DIY Shea Butter Face Masks For Everyone

Shea butter enjoys an ever-growing popularity in the cosmetics industry, mainly since it can be used in multiple ways. This miracle product comes from the seeds of Shea tree, which is indigenous to Africa. Shea butter is extracted from the seeds which are rich in oil. In this article we will share an overview of shea butter, its preparation process, components, properties and uses. We will also share with you some wonderful DIY shea butter face masks. 

Shea butter Preparation:

The butter preparation process includes the following steps:

1. The seeds are par boiled to remove the outer shells.
2. They are then pulverised and roasted.
3. The roasted seeds are passed through a milling machine where a thick, creamy, chocolaty liquid is extracted.
4. This is kneaded for up to 2 hours and finally forms the cream-coloured Shea butter.

Components of Shea butter:

• Shea butter is composed of fatty acids, including stearic and oleic acids (85-90%), palmitic, linoleic, and arachidic acids.
• It also contains a high percentage of triterpenes, tocopherol, phenols, and sterols.

Properties of Shea butter

• Due to the presence of stearic and oleic acids, Shea butter possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• The triterpenes and cinnamate esters provide anti-tumour promoting effects.
• Presence of oleic acid is related to reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease and promotes cancer cell apoptosis.
• Treats mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis.
• Relieves the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, including itching, scaling, erythema and pain.
• The triterpenes help in collagen deposition, thus help retain skin elasticity.
• Shea butter enhances tissue repair and promotes wound healing.

Uses of Shea butter

1. Moisturizing and nourishing.
2. Antioxidant rich – fights free radicals
3. Protection against UV rays.
4. Good for sensitive skin as it has soothing anti-inflammatory properties.
5. Extreme dry skin relief.
6. Hair conditioner.
7. Dark spot removal.
8. Overnight cream.
9. Treating windburn skin.

So friends, let us learn some DIYs to reap the immense benefits of Shea butter.

How to use Shea butter?

Shea butter face masks 

As you come to know about the benefits of diShea butter face masks, you will wish that you had known about it previously. Shea butter can be used in combination with different ingredients.

Shea butter and coconut oil face mask: 

Ingredients:

1. Mesmara Raw Unrefined Organic Shea butter – 4 tbsp

2. Mesmara Extra Virgin Coconut oil – 1 tbsp

Almond oil – 1 tsp

Method: 

Take 4 tbsp of Shea butter in a small container. Melt the Shea butter in a vessel containing boiling water. Use similar procedure for melting coconut oil. Mix the two together and add almond oil. Blend the mixture for 15 seconds and refrigerate for 15 minutes. The solidified end product should be neither too hard nor too soft. Use this as a face mask or whole body moisturizer. 

Benefits:

Research points out to the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, wound healing and collagen forming benefits of Shea butter. Coconut oil keeps the skin hydrated and slows down ageing process. It also reduces sun damage. The results can be felt and seen immediately and in the long term– well-toned glowing skin. 

Shea butter and jojoba oil face mask:

Ingredients:

1. Mesmara Raw Unrefined Organic Shea butter – 1/2 cup

2. Mesmara Jojoba oil – 2 tbsp

3. Mesmara Lavender Essential oil – 10 drops

Method: 

Melt the Shea butter using the double boiler method (the container containing the Shea butter should not touch the boiling water). Remove from flame and mix in the jojoba oil. Infuse with lavender essential oil. Blend all the ingredients with a hand/electric blender on low to get a creamy consistency. Store in an air-tight jar for 6 months. 

If you want to experiment a bit, use a combination of essential oils to enhance the fragrance. Lavender plus chamomile or orange plus ginger essential oils make a great combination.

Benefits:

Jojoba oil in an anti-ageing product. Being naturally enriched with vitamins B and E, jojoba oil reduces inflammation and speeds up wound healing process. Together with the benefits of Shea butter, we definitely vouch for this combo. 

Shea butter, essential oils, and glycerine face mask:

Ingredients:

1. Mesmara Raw Unrefined Organic Shea butter – 1/4 cup

2. Mesmara Argan Essential oil – 2 tsp

3.  Mesmara Lemon Essential oil – 8 drops

4. Mesmara Frankincense oil– 8 drops

5. Sandalwood oil – 8 drops

6. Vegetable glycerine – 1 tsp

Method: 

Melt the Shea butter using the double boiler method (the container containing the Shea butter should not touch the boiling water). Remove from flame and mix in all the other ingredients. Whisk for several minutes to obtain a creamy consistency. Store in an air-tight jar. 

Benefits:

Shea butter offers UV protection, has an SPF of 6. It helps fade off scars and repairs skin after sun exposure. It also lightens the hyperpigmentation scars caused by pimples and acne. Argan oil has vitamin E and beneficial fatty acids, hydrates skin naturally and absorbs into the skin easily. Frankincense oil acts as an astringent and reduces acne blemishes. Sandalwood promotes skin cell growth and lightens the skin. Citrus rich lemon essential oil is rich in vitamin C and it evens out skin tone by dissolving the dead skin cells at the skin surface. The vegetable glycerine locks in the benefits of all the ingredients and moisturizes the skin.

There is more to the story of Shea butter. It can tame wild hair and bring the bounce back to your hair. Do try out the different DIYs and feel free and confident to experiment in multiple ways using Mesmara’s all natural products.