Not many people know that cocoa butter is the close relative of Shea butter and they do not know all the uses of a common product such as this or what to use it for on the skin. Before you can dream about using a Shea butter product, you must understand that it is a natural ingredient in many products with great healing properties. Shea butter uses can vary from hair care to ointments and cosmetics. The Shea trees are found in Africa (more specific West Africa and East Africa) and can take between 15 up to 30 years before it bears fruit and is fully-grown. The seeds/nuts from the Shea tree are handpicked. After this, the seeds undergo the cold press process, which is the hardest part of making the butter before you see the results. The color of the finished product may vary from ivory to a yellowish color, only then can you start using the butter in different products.
Most companies in the cosmetic industry make use of Shea butter as a natural healing ingredient in their products like Shampoos, conditioners, anti-aging creams, moisturizers, lotions, lip balms, acne formulas, creams for stretch marks and much more. Some people use this ingredient in their candle making projects, shaving creams, soaps as well as a whole lot of ointments and sunscreens. Others use Shea butter as cooking oil or even in chocolate as a substitute for cocoa, even in pet food, or raw in homemade recipes. Interesting is the fact that Shea butter is also used to moisturize some of the African instrumentâEUR(TM)s wood as in the case of marimbas, Djembes and gourds. Keep in mind that the quality of this substance may vary from product to product and the higher the grade the better the quality of the product. For example, the grade A Shea butterâEUR(TM)s quality is much better than a product, which contains the grade F Shea butter that has the lowest healing effects.
Remember that you are the one who benefits through the many Shea butter uses you get these days, because you are getting a product with many healing effects when you purchase yourself a product with a highly rated content of Shea butter. Shea butter contains vitamin A, E and F, while it is a natural sun protection and moisturizer and you can use it during the day or night for a glowing and healthy look.