Monday, May 24, 2010

Spotlight On: Shea Butter

Shea butter, also known as karite butter, is a cream-colored fatty substance made from the nuts of karite nut trees (also called Mangifolia trees) that grow in the savannah regions of West and Central Africa. Karite trees, or shea trees, are not cultivated. They grow only in the wild, and can take up to 50 years to mature (they live up to 300 years!). In most parts of West Africa, destruction of the shea tree is prohibited because this little nut provides a valuable source of food, medicine, and income for the population. In fact, shea butter is sometimes referred to as “women’s gold” in Africa, because so many women are employed in the production of shea butter.

Why is shea butter in such demand? Western countries are just beginning to recognize the considerable health and beauty benefits of shea butter, something Africans have known for thousands of years. Shea butter has been used to help heal burns, sores, scars, dermatitis, psoriasis, dandruff, and stretch marks. It may also help diminish wrinkles by moisturizing the skin, promoting cell renewal, and increasing circulation. Shea butter also contains cinnamic acid, a substance that helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays.

Shea butter is a particularly effective moisturizer because contains so many fatty acids, which are needed to retain skin moisture and elasticity. The high
fatty acid content of shea butter also makes it an excellent additive to soap, shampoos, anti-aging creams, cosmetics, lotions, and massage oils—its soft, butter-like texture melts readily into the skin.

Shea butter protects the skin from both environmental and free-radical damage. It contains vitamins A and E, and has demonstrated both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Many online distributors sell shea butter in various sizes, containers, prices, and types, but make sure to do your research before buying them—not all shea butter products are created equal, and some products contain a significant amount of potentially irritating additives and very little real shea butter. That said, one hundred percent natural shea butter is a handy thing to have around the house. It can be used as an all-natural hair conditioner, moisturizer, and makeup remover, or as a treatment for burns, cuts, scrapes, sunburns, and diaper rash. Shea butter may also help treat skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis; however, keep in mind that you should always consult a physician or dermatologist about serious or persistent skin problems. Shea butter is not recommended for people with nut or latex allergies.

Credits go to vitaminstuff.com

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Old Fashioned Oatmeal Mask for Oily, Dry, or Normal Skin- Three Variations

Oatmeal comforts and nourishes the skin- it's rich in protein, potassium, iron, phosphates, magnesium, and silicon. It is perfect for people with sensitive skin because it is naturally gentle and mild. I remember my mom putting powdered oatmeal in my bath sometimes when I was little. That smell always brings back memories. :-)

For Oily Skin
1/2 cup cooked oatmeal
1 egg white
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup mashed apple

For Dry Skin
1/2 cup cooked oatmeal
1 egg white
1/2 banana mashed
1 tablespoon honey

For Normal Skin
1/2 cup cooked oatmeal
1 whole egg
1 tablespoon almond oil

Mix all ingredients together into a smooth paste. Spread on your face and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse your face clean with tepid water and pat dry. Enjoy soft beautiful skin!

Blessings,
Brittany

Welcome!

Hello! Welcome to Mountain Creek Soaps, Candles & Gifts ~ The Blog! :-) We are starting this blog to keep in touch with our friends and customers, share beauty tips and recipes, let you know about special deals, and discuss the amazing natural ingredients we use to make our products!
We hope you enjoy visiting here, and please take the time to check out our Etsy store by clicking on the button near the top of the page.

Blessings,
Brittany