hydrates your skin from the outside and eliminates dry skin.
  • Its stands as an impeccable remedy for acne blemishes or pimples.
  • Healing properties in this tonic will stimulate healing of minor sunburns and wounds.
  • Enhances in maintaining pH balance of the skin.
  • Anti-bacterial housed in rose water helps to restrain any bacterial infection.
  • Topical application helps to revitalize skin and eradicate fine lines and wrinkles on forehead.

Note: Rose water may not deal with chronic skin diseases, we recommend you to consult your physician.

To reap rose water benefits for skin you must prefer natural rose water if possible, you can get one from local drug store. And you don’t need to be a spa expert to apply it over face. Follow simple steps and you can bring in all benefits of it.

Now let’s have a detailed view on uses of rosewater for skin.

1. Rose Water for Moisturizing Your Face

Worried about dry patches? Apply this natural moisturizer using cotton ball over dry patches regularly and it will give you an amazing experience. Instantly you can notice soothing effect over your skin. It exfoliates dead cells and stimulates new cell growth.

2. Rose Water as Cleanser

Alarming levels of pollution and dirt accumulated over face gives your skin a tough competition. Topically apply this tonic using cotton ball and it cleanse dirt and unclog pores. Now you can throw expensive make removals and replace it with rosewater.

3. Rose Water for Oily Skin

Use it as a facial toner by adding equal quantity of rose water and lemon juice. Mix it well and it will unclog skin pores. Regular application will help to restrain pimples.

4. Rosewater for Skin Lightening

rosewater for skin lightening

Hyperpigmentation triggers because of excess production of melanin. Stay away from harmful UV rays by applying sunscreen or wear wide hat, while going out.

Boil dried chamomile flowers in a bowl, then strain flowers, and then mix the water with rosewater and honey. Topically apply over face and rinse it off with water. You can also try glycerin and rosewater for skin lightening. Mix them in equal quantities and apply it over skin.

Alternatively you can also use aloe vera for skin lightening.

5. Rose Water for Acne Blemishes

Anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties in rose water make it an excellent remedy for acne blemishes. Mix it with lemon juice (in a required quantity) and apply over prewashed face. Rosewater and glycerin for acne is an effective remedy, mix it in equal quantities and see how it starts fighting Propionibacterium acnes.

Alternatively you can use honey, cucumber and rose water face mask.

6. Soothe Inflammation

Anti-inflammatory agents in rose water help to reduce redness and lessen skin irritation. Blend rose water with tomato juice to treat suntan.

With rose water you may reduce dark circles, wrinkles and eczema irritation. You can make rose water at home, which we discussed here.

And the list, benefits of rose water for skin goes on. This innate remedy has no or few side-effects give it a try and add it to your beauty regimen.

Conclusion

It’s no exaggeration in saying rose water is one of the exceptional remedy for minor skin problems. It moisturizes your skin, lightens dark circles and treats acne. But unfortunately manufacturing industries mix alcohol and other chemicals to it, so go for natural rose water or make your own if possible.

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Yogurt for Yeast Infection

yogurt for yeast infection

According to Medicinenet.com, about 90% of yeast infections are caused by yeast scientifically known as Candida albicans. Yeast is a fungus and it lives in vagina with other bacteria called Lactobacillus acidophilus, these bacteria restrain yeast growth. When the bacteria number decreases, yeast rush to occupy the vacancy, causing yeast infection. Though it’s not a serious issue, it’s quite annoying to scratch in public. (1)

Yogurt for yeast infection is one those innate remedies that can treat and soothe itching. Yogurt increases the good bacteria which thwarts growing yeast. Vaginal yeast infection is most common in women and from decades yogurt has been used as douche to treat yeast infection. Based on a study, honey and yogurt mixture can be used as an alternative to treat vulvo-vaginal candidiasis (vaginal yeast infection). (2)

Also read: Candida and body odor

Does Yogurt Help Yeast Infection?

