Tag: shea butter

Stretch marks

How to Use Raw Shea Butter for Stretch Marks (Before After Pregnancy)

Author ByMoin Nex

raw shea-butter-for-stretch-marks

Stretch marks can be very annoying for your personality. These are the disfiguring lesions also known as some other terms like Striae, Striae Distensae (SD), Striae Atrophicans and Striae Gravidarum. These marks can occur in different parts of the body. Most common are the abdomen, breasts, flank, hips, buttocks, thighs, etc.

There are various causes of these marks. We will discuss later the reasons of stretch marks. In this article, we are going to discuss shea butter for stretch marks. There are different treatments for these annoying stretch marks, but using shea butter is one of the best and safest ways to get rid of stretch marks.

Shea butter is a type of fat extracted from Shea Tree generally found in different regions of Africa. It is known for its moisturizing properties and is used in cosmetics for a long time. Shea butter is edible and can also be used for cooking. It is mostly used with cocoa butter in chocolate industries for the preparation of chocolates.

This beautiful fat is being used for some other purposes as well as cooking, waterproofing wax, hairdressing, candle-making, an essential ingredient in medicinal ointments, etc. Let’s know more about stretch marks, shea butter, its effects on stretch marks, different recipes with it and their usage.

What Causes Stretch Marks (Causes of Stretch Marks)?

Extreme skin growth or stretching of the skin causes stretch marks on the body. There are different conditions and reasons responsible for stretching of the skin. We will discuss most common ones.

1. Pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the most common causes of stretch marks in females. Skin of the abdomen is pretty much stretchable, and during pregnancy, it can stretch to its maximum limit due to an abnormal increase in body weight, progressive increase in the size and shape of the fetus.

It can be genetic as well. If your mother got stretch marks, there are higher chances of you getting these marks as well. Women having fair skin have more chances of getting stretch marks than those who have darker skin.

2. Stretching of skin during puberty

Overall rapid growth in puberty age is very common and can cause stretch marks on different body parts including belly, arms, knees, etc. Generally, these marks are erased with time, but they might remain for very long as well.

3. Rapid increase in weight

Rapid growth in body weight is another prevalent cause of stretch marks. When the body fat increases, muscles of different parts of the body (generally abdomen) tends to adapt size and shape according to the increased fat in the body.

Abdominal muscles like Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominal Muscle, Abdominal External Oblique Muscle, Abdominal Internal Oblique Muscle, etc. are the most common muscles of the body where fat can get deposited very quickly and easily. Different parts of the body where stretch marks can occur due to increase in weight are thigh, shoulders, knees, and arms.

4. Usage of Corticosteroid

Collagen supports and provides strength to the skin. Prolonged and continuous use of Corticosteroid creams and lotions can cause a decrease in collagen in the skin, and hence there are very high chances of occurring stretch marks on the surface.

5. Marfan syndrome:

Marfan syndrome is a genetic problem. People suffering from it can have an abnormal growth of skin. Marfan syndrome inhibits the production of collagen and tonicity of the surface can be affected and hence there might be the presence of stretch marks on the different parts of the body of the people who are suffering from Marfan syndrome.

6. Cushing’s syndrome

Cushing’s syndrome occurs due to the increase in the level of cortisol hormone in the body. Increased Cortisol level inhibits the fibroblasts responsible for synthesizing collagen. Inhibition in collagen synthesize can automatically cause different skin related problems including stretch marks.

7. Other Medical Conditions

As we have learned that the most important reason behind the stretch marks is decreased Cortisol level. Different medical conditions responsible for inhibiting the production of Cortisol automatically become the factors accountable for stretch marks as well.

Adrenal gland develops and releases cortisol. Any problem in the Adrenal Gland can hamper the production of Cortisol and hence can cause Stretch Marks. Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone or ACTH is responsible for the regulation of Cortisol. Lower levels of ACTH can undoubtedly hamper the provision of cortisol and hence can cause Stretch Marks.

