Bright Ingredient in Teen Skincare: Shea Butter
Shea Butter is a well-established superstar ingredient in skincare for all ages...that's why we included it within our Bright Girl formulations!
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) is a fat extracted from kernels of the Vitellaria paradoxa, or Shea tree, found in sub-Saharan and east Africa. The tree produces a tiny, almond-like fruit with a nut kernel inside. After the fruit falls from the shea tree, the nut is extracted and then boiled to let the butter float to the surface. The butter is then milled and filtered so that any contaminants or impurities may be removed.
Shea butter confers a strong moisturizing effect to the product and is soothing and smoothing to the skin. It helps strengthen and protect the outer layer of the skin, making it an effective ingredient for dry or damaged skin. This nourishing ingredient is well-tolerated and hygroscopic (water-loving), which helps strengthen and hydrate the skin.
Shea butter contains fatty acids including: oleic, stearic, linoleic, and palmitic fatty acids; as well as triterphenes, and phytosterols. The phenols within the shea kernel confer anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties to this ingredient.
Shea butter also functions as an emollient, helping with dry skin and dry hair as well as eczema.
The following Bright Girl products contain Shea Butter and are part of an ideal teenage skincare routine:
Day+Bright 24-hour Facial Moisturizer
More about why shea butter is so good for your skin:
- Contains antioxidants, including vitamins A, E, F
- Contains phenols
- Natural sun protective qualities
- Shields the skin from environmental factors such as pollution, wind, and cold
- Effective moisturizer
- Non-comedogenic
I hope this review of shea butter and its benefits for your skin health are helpful in understanding this ingredient. Shea butter is a beautiful ingredient to consider in your teenage skincare routine!
Stay BRIGHT!
--Dr. Angela