Yogurt to treat yeast infection has been recommended and used from decades. According to WebMD, consuming yogurt with live cultures may prevent yeast from recurring. (3)

does yogurt help in yeast infection

  • Healthy vagina contains bacteria (in large number) and yeast (in small number), problem arises when the good bacteria decreases, yogurt contains Lactobacillus acidophilus the bacteria which restrains yeast growth by producing hydrogen peroxide.
  • Yogurt with live cultures has friendly bacteria that aids in treating yeast infection.
  • Sometimes antibiotics may kill the good bacteria, consuming yeast or douching yeast and honey mixture stimulates bacteria growth.
  • Yogurt contains probiotics. A study has been carried out to review probiotics preventing yeast infection. Though study concludes with no strong proof, it’s recommended in the report that probiotics can be used to prevent recurring yeast infection in women. (4)
  • Topical application of yogurt soothes skin, enhances pH of skin and relives you from vigorous itching.

How to Apply Yogurt for Yeast Infection?

According to US News Health, Greek yogurt for yeast infection can be more beneficial, as it contains approximately half as many carbohydrates as other yogurt. (Yeast feed on carbohydrates)

1. Eating Yogurt

Yogurt is made by fermenting milk and bacteria. It has been used in medical industries to restore normal bacteria in intestine tract and vagina. You may wonder how much yogurt you need to eat. Start with small amount regularly; it has no serious side-effects so you can substitute it with your breakfast.

2. Topical Application of Yogurt

For a quick relief from itching, try douching yogurt on affected part. Wash the affected area before applying yogurt. When you’re done with applying unsweetened plain yogurt, leave it for about 1 hour and rinse it off with water.

Also read: Argan oil and Yogurt face mask

3. Yogurt Tampon

  • Apple yogurt on a tampon.
  • Freeze it and insert it on your vagina.
  • Or you can dip tampon in yogurt for about 6 hours and use it.

Unfortunately there is no data to back this theory; anyhow few women had positive impact on affected area after applying yogurt. (5)

Plain unsweetened yogurt is the best yogurt for yeast infection.

Did you ever use yogurt? Share your thoughts in comments.

Bottom Line

Yeast is a common fungus found in vagina, yeast infection is caused when yeast grows exponentially. Yogurt contains bacteria that restrain yeast growth. You can either consume it or topically apply it to treat yeast infection.

For serious issues please consult physician.

apple cider vinegar for yeast infection

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Apple Cider Vinegar for Yeast Infection

apple cider vinegar for yeast infection

Apple cider vinegar is acclaimed to be used for culinary purpose and to treat various skin conditions like yeast infection and eczema. ACV is made by subjecting apple and cider to fermentation. Its use as medicine dates back from centuries. Even Hippocrates acknowledged the medical benefits of ACV.

Yeast is a fungus that lives in your body, mostly in the vagina in small numbers. Growth of this yeast is the root cause of yeast infection. According to WebMD Candida albicans, a type of yeast is behind this infection. 75 percent of women experience yeast infection at some point of their life. Yeast infection causes itching, soreness, pain and burning sensation. Based on WebMD, some women may have white thick liquid discharge before menstrual period.

Related post: Benefits of Vinegar for skin

Apart from vagina, this infection may occur in mouth, between skin folds and intestinal tract. It’s common and need no serious medication; anyhow corticosteroid cream application can reduce inflammation and itchiness. According to Medlineplus, apple cider vinegar for yeast infection prevents candidiasis. (Also read: Candida (Yeast) and Body Odor)

How Apple Cider Vinegar Cures Yeast Infection

Properties in ACV kill excess yeast and treat infection. Vitamins like B1, B2, B6 and C are packed into ACV. It also contains minerals and acids, namely, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, potassium, calcium and iron.

  • Restorative properties in ACV react on skin to restore pH level of vagina.
  • Mayoclinic states that antibiotics kill bacterial infection, and ACV is one of the strongest antibiotics.
  • ACV to not just thwart bacteria but it enhances the balanced environment for all necessary healthy bacteria.
  • Consuming apple cider vinegar boosts your immune system.
  • Acetic acid in ACV lowers pH of vagina skin; this makes it less tolerable for yeast infection.

Must read: ACV to remove mole on skin

Apple Cider Vinegar for Treating Yeast Infection

braggs apple cider vinegar

Consume it or topically apply it over affected part, it restrains bacterial infection and maintains healthy environment. To consume, mix it with water and drink it before meals. For topically application of ACV you’ve different methods you can opt the one that works for you.

Note while consuming ACV, don’t add honey or sugar, as Candida yeast feed on sugar.

1. Apple cider vinegar douche

Reducing the amount of bacteria in vagina will cure yeast infection. Mix raw apple cider vinegar with water and use it as douche on vagina to kill Candida yeast. 3 tbsp of ACV and 2 quarts of warm water can be used to make vagina douche.

Rinse this solution twice, in the morning and in the evening, till you see no itching or pain. Decrease ACV ratio if you experience burning sensation. Optionally add pinch of cayenne pepper to ACV.

2. ACV bath for yeast infection

Yeast infection may cause on various parts of the body, to give your whole body ACV treatment, mix 2 tbsp of ACV in warm bath water. Leave it for about 15 minutes and take bath. Alternatively you can dip your tampon in ACV solution before inserting it into vagina. Regularly use this method for 1-2 weeks for improvement.

You can take ACV bath once a day or twice a week depending on severity of infection.

3. Consume ACV

For mouth yeast infection, mix 2-3 tbsp of apple cider vinegar with 8 ounces of water and drink it before meals. Yes, it tastes bitter. But don’t ever think of adding honey or sugar, this will increase Candida yeast. If you’ve infection in mouth, then swish it before drinking.

Consuming ACV kills infection causing yeast in intestinal tract and enhances balanced environment for healthy bacteria, this controls Candida yeast growth.

4. ACV with other remedies

To fasten the healing process you can mix other innate remedies with ACV. Mix apple cider vinegar with tea tree oil, antimicrobial properties in tea tree oil kills bacteria. Eat raw garlic with vinegar kill Candida yeast. Yogurt and acidophilus consumption can reduce yeast infection.

If you want apple cider vinegar to work for yeast infection, then only opt for raw ACV.

Note: As ACV is acidic in nature never use it directly, dilute it with water. Avoid using baking soda and sugars, this grows Candida yeast.

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Aloe Vera: Why It’s Good for Skin

is aloe vera good for oily skin

Alarming levels of pollution we emit weakens your skin’s functionality, as a result wrinkles start appearing, skin loses its moisture and becomes prone to infections. Though there are lots of pricey chemical filled creams to moisturize your skin from the outside, a natural remedy is in demand to bring your skin back to life.

Do you like to have 4-5 creams over your desk? No.

So you must go for a product which works for all skin types, as your skin type changes with climate, it becomes dry in winter. Aloe vera is one such innate remedy that is packed with minerals and vitamins. Now stop asking, is aloe vera good for pimples? Is aloe vera good for dry skin or oily skin? Aloe vera, in its nutritional aisle has exceptional properties that work for all skin types.

Related post: Jojoba oil for oily skin

Active properties in aloe vera gel which makes your skin radiant and smooth

Along with vitamin, minerals and acids, aloe gel consists of 75 potential active constituents. Beta-carotene, vitamin C and E (antioxidants), B12, folic acid, and enzymes namely, alkaline phosphatase, peroxidase and bradykinase are included in its arsenal. Coming to minerals zinc, calcium, copper and sodium are few to name. Others include sugars, fatty acids, hormones with anti-inflammatory action etc…, are packed in aloe vera gel.

Is Aloe Vera Good for Dry Skin?

aloe vera for pimplesAloe vera gel is renowned for its moisturizing properties. Mucopolysaccharides in aloe vera gel aids to bind moisture to skin. Also nutritional properties in aloe gel stimulates fibroblast which enhances collagen production resulting is less wrinkles skin. Amino acids in aloe gel soften hard cells and zinc with astringent property tightens skin pores.

Packed with assorted properties aloe vera gel for dry skin is an effective and innate remedy that hydrates your skin from outside as well as inside.

Also read: DIY Aloe vera face mask Recipes

Aloe Vera for Oily Skin

Wonder how come a moisturizer treats oily skin?

Do you’ve oily skin? Unconcerned of what you heard, your skin needs a moisturizer. Epidermis fails to absorb oil over skin; it needs something simple, natural. Your sebum is filled with fat compounds. Apply aloe vera gel over skin after cleansing it.

