Coconut oil and shea butter are superior skin moisturizers.
Shea butter and coconut oil have both been used for centuries around the world to soothe and treat myriad skin conditions. Both are harvested from organic sources. They possess many of the same qualities, and are used mostly for identical purposes. Which version you choose to slather on your skin is a matter of preference.
Shea Butter
Shea butter comes from karite nut trees that are indigenous to Africa. Shea butter is the taupe-colored fat of the the nut; to extract the fat, karite nuts are crushed and boiled. Shea butter is often used as an additive in cosmetic products, but can be purchased in its whole form in many health food and nutrition stores.
Shea Butter Benefits
Shea butter is lauded for its moisturizing properties. Its high levels of fatty acids are excellent for retaining moisture within the layers of skin, and promoting elasticity. (Elasticity is what keeps skin youthful-looking; as elasticity decreases, fine lines and wrinkles appear.) Shea butter has been used for centuries in African countries to expedite the healing of wounds, soothe skin conditions like psoriasis and even as a scalp moisturizer to ward off dandruff.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is extracted from the kernel, or the white meat, found inside coconut shells. To extract the oil, the coconut meat must be shredded, heated, and added to water before boiling. The oil then bubbles on the surface as a fatty substance, which is skimmed off the top of the liquid mixture and reserved for future use. Coconut oil has been used for centuries as a dermatological healer, particularly in southeast Asian countries. Whole coconut oil, in liquid form, can be found in most nutrition stores.
Coconut Oil Benefits
Coconut oil's primary function is hydration. It is an effective moisturizer, especially for chronic dry skin. It even helps to soothe the discomfort caused by skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. It's an ingredient found in many body lotions and creams.
Because it is a superb hydrator, it is often attributed to delaying the onset of fine lines, wrinkles and creases on the face. Skin that is property moisturized holds more water; dry skin creases easily and, over time, can lead to the development of fine lines.
Whipped Formulas
When referring to "whipped" shea butter and coconut oil, it is important to understand the distinction. It is difficult to find in stores. Only shea butter or coconut oil that you whip yourself maintains the full benefits listed above. Coconut oil and shea butter can be mixed at home from their pure states using a hand mixer. The whipped formula can then be applied directly to the skin as a moisturizer.
If you are purchasing skincare products with the term whipped, such as whipped body lotion with coconut oil, it is not in the same state as pure coconut oil. In these cases, it is used as an additive and therefore, is present in lower concentrations. Therefore, its properties will be less effective.
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