Hypothalamus (a part of your brain) also helps in the management of Cortisol production by producing the Corticotrophin-releasing hormone or CRH. CRH controls ACTH. Any problem or abnormality in the hypothalamus can cause the lower output of CRH and hence disturbed regulation of ACTH which can result in Stretch Marks.

Is Shea Butter Good for Stretch Marks?

We have already learned about Shea Butter and stretch marks. In this part of the article, we are going to talk about how Raw Shea Butter is handy for stretch marks.

  • A Wonderful Moisturizer: Because of Shea Butter contains natural vitamins and fatty acids, it is an incredible moisturizer for skin. It has been used to tackle the dryness of the skin for a long time. It naturally moisturizes the skin in rapid time and also helps to protect the natural oil of skin.
  • Skin Smoothening: As we have already learned, Shea Butter naturally improves the production and regulation of collagen, it becomes a fantastic solution for the roughness of the skin.
  • It contains stearic, palmitic, oleic, and linolenic acids which provide protection to the surface and prevent it from getting dry and rough. Many people around the world used Shea Butter for softening and strengthening of the cover and got tremendous results.
  • Reduces Inflammation: Shea Butter has excellent anti-inflammatory properties because of its cinnamic acid, lupeol cinnamate and some other natural compounds. Reports suggest that it reduces the inflammation of the skin to a decent extent and also helps to avoid skin mutation which makes it very beneficial in acne as well.
  • Treats Acne and Blemishes: Due to the presence of different types of fatty acids and plant sterols including palmitic, oleic, linolenic, and stearic acids, Shea Butter is very well known for its healing properties.
  • Shea Butter is much non-saponifiable than other oils and fats and doesn’t undergo saponification even after getting contacted with alkalis which makes it a great healer. Unrefined and raw Shea Butter is handy in skin rashes, skin peeling, scars, frost bites, burns, insect bites, acne, etc.
  • Very useful in itching of skin: Due to its anti-inflammatory as well as moisturizing properties, Shea Butter works very well to reduces the itching of the skin. Itching of the skin can generally happen because of dryness of skin. Shea Butter naturally moisturizes the skin and decreases its thirst, and hence becomes very useful for itching.
  • Restores the skin elasticity: None-saponifiable matter and vitamin F present in the Shea Butter which makes it very vital for improving the flexibility of the skin. By naturally enhancing the production of collagen, it promotes the overall health of the skin including elasticity.
  • In addition to restoring elasticity, Shea Butter works wonderfully for hydrating, beautifying and softening of the skin. Improved flexibility will automatically remove the wrinkles and blemishes from the surface.
  • Reduces different types of skin infections and irritations: Different people can have anger from different things. Using razor is one of the most common causes of skin irritation. Shaving can sometimes cause bumps on the skin. Shea Butter moisturizes and soothes the irritated skin. You can apply it even before shaving for perfect and smooth shaving.
  • A beautiful fat for lips: Due to its moisturizing and efficiently absorbing properties, Shea Butter provides different types of much-needed nutrients to the lips and makes it smooth and soft.
  • Protection against sun exposure: Shea Butter can also be used as an optional sunscreen. It has been one of the better options for getting protection from harmful UV rays from the sun. It is not a definite answer to the sun exposure but is more than enough to protect your skin from sun exposure temporarily.
  • Most of the sunscreen available in the market contains different types of chemicals and can cause a lot of slow but progressive damage to the skin. Although it is not as high as sunscreen for protecting skin from sun exposure, it might be a better option due to its non-harming properties.
  • Excellent in baby care: Originally made, pure and unscented Shea Butter can be used for application on different body parts of the babies. Olive oil is one of the best oil for the message of the baby, and if it is not available readily, you can replace it with Shea Butter. Oleic acid present in the Shea Butter is equally good as Olive Oil and can be used for messaging different body parts including elbows, knees, and cheeks.
  • A strong skin barrier: Adding one tbsp. Shea Butter into a bucket of slightly warm water regularly can work as a radiant skin barrier. Skin absorbs Shea Butter pretty quickly and can work tremendously against different types of harmful mechanisms like dust and microorganisms.
  • Prevents stretch marks during pregnancy: As it is great for getting rid of any type of stretch marks, proper and regular use of Shea Butter can even avoid the stretch marks during pregnancy. Keeping the skin moisturized regularly can reduce the possibility of stretch marks.