Properties in aloe gel enhance collagen production and cell turnover, after regular application. Antioxidant in aloe gel thwarts free radicals and antimicrobial agents restrain bacterial infection. According to US National Institute of Health, aloe gel consists of 6 antiseptic agents, which stop fungi, bacteria and viruses.

Aloe Vera for Pimples

To know, how aloe vera is good for pimples. Let’s check out its nutritional aisle. From the above brief nutritional profile we came to know that aloe gel is packed with anti-inflammatory, antioxidants and antibacterial properties.

  • Pimples or acne is caused due to bacterial infection and hormonal imbalance. When you topically apply this sticky gel antibacterial action treats pimples by reducing redness and stimulates healing process.
  • Gibberellin and Glucomannan, in aloe gel interact with fibroblast in skin, which then not only stimulates collagen production but change its composition. (1)
  • Zinc acts as an astringent agent to remove excess sebum and cleanse dirt from pores. It also reduces inflammation and pain.
  • Along with reducing pimples, aloe can fade acne scars.

Though you can’t completely treat acne or pimples you can easy reduce swelling and redness. To reap nutritional benefits of aloe vera for skin, use pure and natural aloe vera.

Did you ever use aloe vera? What’s your opinion? Is aloe vera good for pimple, dry skin or oily skin?

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10 Awesome Benefits of Cucumber for Skin

Having hard time drinking 8 glasses of water daily? Munch some crispy cucumbers; naturally they’re packed with 95% of water. The cool cuke is fourth cultivated vegetable in the world and renowned for its soothing properties. Either you consume it or use topically; it cools down blood and body temperature.

Though it’s native to South Asia, other continents also cultivate cucumbers. Uses of cucumber for skin dates back Roman times. According to Wikipedia.org Roman emperor has the cool cuke over his table daily during summer and winter.

Depending on it cultivation cucumber is distinguished into 3 main groups, namely slicing, pickling and burpless. Where slicing cucumbers are eaten raw, pickling cucumbers are cultivated for pickles and burpless cucumbers are sweeter with thin skin.

Cucumber Benefits for Skin

cucumber benefits for skin

Highly priced skin care products include cucumber as one of the vital ingredient. And we knew that it is used in beauty salons and spas to rejuvenate the skin. Now let’s point out impressive uses of cucumber for skin.

1. Cucumber as a Moisturizer

Almighty fashioned human with all necessary resources, but because of dangerous pollution and mischief we make on earth, we’re lacked with natural resources. Skin is gifted with natural oil to moisturize; this oil develops a barrier to protect your body from dangerous bacteria. But with alarming levels of pollution, dirt and chemical filled soaps, our skin loses moisturizer and become prone to skin diseases.

Here comes cucumber, an innate moisturizer. Because of its high level of water content it not only hydrates your body from the inside but when you topically apply over face it treats dry skin. As it’s packed with antioxidant properties it restrains free radicals and enhances skin tightening.

To hydrate your skin, mash fresh cucumbers into bowl and blend with powdered milk for topical application. Or you can consume it raw.

2. Removes Dark Circles and Puffy Eyes

Hereditary, aging and long hours of working in-front of computer are few causes for dark circles. Thin skin over dark circles is called as periorbital skin. Vitamin C, K and antioxidants fight dark circles. As the skin here is very delicate, sliced cucumber is the unrivaled remedy for dark circles.

This is why most spas place two sliced cucumbers over your eye lids, as face pack may irritate thin skin on eyes. Cucumber handles it gently.

Must read: How to Get Rid Of Hereditary Dark Circles

3. Cucumber to Soothe Burns

High levels of water in cucumber, soothes burns. According to a journal published in Fitoterapia, cucumber can relive minor skin irritations and reduce swelling.

On affected area put sliced fresh cucumbers, repeat the process for fast relief.

4. Treatment for Skin Tanning

benefits of cucumber for skin
Credit: Skindiseaseremedies.com

Tanning is caused when your skin is overexposed to harmful UV rays. Bleaching property in cucumber, reverse skin tanning. Grate half cucumber; add powdered milk and lemon drops. Mix it well and apply it over prewashed face. Rinse it off after 15 minutes.

