Harmattan: Tips on Body Nourishing Creams

Give a break to your conventional skincare products that are filled with sketchy ingredients and make space for shea butter and coconut oil.

The benefits of shea butter and coconut oil for the skin are many as they are rich sources of fatty acids and vitamins such as A, E, and K. They are also loaded with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties that make them a perfect skincare ingredient for all your skin ailments.

Shea butter is made from shea nut trees, which are known for their luxurious moisturising benefits; Queen Cleopatra swore about its goodness in her time.

Whether you apply a pea-sized amount across your face before hitting the bed or use it as a body moisturiser post a calming shower, shea butter is a quick fix for dry and dull skin.

Skin benefits of shea butter

It treats dry skin:
Shea butter is an excellent emollient, which means it can seep into the skin and create a moisturising barrier. Loaded with nurturing properties, shea butter helps strengthen the moisture barrier and locks in hydration. The linoleic acid present in shea butter is known for treating dry skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
It treats severe skin concerns:
Someone struggling with skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, or skin irritations knows how difficult it is to find a perfect product that suits their skin. Fortunately, shea butter’s anti-inflammatory and emollient goodness help treat and soothe heavily irritated skin, rashes, flares, etc. Since shea butter is suitable for all skin types, it is also good at blending into the skin and relieving it from any flare-ups.
It treats acne:
Besides hormonal imbalance and changing lifestyles, dust and pollution in the environment play a vital role in leaving your skin irritated or leading to acne-causing skin problems. The antibacterial properties of shea butter prevent acne-causing bacteria from building up in your pores. The fatty acids further remove excess oil buildup and leave your skin soft and supple.
It prevents early signs of ageing:
Being rich in antioxidants, your skin is sure to love shea butter as it prevents fine lines and wrinkles caused by free radicals. Abundant in vitamins A, E, and F, it encourages healthy skin regeneration. Shea butter also contains triterpenes, a chemical that slows the breaking down of your existing collagen.
It treats sunburns:
Basking in the sun feels good, but ailing sunburned skin doesn’t. The anti-inflammatory goodness of shea butter can soothe your skin while the fatty acids lock in moisture as the skin heals from sunburns.
It treats sunburns:
Basking in the sun feels good, but ailing sunburned skin doesn’t. The anti-inflammatory goodness of shea butter can soothe your skin while the fatty acids lock in moisture as the skin heals from sunburns.

Coconut oil is a household staple in many kitchens and rightly so. From treating dry skin to straw-like hair, there are plenty of skin benefits of coconut oil that prove why you should use this tropical-smelling oil.

Benefits of using coconut oil:

Extra love for your tresses:
The hair conditioner aisle may seem tempting to try out new hair conditioning products, however, most of them are priced higher and filled with sketchy ingredients. Your best bet is to turn towards the jar of coconut oil to treat your tresses with some extra TLC. The fatty acids in the coconut oil can soften your hair and make up for the best hair conditioner. Whip it into your hair mask or apply directly onto your scalp and strands, the benefits of coconut are too many to ignore.
If you have split or dry ends, dab a few drops of coconut oil on the ends and use it as a leave-in conditioner.
Cuticle care
With winter setting in, not just your hair and skin but your cuticles can turn dry too. Since coconut oil is lightweight and seeps into the skin easily, you can rub in some coconut oil on your hands and cuticles to moisturise your dry hands.
As an anti-frizz serum
From curly head women to frizzy and frayed tresses, we all love the skin benefits of coconut oil as an anti-frizz serum. Most dry scalp repels the natural oils and leads to dry hair. Use a few drops of coconut oil sparingly across your frizzy hair to keep the flyaways in place.
To get the glam glow
The dead skin cells layered on our skin can lead to our skin looking dull, dry, and lifeless. You can use the skin benefits of coconut oil as an exfoliant to slough away dead skin cells. Mix a tablespoon of ground coffee with two tablespoons of coconut oil to make your own DIY coconut oil face scrub. This will keep your skin hydrated, reveal a natural glow, and keep your skin super moisturised.
With so many too-good-to-be-true benefits, it is hard to not love shea butter and coconut oil and include it in your skincare routine.

Culled/Titilayo Kupoliyi

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group