Using raw shea butter for stretch marks has shown beautiful results, but using it even before getting stretch marks can help you also to prevent them. Pregnancy is one of the most common causes of stretch marks in females. Using shea butter for stretch marks pregnancy can be more than just handy.

Related: Is Castor Oil Good for Stretch Marks?

How to Use Shea Butter for Stretch Marks?

Shea Butter alone can be handy for getting rid of stretch marks, using it with other natural substances can increase its effectiveness. Let’s know about some of the handy Shea Butter Recipes for stretch marks.

#1. Lemon-Basil Shea Butter Soap

Homemade soaps can be very useful for skin. Unlike commercial soaps, homemade soaps are very soft, gentle and pretty safe for the skin. Lemon-Basil Shea Butter Soap can be an excellent alternative for you. In addition to getting rid of stretch marks, you can adequately take care of the overall health of your skin.

Recipe:

  • Take 14 ounces Shea Butter, 14 ounces water, 13 ounces coconut oil, 8 ounces olive oil, 5.5 ounces lye 3 ounces jojoba oil, 2.5 ounces avocado oil and 1-ounce beeswax.
  • Mix all these ingredients properly with the help of a blender.
  • Add 2 ounces lemon essential oil and 1 ounces basil essential oil during the blending of the mixture.
  • After proper blending, transfer the mixture into a platter.
  • Keep it aside for 4-5 days.
  • Cut the large piece of soap into small pieces.
  • Your Lemon-Basil Shea Butter is ready to use.

Must read: Is Jojoba Oil Good for Stretch Marks?

#2. Shea & Coconut Oil Body Butter

Dryness of the skin can be very annoying for anyone. This beautiful body butter gives you perfectly moisturized and smooth surface. Coconut oil used in this recipe has its benefits.

In addition to the presence of Vitamin E and lauric acid, coconut oil is known for its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Using this wonderful butter can give you a very smooth and moisturized skin and hence you can quickly get rid of Stretch Marks.

Recipe:

  • Take 1 cup coconut oil, 1 cup shea butter, ¾ cup of wheat germ oil and 10 to 15 drops of lavender essential oil.
  • Add all the ingredients in a bowl and mix them well with a blender or a medium-sized spoon.
  • Keep blending it until you get a soft fluffy cream like structure.
  • Sterilize it properly before transferring into a clean and dry jar.
  • Keep it in a cold and dark place.
  • Keep using the cream on a regular basis for getting rid of stretch marks quickly.

#3. Honey Herb Body Bar

This is a beautiful skin softening bar made from purely natural ingredients. It starts melting even with just a touch. It is not only a great solution to stretch marks. This wonderful moisturizer is an adorable and soft fragrance as well.

Recipe:

  • Take 20 grams of Shea Butter, 1 tbsp. Coconut oil, 5-gram cocoa butter, ½ tbsp. Macadamia oil, ¼ tbsp. Raw honey. 2 springs fresh rosemary and 1 fresh spring sage.
  • Take a saucepan, fill its 1/3 part with water and set on the stove for boiling.
  • Cover it with a large enough bowl which shouldn’t touch the water.
  • Put all the ingredients over the top of the bowl (except raw honey).
  • Melt all the ingredients slowly on low flame.
  • Keep the mixture mixing with a spoon for dissolving every ingredient properly.
  • After the solution appropriately dissolved, remove the saucepan from the stove and set aside for cooling.
  • Do not disturb it for at least an hour.
  • Add the raw honey to the solution and mix it well.
  • Transfer the liquid to a clean and dry plastic container and place it in the fridge to set.
  • You can remove the bar from the container by gently rubbing the tank from outside.
  • For proper use, leave it inside the container and try to keep in a cool place (the fridge will be the best option)
  • Apply gently on the skin affected with Stretch Marks for positive results.