5. Excellent Remedy to Rejuvenate Your Skin

Nutritional properties in cucumber restore skin’s elasticity and glow. Mash cucumber pulps mixed with lemon drops and apply it over your face to rejuvenate your skin. If you’ve dry skin, limit the use of lemon juice.

6. Cucumber to Get Rid of Freckles

Freckles are natural dark brown spots on face and shoulders, genetics being its main cause. Though there is no permanent solution to treat freckles you can lighten dark spots. Cucumber with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties come in handy. Vitamin A or retinol in cucumber, aids to control melanin production, thus reduces dark spots.

Also read: Cucumber for skin lightening

7. Cucumber for Cellulite

Cellulite normally appears over your thighs spoiling your physical appearance. Apart from taking low fat diet, try some topical remedies to reduce cellulite. Grab some fresh sliced cucumbers and start rubbing over your cellulite, this enhances collagen to tighten and bumps disappear.

Also read: Dry Skin Brushing to Reduce Cellulite and How to do it?

8. Cucumber Banish Blemishes

According to book Natural Beauty Secrets from India, cucumber is an astringent, this property helps to treat acne by lighten blemishes. Acne is caused due to excess sebum, dead cells and bacteria. Topically applying cucumber face mask sheds dead cells and hydrates your skin from the outside. When you apply cucumber mask, it open-up clogged pores and cleanse dirt accumulated. Regularly wash your face with cucumber juice and have raw cucumbers to treat acne.

9. Cucumber to Remove Wrinkles

cucumbers for wrinkles

Antioxidants in your body tighten skin, when your skin gets older it loses antioxidants leading to wrinkles. Cucumber is packed with assorted antioxidant properties, when you topically place sliced cucumbers on skin it absorbs antioxidants in it and thus results in wrinkle free skin.

10. Cucumber Revitalizes the Skin

Vitamins and minerals in cucumber revitalize the skin, these properties in this cool cuke tightens skin. Mash cucumber pulp with powdered milk and lemon juice, apply it over prewashed face. Rinse it off after 15 minutes.

11. Treats Open Pores

Mix cucumber with apple cider vinegar, tomato pulp and aloe vera gel. Apply it over face to unclog pores to easy breathing.

20 Raw Shea Butter Benefits for Skin

raw shea butter benefits for skin

Exceptional healing properties of shea butter made it unrivaled remedy for various chronic skin diseases. Shea butter is a solid, white or ivory colored fat extracted from African tree known as Vitellaria paradoxa. Raw shea butter benefits for skin were harnessed thousands of years ago. From Ancient Egypt till now, it’s continued to be used to protect and soothe skin from harmful UV rays and free radicals.

Nuts obtained from tree are dried and crushed, roasted and grinded to extract raw solid shea butter. While this is the traditional method followed by local African people, industries use Universal Nut Sheller to extract refined shea butter.

According to American Shea Butter Institute, shea butter is classified into various classes, namely Class A, Class B, Class C or Class F. Where, Class A pure shea butter is packed with healing properties and Class F mean poor quality mainly used as a moisturizer with no or less healing properties.

Jump to Nutritional value of shea butter

20 Awesome Benefits of Shea Butter for Skin

1. Healing Trait

Shea butter belongs to non-saponifiable fat and oil with this type has more healing properties, this is what sets shea butter unmatched from other oil because of its large healing properties. And not all shea butters have same healing fractions, class A, shea butter has more healing fraction compared to other classes.shea butter for burns

Attributed fatty acids which have exceptional healing properties include oleic, palmitic, stearic and linolenic acids. Though it’s solid at room temperature, it melts when subjected to body temperature and it penetrates into deeper layers of skin to enhance fast healing process.

2. Moisturizing Property

African shea butter benefits are renowned because of its moisturizing ability. According to American Shea Butter Institute, moisturizers in sebum and shea butter are identical. So there is no exaggeration in saying shea butter is unrivaled moisturizing agent.

Most of the skin diseases are triggered because of dry skin, moisture over skin thwarts infection causing bacteria. But when your skin fails to secrete natural oil sebum, then this pave the way to chronic skin diseases.

