Shea butter is something that everyone interested in skincare products has probably come across in one form or another. Despite its similarity to the butter in our fridges, shea butter is actually a fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), which is native to Africa. It has been used for centuries as a natural ingredient in various skin care products and is known for its moisturising and nourishing properties as well as its excellent skin compatibility.
Shea butter has been used for hundreds of years and has a rich cultural history in African communities. The women of these societies have long used shea butter as a natural ingredient in their skin and hair care and have passed down their knowledge of its beneficial properties from generation to generation.
Especially in recent years, shea butter has gained popularity worldwide as a natural alternative to conventional skin care products and is now used in a variety of face creams and other skincare products.
Shea butter is extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, which grows in West and Central Africa. The nuts are first collected and roasted to remove their hard outer shell. The kernels inside are then crushed and roasted to release the shea butter, which is subsequently filtered. The quality of the final product depends on how it is extracted and processed, with traditional methods often yielding higher quality shea butter than industrial methods. Kluuf ensures that only the highest quality shea butter is used in its face cream, after shave and body lotion for men.
How does shea butter work and how does it benefit our skin?
Shea butter is made up of a complex mixture of fatty acids, including oleic acid, stearic acid and linoleic acid. It also contains amounts of vitamins A and E, as well as a number of other beneficial compounds.
This combination gives shea butter its unique properties and makes it a highly effective natural ingredient for male and female skin care.
One of the most important benefits of shea butter for our skin is its moisturising properties. The high content of fatty acids in shea butter moisturises the skin and protects it from dryness and cracking. Shea butter has a special molecular structure that allows it to easily penetrate different skin types and form a protective barrier on the surface that locks in moisture and provides long-lasting hydration without blocking the skin, as is the case with many other conventional ingredients.
In addition to its moisturising properties, shea butter is also known for its nourishing properties. The vitamins contained in shea butter provide the skin with essential nutrients, helping to improve the health of the skin and its appearance.
Shea butter additionally has anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce redness and irritation, which also helps to soothe and heal damaged skin - making it a perfect natural ingredient in Kluuf's after shave.
Shea butter in the different layers of the skin
Shea butter has been shown to have a number of benefits for the skin, and its various layers.
When applied to the surface of the skin (epidermis), shea butter forms a protective barrier that helps lock in moisture to prevent dryness.
In the underlying layers (dermis and hypodermis), shea butter provides the skin with nutrients and helps to strengthen the overall health and improve the appearance of the skin.
Advantages and disadvantages of shea butter for men's grooming
Like any active ingredient, shea butter has advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
- Moisturising: Shea butter is known for its moisturising properties, making it an excellent addition to any skincare routine. Its high concentration of fatty acids and vitamins make it an effective moisturiser that can soothe dry, itchy as well as irritated skin. Shea butter also forms a barrier on the skin that helps to lock in moisture and keep the skin hydrated long-term.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Shea butter has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated skin. This makes it a good choice for people with sensitive or even easily irritated skin.
- Protection from environmental stressors: Shea butter forms a protective barrier for the skin, helping to protect it from environmental stresses such as UV rays and pollution (however, please do not use shea butter as your sole sunscreen). Its high vitamin and fatty acid content also helps to strengthen the skin and make it more resistant to environmental damage.
- Nutrients: In addition to moisturising and protecting, shea butter is also a rich source of vitamins and other active ingredients that can nourish the skin. Vitamins A, E and F are all found in shea butter and provide important nutrients for skin health. These vitamins also help improve the skin's elasticity and make it more resistant to damage and signs of premature skin ageing.
Disadvantages:
Shea butter can interfere with other active ingredients, reducing the effectiveness of other skincare products or components.
Although very rare, some people may experience an allergic reaction to shea butter itself. Symptoms here include itching, redness and swelling.
In general, Kluuf always likes to point out that it is important to test new ingredients on a small section of skin before adding them to your skincare routine.
Who should include shea butter in their skincare routine?
Shea butter, as mentioned earlier, is an extremely versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of skincare products, such as kluuf face cream, body lotion and aftershave.
It can also be used well as a stand-alone product applied directly to the skin.
Shea butter can be used as a moisturiser or protectant during the day. Its protective properties help to shield the skin from environmental aggressors, while its moisturising properties keep the skin looking and feeling plump and hydrated throughout the day.
Shea butter is also an ideal ingredient to use during the night when the skin is in repair and regeneration mode. Its nourishing properties can support the skin's natural recovery process, while its moisturising properties help keep skin firm and hydrated while you sleep.
Shea butter is particularly recommended for select skin problems such as dryness and redness. Its nourishing and protective properties can help soothe and repair damaged skin, reducing the risk of further irritation or damage.
Summary
Shea butter is a versatile and effective skincare ingredient that moisturises, protects and nourishes the skin. Whether used alone or in combination with other ingredients, shea butter can fundamentally improve the health and appearance of the skin, making it an upgrade for every man's skincare routine.
Shea butter should be a part of any sustainable skincare routine, not just for men and with Kluuf. However, if you want a skincare routine that is not only fuss-free, vegan & sustainable, but also pampers others with every application, shea butter can be found in the following Kluuf products for men:
Kluuf's face cream - buy here
Kluuf's body lotion - buy here
Kluuf's after shave - buy here