#4. Whipped Shea Balm for Avoiding Stretch Marks

Getting rid of stretch marks can be comfortable with these recipes mentioned above. Preventing stretch marks can be one of the smartest options. Constant use of this balm can help you to prevent stretch marks and have healthy and smooth skin.

Recipe:

  • Take ½ cup refined shea butter, ¼ cup coconut Oil, ¼ cup olive oil, ¼ cup almond oil and 8-10 drops of lavender or chamomile essential oil.
  • Combine oils and butter in a medium glass bowl.
  • Melt all the oils and butter properly on low flame.
  • When the combination of oil and butter gets melted completely, add essential oils and continue to stir.
  • Keep the mixture aside and do not disturb until it converts into a semi-solid consistency.
  • Place in the fridge for solidifying further.
  • Beat the mixture with a wooden spoon until the solid butter turns creamy and frothy.
  • Place in a clean, air-tight container.
  • Keep using it on a daily basis for avoiding the stretch marks.
  • You can repeatedly add a little number of essential oils for keeping its consistency.

Also read: How to Use Olive Oil for Stretch Marks?

Tips on Preventing Stretch Marks

  • As we have learned enough about stretch marks, how effective shea butter is for getting rid of stretch marks and some innovative ideas to use shea butter, we should also learn how to avoid stretch marks, because preventing something terrible or harmful is always more beneficial than treating it.
  • Control Your Weight: One of the biggest reasons behind the stretch marks is overweight. Whether you are pregnant or not, you should try to maintain your proper weight with the help of healthy diet and appropriate physical activities. It is not easy to prevent weight gain during pregnancy, but some smart daily routine and some precautions can help you to maintain your weight even during pregnancy.
  • Keep your body hydrated: As we have already learned, stretch marks can also happen due to dryness of the skin. Drinking enough water and other essential fluids can help you to keep your body hydrated and hence you can avoid the stretch marks without much effort.
  • Have a proper and healthy diet: Our overall health is directly related to our menu. Having a healthy diet is very important. Including foods rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Zinc and Protein can be very helpful to keep your body including skin in a healthy state. Healthy skin means there is a proper growth of the surface and hence the chances of getting stretch marks can be reduced to a decent extent.
  • Do not ignore fresh Stretch Marks: Although stretch marks are not harmful to your body, the severity of these marks can make your body and personality dull and unattractive. If there is a minor stretch mark starting to take place on any part of your body, try to treat it before it gets larger. You can quickly get rid of Stretch Mark when it is in its initial stages.
  • Avoid using corticosteroids: As we have discussed earlier, constant use of creams and lotions containing corticosteroid can hamper the production of collagen and hence can cause stretch marks on the skin. Try to avoid corticosteroids as much as possible. If it is essential to use corticosteroids in a medical condition, ask your physician, how to reduce its adverse effects on the production of collagen and the health of the skin.

If you ever used raw shea butter for stretch marks, do share your recipe in comments.

Skin Whitening

How to Use Shea Butter for Skin Lightening – 10 DIY Methods

Author ByMoin Nex

shea butter for skin lightening

Skin discoloration is the common condition in women at present date. Sometimes it can occur since birth or many times due to pigmentation issues. People go to extreme lengths for treating this situation. They even go for chemical therapy or surgeries.

These costly methods, however, can cause fortune without providing you permanent results. Shea butter for skin lightening has been used as a replacement for those costly treatments by many people.

Shea butter can be one of the best remedies for the skin discoloration issue. Women get depressed to see the skin around eyes and mouth in a darkened state. There are effective products that claim to provide you better results in few days.

They are, however, combined with chemicals and unnatural ingredients that can harm our skin in a long term. One of the ways you can avoid using chemicals is to have Shea butter and make your skin brighter than ever.

What Causes Skin Discoloration?

1. Melanin

There are many reasons for discoloration and one of them is the melanin. It is an important component of your body. It is one of the polymers that are found usually in melanocytes cells. These cells combine together and form the surface or top layer of your skin.