You can either apply raw shea butter over face and other parts of the body or pour your favorite essential oil into it before using.

3. Antioxidant Qualities

Shea butter includes antioxidant properties in its arsenal that thwarts skin damaging free radicals. Thus promotes healthy and supple skin. Vitamin A, E and cinnamic esters in shea butter show antioxidant properties.

4. Anti-inflammatory Agent

Vitamins and fatty acids in shea butter exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that soothe inflammation caused by acne blemishes, eczema flare-ups and other injuries. It also restrains bacteria which may worsen injury.

5. Shea Butter as a Natural Sunscreen

 Alarming levels of pollutants and UV rays damage the skin layer and dehydrates it. Topically applying moisturizer like shea butter protects skin with barriers. Restorative properties in raw shea butter consider as best skin care cream in winter and summer, as it also controls sebum production and hydrates skin when needed. Cinnamic acid esters in shea butter exhibits SPF – 6 approximately.

6. Shea Butter for Anti-aging

Vitamin A and E found in shea butter is well known for keeping skin nourished and supple. This repairs broken connective fibers responsible for skin’s elasticity and postpones aging signs.  Though there is no clear proof of vitamin E benefits in anti-aging, it’s described as an effective remedy to treat aging signs.

7. Restores Skin Elasticity

benefits of shea butter for skin

Collagen is the protein responsible for skin’s elasticity and strength. When this connecting fiber breaks skin loses its elasticity and wrinkles or fine lines starts appearing. Vitamin F and non saponifiable properties enhances collagen production and restores skin elasticity.

With topical application, you must also change your diet.

8. Prevents Stretch marks

As a result of weight gain or loss, connecting fibers under skin gets damaged; this forms fine lines over different parts of the skin known as stretch marks. No need to worry its normal and experts say you can’t permanently treat stretch marks. However, vitamins and fatty acids in shea butter can reduce its appearance. [Related post: Shea Butter for Stretch Marks]

9. Reduces Eczema

Eczema is not the name of single skin disease. Collection of skin condition is known as eczema, most popular one is dermatitis. Till now researches are going on to find exact cause of eczema and unfortunately there is no medicine to permanently treat eczema flare-ups. Anyhow, you can reduce them with specific remedies; raw shea butter is one among those tremendous remedies to soothe eczema flare-ups. Moisturizing and healing trait in butter are enough to reduce eczema. [Related post: Shea Butter for eczema]

You need to stay away from eczema triggers after using this remedy.

10. Reduces Psoriasis

Psoriasis is another chronic skin disease like eczema. Even its cause is unknown and can’t be treated completely. Shea butter moisturizes skin and keeps itching at bay which is associated with psoriasis. You can either apply it directly or mix with any base oil and essential oil.

11. Shea Butter to Soothe Sunburns

As listed above its fascinating healing properties make it renowned remedy to soothe all types of minor burns. Apply shea butter on prewashed skin. [Related post: Home remedies for Chemical Burns]

12. Shea Butter to Acne

shea butter acneAcne is mainly caused by excess oil, bacteria and dead cells accumulated over skin. Shea butter face mask or face scrub can be used to shed dead cells and its antimicrobial properties restrains bacterial growth. Anti-inflammation property soothes inflammation and reduces acne blemishes.

13. Fades Acne scars

Not just acne scars, regular application fades any scar on skin. Mix it with raw honey and apply it on scars.

14. Shea Butter as Shaving Cream

Inflammation triggered by a shave can be reduced with shea butter’s antioxidant properties. Many cosmetic industries include refined shea butter to their shaving cream to soothe skin.

15. Remove Wrinkles

It’s moisturizing and repairing connecting fibers removes wrinkles.

16. Shea Butter for Skin Allergies

When your skin comes in contact with any allergens, infection triggers. Topically apply shea butter over skin and it fights germs causing infection.

17. Relieves itching by moisturizing skin

In most cases dry skin is mere cause of itching, shea butter hydrates your skin from the inside which not just treats dry skin but relieve you from itching.

18. Shea Butter Frostbites

Inadequate blood supply and freezing leads to frostbites. Your thumb becomes red, numb and pale. Normally they appear on most exposed parts. Try shea butter under doctor’s supervision to treat frostbites.

