If your hair is naturally straight, thin, or fine, consider using shea butter on the ends of your hair. Applying shea butter to your roots may cause an oily-looking buildup. Storage Research indicates that linoleic acid plays a crucial role in protecting skin and can significantly reduce eczema symptoms.

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. For example, there’s less or no cinnamic acid, an anti-inflammatory substance, in processed shea butter. Raw shea butter is usually yellow or beige, while refined shea butter is white. Shea butter versus cocoa butter Catteau L, et al. (2017). Synergy betweenursolic and oleanolic acids from Vitellariaparadoxa leaf extract and β-Lactams against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: In vitro and invivo activity and underlying mechanisms. DOI: Kao J-H, et al. (2016). Shea nut oil triterpeneconcentrate attenuates knee osteoarthritis development in rats: Evidence fromknee joint histology. DOI:

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But sebum production tends to decline with age. Sunlight exposure depletes it, too. Vitamin E helps skin by preventing cellular damage and boosting moisture. 4. Improves eczema Ud‐Din S, et al.(2016). Topical management of striae distensae (stretch marks): Prevention andtherapy of striae rubrae and albae. DOI: The Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment's main ingredient may be avocado oil, but that's not the only moisturizing ingredient that your undereyes will be treated to. It also contains shea butter to soften and prevent skin dehydration while beta-carotene acts as a brightening antioxidant. Instead of purchasing several products, you get one with a powerhouse ingredient that can pull double- and even triple-duty. Introducing shea butter — a skin care superhero that helps with several complexion woes.

Veraldi S, et al. (2009). Treatment of pruritusin mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis with a topical non-steroidal agent[Abstract]. Shea butter has a sun protection factor (SPF) of about three or four. It’s too small to prevent sun damage or sunburn on its own. It works by increasing the skin-cell turnover rate, smoothing the skin’s surface. It also plumps skin by stimulating the production of collagen, the framework that keeps your skin from sagging. Vitamin E But manufacturers combine it with other ingredients to reach levels of SPF 15 or higher. Plus, you get all the soothing, moisturizing and anti-aging benefits of shea butter. 6. Doesn’t cause allergic reactions Cosmetics companies often add antioxidants (substances that protect cells) to anti-aging skin care. Shea butter contains two antioxidants: Vitamin AIt’s essential for people with eczema to keep their skin moist and protected,” says Dr. Vij. “Shea butter can be a good option for many folks.” 5. Provides sun protection Shea butter is safe for people with nut allergies. Allergens are proteins. While shea butter does come from nuts, it’s made entirely of fat, so it’s allergen-free. Additionally, no one has reported a reaction to it. Megnanou RM, et al. (2015). Improving theoptimized shea butter quality: A great potential of utilization for commonconsumers and industrials. DOI: However, raw shea butter does contain latex. So people with latex allergies should avoid it or make sure they only use refined shea butter. What happens if you use shea butter every day? Ayankunle AA, et al. (2012). Antibacterialactivity and sub-chronic toxicity studies of Vitellaria paradoxa stembark extract. DOI:

Del Campo R, et al. (2017).Effect of miracle fruit ( Synsepalum dulcificum) seed oil (MFSO) on themeasurable improvement of hair breakage in women with damaged hair: Arandomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, eight-month trial.Micali G, et al. (2018). Evidence-basedtreatment of atopic dermatitis with topical moisturizers [Abstract]. DOI: