Shea is Best

We all know that hydration is crucial and that drinking plenty of water optimizes the functions of the body. What some people forget is that the body needs not only to be hydrated from the inside but also from the outside. With the summer sun sapping moisture from our skin, 'tis the perfect season to introduce ultra-moisturizing shea butter.

Only found throughout the tropics of Africa in close to 19 countries, shea butter derives from the nuts of the shea, also known as karite, trees. It takes about 15 to 30 years for these trees to bear high-quality fruit that is later crushed and boiled to obtain a yellowish-colored fatty extract. According to the American Shea Butter Institute, this product, which is rich in vitamins A, E, and F, is a superior moisturizer that contains remarkable healing properties for a variety of skin ailments, including eczema, psoriasis, and acne. It is also used to fortify and protect cell membranes, fade scars, minimize the appearance of stretch marks and wrinkles, improve hyperpigmentation, offer natural protection from harmful ultraviolet rays, and even relieve sinus problems.

This deeply nourishing product also has a low melting point, and it penetrates quickly when it comes in contact with the skin without leaving behind any greasy residue. Shea butter's ease of use and myriad benefits have made it extremely popular and a darling on spa menus.

While shea butter is effective on the body, it can also help people put their best faces forward and be a saving grace for those with troubled skin. "It's a natural anti-inflammatory agent," says Szilvia Hickman, senior vice president at Szép élet. "It decreases any acne flare-ups while naturally hydrating the skin, hence normalizing the sebum production to avoid future outbreaks." Leaving the skin matte all day long. "Clients who receive treatments that feature this product experience an immediate pore-tightening effect with reduced inflammation and redness, and when they use this product on a daily basis, they feel mattified throughout the entire day," says Hickman.

Not only does shea butter nourish the skin but it is also used to treat troubled tresses. Apply warm shea butter to the shaft of the hair to heal, protect, and penetrate every strand to make hair shinier, softer, and stronger.

Whether used around the eyes, lips, back, body, or hair, this vitamin-packed solution to dry, chapped skin is making people believe that butter is better.