19. Controls Excess Oil

Though moisturizing elements in shea butter are identical to oil secreted by sebaceous glands, its non-comedogenic, mean it doesn’t clog pores. It controls excess sebum production by well hydrating layers of skin.

20. Healthy Skin

All these benefits of raw shea butter lead to supple and healthy skin. Few shea butter cream recipes for skin are listed below.

Nutritional value of shea butter

In its nutritional aisle shea butter includes vitamins A, K, E and F. it’s also packed with 7-12% unsaponifiables fat which has large healing fractions. Its non-comedogenic property helps to unclog blocked skin pores. Cinnamic acid esters exhibit sunscreen protection properties.

According to an abstract published on PubMed.gov, shea butter is rich in vitamin C, and biochemical properties indicate assorted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Vitamin A and E shows antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Fatty Acids include: Specific acids in shea butter include palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and arachidic acids. These acids provide solidness and hardness to shea butter.

Phenolics include: Phenolics in shea butter exhibits antioxidant properties.

How to Use Shea Butter on Skin

Raw shea butter has strong smell which makes it tough to apply over skin. Pour some essential oils and base oil like jojoba oil and virgin olive oil or lavender oil. Recipes to make shea butter cream are listed above.

Read a Step-by- step guide to use shea butter on face and skin

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Shea Butter for Wrinkles and Dry Skin

shea butter for wrinkles and dry skin

Raw shea butter for wrinkles and dry skin revamps skin tone and texture resulting in well hydrated skin. Let’s have a brief look on them.

Wrinkles are folds or ridges that appear as a result of aging, lack of few elements in skincare or because of prolonged immersion in water. Whatever the reason, it spoils your physical appearance. It’s a misconception that dry skin results in wrinkles, says Paula Begoun (creator of Paula’s Choice). Abundant research by experts proves that wrinkles are not caused by dry skin.

For instance, babies with dry skin have chronic skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis, but did you ever see wrinkles? (Excluding folds caused by excess muscles) [Related post: Shea butter for stretch marks]

Topical application of African shea butter transforms wrinkles and dry skin to smooth and well toned skin. Restorative properties in shea butter repairs damaged tissues resulting in supple skin.

How Shea Butter Removes Wrinkles

Collagen is responsible for skin’s elasticity, when it gets damaged because of outer or inner radical’s, skin loses its elasticity forming wrinkles. Just a moisturizer can’t remove these folds; anyhow fine lines formed by dry skin can be removed with topical application of store bought moisturizers. To remove wrinkles you need to try something with more innate properties like shea butter.

Shea butter as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, along with vitamins A, E, F. Cinnamic acid esters in shea butter provide natural SPF protection from harmful UV rays, this helps skin to avoid photo aging signs.

remove wrinkles with shea butter

Paula Begoun states, antioxidants thwarts free radical that can damage collagen and protects skin from the no #1 cause of aging, Sun. High levels of vitamin A and E are powerful antioxidants in shea butter, where vitamin A enhances collagen production; vitamin E keeps the skin soft, smooth and nourished.

Shea butter also contains therapeutic fatty acids in its nutritional aisle, this property balances the skin and aids in nourishment. A group of compounds known as phenols are specific source of antioxidants.

Topical application of shea butter forms a barrier on the skin which keeps dangerous pollutants at bay and saves you from harmful UV rays.

Thus versatile nature of shea butter not only removes wrinkles but prevents them.

Shea butter Anti-wrinkle cream recipe

Strong smell of raw shea butter makes it little bit difficult to use it over face, so mix it with other essential oil and make fascinating anti-wrinkle cream. You can try your own recipe with your favorite essential oils.

Things you’ll need

  • Raw shea butter – 2 ounce
  • Jojoba oil or virgin olive oil – 1 tbsp
  • Carrot seed essential oil – 20 drops
  • Fennel essential oil – 10 drops

Recommended : 40 Jojoba Oil Uses

Procedure

  • You can either melt shea butter or mash it using fork.
  • Pour other ingredients including virgin olive oil, carrot seed oil and fennel oil. Mix it well.
  • Let it cool for few minutes, and then apply it over your face or skin.