The produced melanin is then spread around the skin and cells of the top layer. When there is some kind of difficulty in production, melanocytes cells can also form clusters and it can cause freckles and discoloration.

2. Lentigines in old age

Lentigines are nothing but aging spots that appear on your wrinkled face having 5 to 20 mm diameter. These spots can have different colors and most common are black or brown. Old age is also one of the reasons of discoloration that can occur on the surface of your skin.

3. Melasma

It is a condition that is caused due to the appearance of brown or tanned patches on your skin surface. It especially affects your face rather than any other parts of your body.

One of the causes of occurrence of this kind of discoloration is the imbalanced hormones. It is most common pregnant women and often it is called “a mask of pregnancy”.

Harsh UV rays can also cause this type of skin discoloration on your face. Melasma is said to occur in epidermis and dermis layers of your skin when the melanin is produced in an abnormal way.

4. Hemangiomas

This kind of discoloration is formed because of the blood vessel clumping. They appear anywhere on your body and even in your internal organs.

It can be present at the birth time. They are similar to birthmarks, just with different colors. They cause the color of certain part of your skin to change to red-blue, port-wine or salmon.

You cannot do anything about internal organs, but the natural treatment of applying homemade creams can help you in getting rid of those weird marks on your body.

5. Birthmarks

These types of spots are usually appearing on your skin since birth and look quite different from another part of your skin. These can have varied and most common are red, bluish-grey, black or brown.

The red colored blemishes are usually termed as a vascular birthmark. Another kind of birthmarks is caused usually because of the abnormality of blood vessels termed as a pigmented birthmark.

6. Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

This type of discoloration is formed due to injury or just a reaction to it. If this condition is not treated on time, it can also lead to eczema and vulgaris.

7. Erythromelanosis follicularis

This is one of the conditions that is feared the most by women today. They start from follicles and forms dark spots in that particular area. It can also cause your skin to appear red.

Is Shea Butter Good for Skin Lightening?

Shea butter is one of those ingredients that have been commonly used in many branded products as one of the primary components. It has the ability to provide you bright skin with the removal of aging defects from your skin.

The American journal of Life Sciences stated that Shea butter is beneficial for skin brightening purposes. They did this by the demonstration of the practical use of Shea butter on your skin.

After the demonstration, the researchers found that the Shea butter can place a big impact on the skin tone and features. Your wrinkles and aging spots start to decrease, even if you are suffering from irritation or irritated skin.

According to other studies, Shea butter is seen to have many positive effects on the skin. They found that there are two important components of Shea butter that can aid in bringing out the lost brightness called as cinnamate esters and triterpene acetate. They have anti-inflammatory properties that prevent your skin to get free-radicals and avoid further damage.

It can also help in halting the tumor growth and development. These kinds of components have had been researching topic for many experts all around the world. Following are some of the positive benefits that you can receive from Shea butter.

  • Vitamin E: Shea butter is rich in vitamins and certainly, Vitamin E is also one of them. It can provide you soft and moisturized skin tone.
  • Vitamin A: It is helpful in providing you anti-wrinkle effects on your face. It is also helpful in lightening your skin and removing the discoloration spots.
  • Catechins: This component is a rich source of antioxidant that can make your premature aging signs disappear in a short time period.
  • Omega 6 and 3 fatty acid: These help you in getting repaired skin cells and ease your skin irritation. It provides you calming effects and renews your skin.
  • Cinnamate esters and Triterpene alcohols: These are one of the important components of shea butter since they have anti-inflammation properties. They can provide you amazing benefits of getting rid of discoloration as well as signs of aging.
  • Oleic and Linoleic Acids: These components in Shea butter make it better at retaining moisture in your skin. You can feel hydrated even with extremely dried skin.

Shea butter relieves you from dry skin, skin cracks and minor burns, sunburn, blemishes, wrinkles, small wounds, dry scalp, eczema, stretch marks, skin cracks, cracked feet and Itchiness.

