Have you ever pondered why we find Shea butter as one of the top ingredients listed in the creams and lotions?What is all the hype about Shea butter?
Shea butter extract is a complex fat that in addition to many unsaponifiable components (substances that cannot be fully converted into soap by treatment with alkali) contains the following fatty acids: oleic acid (40-60%), stearic acid (20-50%), linoleic acid (3-11%), palmitic acid (2-9%), linolenic acid(<1%) and arachidic acid(<1%).
Oleic acid mainly acts like a preservative,a naturally occurring fatty acid which helps Shea butter penetrate the skin. Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid which isn’t easy to break and isn’t going to go rancid easily. Oils high in stearic acid generally have shelf lives of at least two or three years. Stearic acid helps the skin to retain moisture and to stay flexible. It also assists with damage repair.Naturally occurring stearic acid is far better than synthetic ones.
Palmitic acid helps our skin by forming a barrier keeping moisture in and pathogens out. When this barrier breaks down, our skin cannot function properly. The body’s immune system is there to fight off any bacteria, viruses or foreign pathogens that make their way into the body, but it is even better if they are unable to breach the body in the first place. This is where the skin comes in. It is our first line of defense and must provide an effective barrier. In order to do this, it needs an occlusive layer protection. This is where palmitic acid is of great benefit.
Shea butter is high in Vitamin A,E and F. Vitamin A is for erasing wrinkles. Lot of studies have been done to support this claim.Rather than reaching for those highly priced creams, next time reach for this nature miracle.Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects and repairs your skin.Antioxidants are agents that neutralize the oxidant effect of free radicals, which are molecules that damage collagen and cause skin dryness, fine lines and wrinkles.It helps in easing dry and itchy scalps because of its high moisture content. Linoleic acid (Vitamin F) is considered to be the most complete fatty acid has anti-inflammatory, moisturizing and healing properties.This is different than the chemically derived extracts that are used in manufacturing cosmetics.
Palmitic acid helps our skin by forming a barrier keeping moisture in and pathogens out. When this barrier breaks down, our skin cannot function properly. The body’s immune system is there to fight off any bacteria, viruses or foreign pathogens that make their way into the body, but it is even better if they are unable to breach the body in the first place. This is where the skin comes in. It is our first line of defense and must provide an effective barrier. In order to do this, it needs an occlusive layer protection. This is where palmitic acid is of great benefit.
Shea butter is high in Vitamin A,E and F. Vitamin A is for erasing wrinkles. Lot of studies have been done to support this claim.Rather than reaching for those highly priced creams, next time reach for this nature miracle.Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects and repairs your skin.Antioxidants are agents that neutralize the oxidant effect of free radicals, which are molecules that damage collagen and cause skin dryness, fine lines and wrinkles.It helps in easing dry and itchy scalps because of its high moisture content. Linoleic acid (Vitamin F) is considered to be the most complete fatty acid has anti-inflammatory, moisturizing and healing properties.This is different than the chemically derived extracts that are used in manufacturing cosmetics.
Shea butter contains unexceptionally high percentage of unsaponifiables. Unsaponifiables are good fat that can't be decomposed into an acid,alcohol or salt.It is the portion of a plant oil that is not broken down when the oil's fatty acids are refined for use in cosmetic products.That is why Shea butter has most healing properties than any other butter,because of its higher amount of unsaponifiables and linoleic acid. The fatty acid composition in Shea butter varies and depends largely on the method of production.
Another component that is found in Shea butter is Cinnamic acid. It is another powerful antioxidant and also has UV protective properties. It can also behave like an alpha hydroxy acid by penetrating the skin and assisting with cell regeneration.
If you want to experience the full benefits of Shea butter always buy 100% organic certified unrefined Shea butter.
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