Note: Cleanse impurities before applying shea butter anti-aging cream.

Read this article : How to use raw shea butter on face

Shea Butter for Dry Skin

old man dry skin

Shea butter is an innate humectant, this well known for its moisturizing fractions. Unlike other oils, shea butter has both healing and moisturizing properties. Skin releases its own oil known as sebum, when it fails to secrete enough sebum because of inadequate eating habits or unfavorable environment, the moisture over skin dries up resulting is dry and itchy skin.

Luckily, shea butter and sebum has identical moisturizing elements, but unlike sebum it doesn’t clog pores and controls excess sebum production. Thus this makes this African butter competent remedy to treat dry skin.

Apply shea butter face mask directly over your skin or pour olive oil or jojoba oil in it to spice-up your moisture.

Related post: Make Whipped Shea Butter in Less Than 15 Minutes

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Step-by-Step Guide to Use Raw Shea Butter on Face

how to use raw shea butter on face

Shea butter is a fat extracted from nuts of African tree. It includes fatty acids, namely oleic acid, stearic acid, palmitic and linolenic acid in its arsenal.  According to SFGate.com, shea butter is non saponifiable, mean it doesn’t turn to soap when mixed with alkaline, this aids to have greater healing potential than other oils.

Wonder if it makes your face oily or sticky?

Though shea butter remains solid at room temperature, it melts when subjected to body temperature and your skin quickly absorbs it. It’s non comedogenic, mean it doesn’t clog pores.

Jump to: How to use Raw Shea Butter on Face

What properties in shea butter aids to have well hydrated & smooth skin/face

shea butter extracted from nuts

As mentioned shea butter is non saponifiable, oils with this property has more healing fractions. And oils which are saponifiable have little or no healing fractions and more moisturizing fractions. Luckily shea butter has both healing and moisturizing fractions. Moisturizing elements in shea butter resembles to that in sebum, thus aids to hydrate your body and because of more healing fractions, repeated application of this African butter enhances healing.

Vitamin A in shea butter is a superb moisturizing agent and helps in improving skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, wrinkles, skin allergies and sunburns. Though exact benefit of vitamin E is not clear, it’s described as an effective remedy in improving micro-circulation and thwarts free radicals. Vitamin A and E both exhibits antioxidant qualities. Whereas acids in this butter, exhibits anti-inflammatory qualities.

Also read: Shea butter for stretch marks

Non saponifiable and vitamin F improves skin elasticity, this fades wrinkles and frown lines.

To reap the nutritional benefits from shea butter on face, beauty experts suggests raw shea butter. American Shea Butter Institute states, pure shea butter has strong smell, anyhow after applying it over body it no more smells.

How to Use Raw Shea Butter on Face

raw shea butter on skin

It’s damn simple to apply this African shea butter on your face. But to take in the listed nutritional properties you must follow the right way. Let’s make it in points.

Note: Unrefined shea butter has all the properties listed above; refined shea butter loses most of the healing properties. So we recommend getting only pure raw shea butter.

  1. Your face is exposed to harmful pollution and impurities get settled over your smooth face. So first step is to wipe them out. Use any natural or store bought cleanser.
  2. Pat dry with soft towel.
  3. When your skin is still damp, apply raw solid butter optionally mixed with any essential oil on your face. Use your finger to massage in circular motion. This improves blood circulation on your skin. [Related post: Shea butter face mask]
  4. As mentioned above, your body heat melts this solid shea butter and it gets absorbed into your skin.
  5. Apply it at night, so you can rinse it off in the morning.

Don’t miss this: How to make whipped shea butter

Regular application will show significance change in your face.

Worried about oily skin? Shea butter properties doesn’t clog pores and it also controls excess sebum production, but remember to try with light layer first.

Are you curious about how to use shea butter on skin?

Simple, exactly the same way mentioned above.

You can also use raw shea butter on your hair. Take fresh shea butter in your palm, using your fingertips apply it over dry scalp. Using wide toothed comb, run the raw shea butter to hair end. Wrap your head with cloth for 10 minutes and then rinse it off.

Did you ever use raw shea butter on face?

Don’t miss this: 5 Simple Steps to Make Shea Butter Lotion

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