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At first glance, any moisturizer with the word “butter” in it may seem unsuitable for someone with oily skin. While shea butter is most commonly thought of as a treatment for dry skin, it also has a whole set of benefits for gals at the other end of the spectrum. Derived from the nuts of Africa's shea tree, shea butter is an all-natural, plant-based skin care product that can be used on a variety of skin types.
Non-Greasy Moisture
If you are a skin care rookie, it may seem flat-out wrong to be moisturizing oily skin. Girl, if you keep scrubbing your skin without moisturizing, all you are going to end up with is skin that is even oilier! Over-washing your face and failing to replenish the moisture that your skin needs can irritate your skin, which in turn may cause excess oil production. Shea butter is quickly absorbed into your skin and will not leave a greasy residue.
Non-Comedogenic
Moisturizers and other skin care products are rated on a scale of zero to five, with zero being the least likely to clog pores -- called non-comedogenic -- and five being the most likely to cause acne. Shea butter is rated as a zero, which means it is safe to use on all skin types, including oily skin. Additionally, shea butter is a pure product, free of chemical additives such as petrolatum, isopropyl myristate and lanolin -- all of which may contribute to oily skin and cause acne.
Anti-Inflammatory
Shea butter has anti-inflammatory properties thanks to its naturally occurring cinnamic acid, which reduces redness and swelling associated with many conditions, including acne. Plus, the antimicrobial properties in shea butter may also fight potential skin infections that can come from acne breakouts. Other beneficial components include fatty acids and plant sterols that help your skin heal faster, diminishing acne scars and helping to clearing up acne and acne-related infections faster than leaving your skin untreated.
Food for Your Face
Don't be afraid to get your glow on! All skin types need essential nutrients to thrive. Shea butter feeds your skin nutrients that fight wrinkles and even out skin tone, leaving you with a healthy glow. Shea butter contains vitamin E, vitamin A and a whole mess of fatty acids -- all of which work together to keep your skin soft and youthful while balancing its moisture level. Vitamins A and E also contribute to keeping your skin supple by boosting the production of collagen, a protein in skin that diminishes as aging progresses.
