Shea Butter is known for its cosmetic effects. This is probably the reason why you can find Shea butter as an ingredient in a wide range of beauty products. A lot of people recommend Shea butter for acne treatment as well.
However, interestingly enough, a lot of people also advise avoiding Shea butter if you have acne. So, does Shea butter cause acne? Or is Shea butter good for acne?
Shea Butter is basically, the fat derived from Shea tree nuts. Shea tree nuts are grown naturally in the Savannahs of West Africa. Thanks to its full availability in these regions, the people use it for several purposes, like cooking and even as medicine.
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So, is using Shea butter for acne good or bad? Let us start by looking at whether Shea butter causes acne or not.
[Also Read: Natural Treatments for Acne]
Shea Butter For Acne- What Does the Research Say?
You can always find people who believe that it is not wise to use Shea butter for acne. So, is there any merit to that claim? Well, the creamy consistency of Shea Butter might make it comedogenic. This means that it can, technically, block the skin pores and blockage of skin pores can often cause acne breakouts.
However, this is not true. No scientific research has been able to prove that Shea butter causes acne conclusively. Shea butter is non-comedogenic oil. This makes it pretty safe for people who are prone to acne breakouts.
Is Shea Butter Good for Acne?
Well, if scientific studies are to be believed, then using Shea butter for acne is a smart option. Research has shown that Shea Butter has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it beneficial to use Shea Butter for acne scars as it helps in easing the irritation caused by the scars.
Shea Butter also contains a considerable amount of linoleic acid, about 3-11%. Studies have shown that linoleic acid is a potent antioxidant. This enables Shea butter to minimize the impact of acne-causing pollutants.
Vitamin K, which is also present in Shea butter, also helps in fighting acne. It quickens the healing process after getting acne scars.
So, given all these scientifically proven benefits, using Shea butter for acne would be an effective treatment strategy.
[Also Read: Foods to Add in Diet to Treat Acne]
Benefits of Shea Butter for Acne
Let us take a look at one of the unique properties of Shea Butter – its emollient property.
This means that Shea Butter can form a soft, protective barrier over the skin. This keeps the pollutants at bay, and that helps to reduce the chances of acne.
This makes Shea butter one of the best moisturizers and hence, a popular ingredient in cosmetic products. So, using Shea butter for acne can only help you to treat things like acne scars, but also prevents the onset of acne in the first place.
Let us take a look at some of the ways in which you can use Shea Butter for acne treatment.
[Read: Shea Butter for Skin]
Using Shea Butter for Acne – Making a Face Pack
One of the most effective ways of using Shea butter for acne is by using a face pack. The face pack that we are talking about doesn’t only contain Shea butter, but it also includes a few other ingredients as well. So, let us take a look at what are the things that you need to prepare the face pack
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of pure, unrefined Shea butter
- 1 tablespoon of raw honey
- 3 to 4 drops of grapeseed oil
Use:
- Don’t steam your face before using the face pack. Steaming would increase the chances of Shea butter clogging your skin pores
- Mix the pack well and apply thoroughly on your face. Make sure that your skin is dry.
- Keep it on for 10 to 12 minutes
- Wash the face with warm water.
- Pat the skin dry
This is how you can use Shea butter for acne.
Shea butter has several properties which help not only to treat the problems associated with acne but also helps you to fight against other skin diseases.
However, before you use Shea butter for treating your acne, you should get in touch with your physician/ dermatologist to know about any possible risks. Keep yourself aware and discover the benefits of using Shea butter for treating your acne.
Let us now take a look at the frequently asked questions
FAQs
1. Does Shea Butter Have Any Side Effects?
Using Shea Butter for acne is generally considered to be safe as side effects are rare. However, there is a slight chance of allergy. So, you must consider getting in touch with your physician/dermatologist to understand the risks.
2. How long does it take to have any effect?
The efficacy of Shea butter differs from person to person. In most cases, it would take little more than a month for Shea butter to affect your acne issues.
3. Is Raw Shea Butter the Better Option?
Well, raw Shea butter is free from any harmful additives. Sometimes, these additives might cause allergies and other side effects. So, it is better to use raw Shea Butter.
Using Shea Butter for Acne Treatment is an effective treatment strategy. Shea butter has several properties which help not only to treat the problems associated with acne but also helps you to fight against acne. However, before you use Shea butter for treating your acne, you should get in touch with your physician/ dermatologist to know about any possible risks. Keep yourself aware and discover the benefits of using Shea butter for treating your acne.