It also provides you protection from pollutants that can cause you discoloration. Regular application will bring even skin tone and reduces acne.

How to Use Shea Butter for Skin Lightening?

There are many recipes of shea butter to whiten skin and discoloration issues. Some of the effective ones are as follows:

#1. Papaya, Beeswax and Shea Butter

Papaya is an effective fruit for the reduction of your blemishes and scars. It has many effective enzymes that can help you with the healing of scars or acne on your skin.

Beeswax is helpful in providing you hydrated skin and soothes it from any kind o irritation. It makes your skin softer.

The combination of these three components makes it possible for you to get brightened and spotless skin.

  • Take half cup of Shea butter and add it to a clean bowl.
  • Add 2 tbsp extract of papaya and mix well.
  • Then add 1 tbsp beeswax and mix it again.
  • Blend the mixture and make it a smooth paste.
  • Apply it on your face.
  • Make sure to empty it all in 3 days.

Also read: Is Papaya Good for Skin Whitening?

#2. Carrot Seed Oil and Shea Butter

Carrot seed oil is a natural anti-aging formula that is available in the market. It is rich in antioxidants that relies on your skin from free-radicals. It gives you fresh youthful look.

  • Take one ounce of Shea butter in a bowl.
  • Add 6 to 12 drops of carrot seed oil in it and mix well.
  • Apply it on your face.
  • Repeat this process every day and get brightened the face.
  • Make sure to use no more than 6 to 12 drops of carrot seed per ounce of Shea butter.

#3. Chamomile, Rosemary and Shea Butter

Rosemary extract can help you to get protection against sun damage. It also protects your skin from getting free radicals. Since it has antiseptic properties, it can be used as a disinfectant. It also promotes healthy and smooth skin.

Chamomile is one of the primary ingredients after Shea butter that helps in brightening your skin. It is also used as an anti-aging element in many creams. It also boosts your immunity.

  • Take half cup of Shea butter and add it to a clean bowl.
  • Add 2 tsp Chamomile extract in it and mix well.
  • Again, add 2 tsp of rosemary extract and mix again.
  • Now apply the mixture on your face.
  • Use this daily for better benefit.

#4. Lemon Essential Oil and Shea Butter

Lemon oil is one of the best components to get brightened and smooth skin since it has been used as an antiseptic. It brightens up your skin tone and cleanses your skin from deep. It is also helpful in removing your blackheads and treats your facial and bodily acne.

  • Take an empty clean bowl and add one ounce Shea butter in it.
  • Add 6 to 12 drops of lemon oil in it and mix well.
  • Apply it on your face.
  • Make sure to use no more than the prescribed drops of lemon essential oil.

Related: Is Lemon Essential Oil Good for Skin Lightening?

#5. Cocoa Butter, Almond Oil, and Shea Butter

Cocoa butter has many health benefits for your skin. It prevents your skin from getting dried and heals your chapped lips. It also helps in soothing your skin and provides relief form skin burn. It also fights infections and rashes. It also helps you to get rid of aging signs.

Almond oil, on the other hand, is good for getting flawless skin. It removes dark circles and prevents your skin from getting acne. It also gets you rid of acne and extra tan. It is helpful in the treatment of eczema and psoriasis.

  • Take a clean bowl and add a half cup of shea butter in it.
  • Add a half cup of cocoa butter and mix well.
  • Furthermore, add 10 more drops of almond oil and mix well.
  • Use this daily on your skin and get the brightened skin.

#6. Lemongrass EO and Shea Butter for Skin Lightening

Lemongrass oil is one of the powerful ingredients in fighting against acne and fungal infections on your skin. It also helps in reducing oily skin and provides you natural brightness. It clears the cellulite and makes your skin shine naturally.

  • Take a clean bowl and add one ounce of Shea butter in it.
  • Add 6 to 12 drops of lemongrass essential oil in it and mix well.
  • You can also use other essential oils instead of this particular one such as turmeric essential oil and sandalwood essential oil.

#7. Coconut Oil, Baking Soda, and Shea Butter

Coconut oil is helpful in soothing your skin rashes and heals your skin fully. It lightens your skin and makes sure that your skin smoothens.

It is also used to lock moisture in your skin and provide the feeling of moisture. It brings about the original youthful features that you have had been longing for.

Baking soda is a natural skin exfoliator that helps in the removal of dry skin. It also has a natural capacity to soften your skin and make it free from dirt.

Also read: Is Coconut Oil for Skin Whitening?

  • Take a clean bowl and add 3 tbsp of Shea butter in it.
  • Furthermore, add 2 tbsp coconut oil and mix well.
  • Also, add 2 more tbsp. baking soda.
  • Mix the ingredients well and melt it all in a pan.
  • You don’t have to boil the mixture in the pan, just make sure that it can be mixed together.
  • Let it cool down to room temperature and add half lemon juice to it.
  • Use this daily for better benefit.
  • If the mixture becomes extra melted, you can add beeswax to harden it.

#8. Shea Butter, Olive Oil, and Vitamin E

Olive oil is a rich source of antioxidant and it can enhance the process of natural exfoliation. It boosts your beauty by increasing your skin tone.

Vitamin E frees your skin from free-radicals and slows down the aging process. It is also helpful in the reduction of wrinkles and it brings about brightened skin.

Chamomile has many positive properties for your skin such as anti-inflammation, anti-fungal, antiseptic, and antibacterial.

  • Take half cup Shea butter in a clean pan and heat it
  • Let it get warm and add 2 tbsp olive oil in it.
  • Further, add 3 tbsp of vitamin oil and mix well.
  • Add Chamomile about 10 drops and mix it again.
  • Let the ingredients mix well and turn off the stove.
  • Use this every day for better benefit.

#9. Shea Butter and Green Tea Extract

Green tea extract has anti-aging properties and it can help in improving your skin tone. It soothes your skin and prevents the sunburn.

  • Take half cup Shea butter and place it in a heating pan.
  • Add 3 tbsp extra virgin oil in it and stir well.
  • Further, add 10 drops of carrot seed oil and stir it again.
  • Add 3 tbsp green tea extract and stir it well.
  • Use this on your skin daily to get better skin tone and younger look.

#10. Shea Butter, Aloe Vera, and Lavender Oil

Lavender is helpful for many skin conditions such as wrinkles, acne or psoriasis. It is also helpful in healing your cuts or wounds and makes your skin brightened.

Aloe vera is a known supplement that has many positive benefits for your skin. Since you can use it with Shea butter to lighten skin, it can yield you better benefits. It is a package full of many good qualities such as anti-inflammatory, wound healing and much more.

  • Take a pan and add 3 tbsp Shea butter, 3 tbsp coconut oil, 1 tbsp beeswax, and 1 tbsp baking soda and heat the ingredients.
  • Let the ingredients get together and stir it.
  • Let it all cool down at the room temperature.
  • Further, add lavender and aloe vera to it.
  • Use this on your skin to get brightened tone and freedom from unwanted scars.

Important Points

You must remember following points to make sure that you don’t end up with darkened or sun burnt skin. There are many ways you can use shea butter for skin lightening only if you follow the prescribed method and take care of points mentioned below:

  • Make sure to use sunscreen every day before going out to protect tan. You can find natural sunscreens or many recipes.
  • Make sure to use the above methods every day to avoid the dark or discolored skin.
  • You can also use lemon directly on your face. Just slice the lemon and take the water out. Thereafter, scrub it directly on your face. You can use one of the above methods with this one for better benefit.
  • Make sure to keep Shea butter recipes in a cool place away from sunlight.
  • Avoid using recipes of Shea butter if you have its allergy.
  • Make sure you take a limited amount of essential oils while using its recipes with Shea butter. If not, you can one end up damaging your skin.
  • You can also use yogurt as a replacement of lemon scrub to get brightened and youthful skin.

Darkened and discolored skin is not a worrying subject if you are not suffering from a harmful disease. The above-mentioned methods are the tested and effective easy to heal your skin naturally.

