Polyphenols are the antioxidants contained in shea butter. Antioxidants are compounds that help protect your cells from free radicals, which are linked to a variety of diseases, including cancer. Antioxidants can also aid in the prevention of diseases such as arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and immunological insufficiency, as well as slowing the aging process.
Vitamin A – Shea butter is so high in vitamin A that it might be referred to as vitamin A (retinol) cream. Retinol and retinoic acid, which are necessary for healthy skin cell formation, are found in many cosmetic products. Vitamin A is also thought to stimulate the cells responsible for generating tissue, often known as fibroblasts, which keep the epidermis and dermis layers of the skin supple and healthy.
Vitamin E — A fat-soluble antioxidant found in large concentrations in raw shea butter, vitamin E keeps eczema skin moisturized and speeds up the healing of itching and bleeding lesions caused by repeated scratching.
Cinnamic Acid Esters — These are anti-inflammatory compounds that help soothe inflamed skin and reduce inflammation and redness.
Vitamin F (consisting of stearic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, and other fatty acids) – These nutritious fats are also referred to as unsaponifiable, and they are known to be beneficial to the skin. Shea butter contains 7-12 percent unsaponifiable, making it an effective moisturizer for eczema that is dry, itchy, and flaky. The nutritious fats help form a protective barrier over eczema-affected skin, keeping skin-irritating microorganisms at bay, which can irritate eczema and trigger flare-ups. Vitamin F is used in the skin to generate ceramides, which help to form the skin barrier, which is the outermost, visible layer of our skin. Ceramides bind skin cells together, keeping them robust, moisturized, and smooth while also resisting pollutants, ultraviolet light, diseases, and irritants. Vitamin F deficiency causes the skin to become dry, flaky, red, irritated, and more prone to acne, and sensitivity. I am sure you can see the importance of this and why Shea Butter plays a major role.
Shea butter is high in vitamins A and E, which implies it has a high level of antioxidant activity. As I stated earlier, antioxidants have a vital role in anti-aging. They shield your skin cells from free radicals, which can cause premature aging and a dull appearance. Remember to stick with raw shea butter as it has the most vitamins. When you purchase shea butter and it arrives in a pretty smooth block this shea butter has had already a level of processing which in turn eliminates some of its properties.
