Who would not like to have a smooth, supple skin topped off with silky, shiny and lustrous hair? For some time now, raw shea butter has been known to have exactly those glorious effects on your skin and hair!

Shea butter is extracted from the kernel of the Karite tree that so far, is only found in Africa. The tree produces a green fruit that will fall off the tree when it is ripe. Inside the fruit are nuts and it is the seeds from these nuts that are used to make raw shea butter.

Shea butter naturally contains vitamins A, E and F. Vitamin A and E are known to balance and normalize the skin. They are also both soothing and hydrating which is beneficial to the skin. Vitamin F consists of two essential fatty acids; linoleic acid and alpha-linoleic acid, both of which work to soften and revitalize dry skin and dry and damaged hair.

The list of shea butter benefits does seem almost endless with new uses and benefits discovered frequently. One of the more remarkable claims is that you can attain younger looking skin, as raw shea butter works to reduce wrinkles (many say they notice a difference within 4-6 weeks). Because of the beneficial effects of the compounds found in Raw shea butter, it will provide improvement in all the following conditions:

• Stretch marks

• Age marks

• Minor scars

• Chapped hands and lips

• Weak, thin hair

• Sunburn

Raw shea butter is known to maintain moisture and skin softness; and it is effective on dry, flaky skin as it tends to moisturize and hydrate. Raw shea butter is also used in shampoos and conditioners and is often used alone as a conditioner. It promotes shiny, soft hair and absorbs quickly and does not leave a greasy residue or clog your pores.

Raw shea butter is wonderful for people with sensitive skin and has been known to help those with psoriasis and eczema. It is even great for babies and can be used to treat diaper rash. Many people even claim that raw shea butter will bring instant relief to insect bites.

Although not a mainstream product currently, it is still quite popular and can be found on line at many sites.

via: sheabutterbenefits.com