Acne

Does Shea Butter Clog Pores? (Anti-Acne Cream Recipe Included)

Author ByMoin Nex

does shea butter clog skin pores

Prominent to hydrate dry skin, topical application of shea butter can also help people with oily skin.

But can you use this solid butter on your oily skin? Does shea butter clog pores?

These were questions debated all over shea butter industry and straight away answer is, no it doesn’t.

Shea butter like jojoba oil is non-comedogenic, means it doesn’t clog skin pores.

According to American Shea Butter Institute, the moisturizing property housed in shea butter is identical to your natural oil sebum.

Thus, this makes it an impeccable remedy for dry skin. Likewise, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties in shea butter aids to treat acne lesions.

According to Wisegeek.com pure shea butter soap removes excess sebum secreted by the skin, thus controls oil on your face.

What is Shea Butter?

Shea butter is an ivory fat extracted from the seeds of shea tree also known as karite tree.

It’s native to Western Africa and has tremendous use in cosmetic industry as a moisturizer.

Wikipedia.org states that African use this edible oil in food and even chocolate industries use shea butter instead of cocoa butter occasionally.

Also read: How to Use Shea Butter for Acne?

Does Shea Butter Clog Pores?

With ‘zero’ comedogenic rating, shea butter application can’t block skin pores. However, beauty experts say that using shea butter in an insalubrious way may end up clogging pores.

By this, we came to know that if you slather this non-comedogenic cream on your dirty and unwashed skin, it will block skin pores.

Basic skin care knowledge is needed before using it at home.

Here is the list of things that you must remember:

  • Remove makeup using natural makeup remover.
  • Cleanse your face by exfoliating or with any cleanser.
  • Exfoliation can help to shed dead cells and wipe other piled impurities.
  • Pat your face dry before applying shea butter.
  • Use clean fingers to apply any anti-acne cream or shea butter.
  • Tie your hair and sleep on the pillow. While the ingredients in this remedy effect positively, you can enjoy by closing your eyes.

How to Use Shea Butter for Oily Skin?

Topically apply a light layer of shea butter to moisturize your skin. Experts suggest if you’ve acne-prone skin then prior to shea butter you must wash or cleanse your face using salicylic acid peels.

If your skin is drying after using salicylic acid avoid it and use shea butter instead, it penetrates into the skin and moisturizes without clogging pores.

Some acne suffers reports that unrefined shea butter helped to get rid of excess oil and heal acne lesions.

Dermatologist recommends using fresh shea butter after cleansing face with a fresh sponge instead of fingers.

Avoid using fingers on acne blemishes as this may lead to secrete more sebum and invite bacteria into acne breakouts.

After applying shea butter over acne prone skin leave it for few minutes, so that it gets absorbed into the skin.

Based on the non-comedogenic property of shea butter we can now confirm that it doesn’t clog pores.

DIY Acne Fighting Shea Butter Cream

To make the face more effective, beauty expert often incorporated other innate ingredients.

  • Shea butter – ½ cup
  • Aloe vera gel – ¼ cup
  • Manuka honey – 2 tsp
  • Geranium essential oil – 10 drops

Cooling ability exhibited by aloe gel helps to fasten the healing process of acne. Its anti-bacterial property thwarts acne-causing bacteria.

Renowned for its vitamins, minerals and healing abilities, manuka honey is backed by scientific and religious books. Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties help to cleanse skin pores and reduce inflamed lesions.

Geranium oil, with the spicy rose smell, this essential oil can restrain infectious germs and help to prevent hormone-related ailments.

  • Boil shea butter in a double boiler until it becomes fully liquid.
  • Now, mix aloe gel and manuka honey with liquefied shea butter.
  • Add few drops of geranium essential oil and stir well.
  • Place the mixture in the refrigerator
  • Now, apply the obtained cream on your face.
  • This anti-acne cream will treat acne and make your skin radiant.

Did you ever use shea butter? Does it clog your skin pores?