This may come as a shock, but my beauty routine is very minimal. Don’t get me wrong—I love a solid routine just as much as the next person, but I can only do the bare minimum lest I risk irritating my sensitive skin and causing my eczema to flare-up. Needless to say, I don’t apply products without conducting extensive research first, and even then I’m skeptical. However, when I heard that shea butter can soothe and nourish all skin types, I couldn’t help but wonder: Could this be the product missing from my beauty routine?
Shea butter is a natural vegetable fat that comes from processing nuts from the shea tree. And according to some, it has major beauty benefits. So, to get the low-down on all there is to know about shea butter, I tapped the one and only Irene Adwoa Bekoe: Founder and CEO of That Good Good Shea.
Regardless of what your current routine looks like, shea butter might just be the upgrade you need. Keep scrolling to learn 5 reasons why you need to add shea butter to your beauty routine ASAP.
Why Shea Butter Will Upgrade Your Beauty Routine:
1. It’s soothing and moisturizing
“Shea butter has excellent moisturizing properties that help hydrate and nourish the skin,” Bekoe told me. “It creates a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, locking in moisture and preventing excessive dryness.” She then went on to say that this can be especially helpful for anyone with a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis because pure shea butter can relieve itchiness, reduce redness, and soothe irritation.
Additionally, Bekoe also said that using shea oil on your hair also has the same effect. Its soothing properties can alleviate scalp dryness, itchiness, and inflammation. “It helps balance the scalp’s natural oils, reducing dandruff and promoting a healthier scalp environment,” she explained.
2. It’s healing and repairing
Shea butter is also loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids designed to heal and repair your skin and scalp. Bekoe explained that it has the ability to repair damaged hair from heat styling, chemical treatments and environmental factors.
By the same token, shea butter also promotes skin repair and regeneration, which can be helpful for dry skin sufferers. Plus, it also has anti-inflammatory properties. According to Bekoe, using shea butter on skin flare-ups, irritation, scars, and burns can alleviate pain and speed up the healing process.
3. It’s good for your hair
In addition to the hair benefits mentioned above, shea butter also increases hair softness and shine while reducing dryness, frizz, and breakage. Bekoe told me that it smooths the cuticles to create a sleek appearance and reduce frizz. Likewise, it also helps balance the scalp’s natural oils and in turn reduces dandruff and promotes an overall healthier scalp environment.
4. It’s anti-aging
Aging is a gift, but if you’re all about looking young for as long as possible, you need to add shea butter to your routine ASAP. “It helps stimulate collagen production, which makes your skin more rejuvenated and youthful,” Bekoe told me. “Plus, if you’re fighting uneven skin tone brought on by increased sun exposure, shea-infused products can help improve the look of dark spots!”
What’s more, shea butter also deeply moisturizes skin. Not only does this make it look more plump and youthful, but it also reduces the appearance of wrinkles and enhances overall smoothness. And when it comes down to it, all of this is key to looking young and fresh.
5. It’s protecting
As if all that wasn’t enough, shea butter also protects skin against harmful UV rays. “It has natural substances like cinematic acid, that act as a sunscreen, shielding your skin from sunburn and harmful UV rays,” Bekoe told me. “Plus, you can also help prevent peeling of the skin, soothe sunburned skin, and keep your skin moisturized.”
Furthermore, using shea butter can reduce a step in your skincare routine. “You can also save time—and how many products you need—by using moisturizers with UVA/UVB protection,” Bekoe explained. “SPF 30 is the recommended amount to be fully protected, but that’s why we love our Shea Body Butters because the unrefined shea in these products already naturally provides an SPF of 7!”
Shop Shea Butter Products:
Ready to upgrade your beauty routine with shea butter? Here’s everything you need to get started, according to Bekoe:
THAT GOOD GOOD SHEA
Shea Oil
If you’re looking for a lightweight moisturizer, look no further. “That Good Good Shea Oil is a great multipurpose moisturizer suitable for all ages, safe to use on the face and all hair types, and continually leaves you glowing and feeling good all day,” Bekoe said. Plus, the non-greasy formula actually lets your skin and scalp breathe.
But that’s not all. The formula’s also fast-absorbing, so you don’t have to worry about it transferring. And with ingredients like shea nut oil, jojoba oil, argan oil, and vitamins E and A and omega-3 fatty acids, you really can’t go wrong.
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THAT GOOD GOOD SHEA
Foaming Sugar Scrub
Scrubs and exfoliators are usually public enemy number one when you have dry, sensitive skin—until now. Thanks to its formulation and use of gentle ingredients like cane sugar, this Foaming Sugar Scrub is safe and effective for all skin conditions. Plus, it’s available in 6 scents.
“Regular exfoliation is the key to maintaining healthy and glowing skin,” Bekoe told me. “The scrub can be used 3x a week in the bath or shower to exfoliate the body.” She also suggests using it all-over, especially in areas prone to dryness such as the elbows, knees, heels and back.
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THAT GOOD GOOD SHEA
Pure & Unrefined Shea Butter
This is an incredible option for dry skin sufferers, sensitive skin, or anyone with a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis. “Applying Pure & Unrefined Shea Butter to affected areas on the skin can also help relieve itchiness, reduce redness, and soothe irritated skin,” Bekoe told me.
What’s more, this is shea butter in its purest form—which makes it effective AF. Plus, it’s safe to use all-over, won’t clog pores, and can even reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
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THAT GOOD GOOD SHEA
Shea Body Butter
This body butter is jam-packed with nourishing, skin-loving ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and sweet almond oil to lock in hydration all-day long. Plus, it naturally has SPF 7, and SPF is a non-negotiable in any good skincare routine.
What’s more, this body butter is versatile AF and safe to use on both body and face. Just be sure to apply immediately after a shower or bath for maximum results.
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