Cold winter temperatures cause our skin to dry out. Even if you live in a moist winter climate, the heat in our homes causes the water in our skin to evaporate more rapidly.  In fact, our skin loses 25% more moisture in winter than in warmer seasons.((http://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/dry-skin-relief/dr-wu-causes-of-dry-skin/))

Andrew-Art / Pixabay

There are many ways to combat dry winter skin. From drinking more water to humidifying inside air, healthy winter skin can be maintained. The obvious solution is to moisturize, but you what about cleansing?

What is Shea Butter?

Shea butter comes from the nut of a tree of West Africa.  This fatty substance is extremely hydrating and healing. Out of Africa explains:

Common names: Shea, karité
Scientific name: Vitellaria paradoxa (syn/INCI Butryospermum parkii)Shea butter is an all-natural product. It is a creamy-colored fatty substance made from the nuts of karite nut trees (Butyrospermum parkii or “butter seed”) that grow wild in the savannah regions of West and East Africa. While shea butter has a wide variety of applications, it is most well known for its exceptional dermatological and cosmetic healing properties.

Considered the “Women’s Gold” of Africa
Shea butter is often referred to as “women’s gold” because so many young women are employed in the production of shea butter. In many parts of West Africa, destruction of shea trees is prohibited because the karite nut is such a valuable source of food, medicine and income for the population.

HOW IS SHEA BUTTER MADE?
Shea nuts are extracted from the fruit by crushing and boiling. Shea nuts are picked, cracked, grilled and pounded to extract the butter which is then boiled in water until the fresh shea butter rises to the surface. It is then scooped into gourds and left to cool and set. Although these artisanal methods result in smaller output, no chemicals or synthetic agents are needed at any stage. Shea butter may also be extracted by pressing in an expeller type press which cuts 3-5 hours off the extraction time. Again, no chemicals or synthetics are needed. The end product of either method is raw, or unrefined shea butter.((http://outofafricashea.com/what-is-shea-butter/))

 Benefits of Shea Butter for Winter Skin

Winter skin can be especially hard to sooth.  Shea butter penetrates deeply to relieve the conditions of redness and dryness.  In addition, regular use can prevent winter skin and other weather related skin problems like windburn.((https://draxe.com/raw-shea-butter/)).  It is anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and even has sun protecting qualities.

Out of Africa explains why shea butter is so effective at moisturizer, healing, and treating winter skin:

What sets shea butter apart from other seed oils is its exceptionally large healing fraction. This refers to the percentage of the important nutrients, vitamins, and other valuable phytonutrients that foster healing. Depending on the source, the healing fraction of shea butter ranges from 5 % to 17 %. (The larger the healing fraction, the better). By comparison, the healing fraction of other seeds oils is very small, in the range of 1 %.
Shea butter nourishes the skin with Vitamins A, E and F. Vitamins A and E maintain the skin and keep it clear and healthy. They are particularly helpful for sun damaged skin and to help prevent premature wrinkles and facial lines. The Vitamin A in shea butter is important for improving skin conditions, including blemishes, wrinkles, eczema, and dermatitis. Vitamin F acts as a protector and rejuvenator soothing rough dry or chapped skin and helps soften dry or damaged hair.Additionally, premium shea butter has properties that treat skin allergies, insect bites, sunburn and frostbite.((http://outofafricashea.com/the-benefits-of-shea-butter/))

Cleansing with Shea Butter to Treat and Prevent Winter Skin