When you are looking for a good skincare product to use on your face, it is only natural to worry about the possibility of it clogging your pores.
Shea butter is no exception to this. While some people highly recommend using it, others may tell you to avoid putting it on your face at all costs.
But, which opinion is correct?
The answer is not as straightforward as it may seem. This is mainly because everyone’s skin is different. While some products may be fantastic for you, they may be unsuitable for your friends.
How shea butter reacts with your skin does depend on your skin type. In this article, we will be discussing what shea butter is, the types of skin it works well on, and whether or not it clogs pores.
What is shea butter?
Shea butter is created using the nuts from a shea tree. Shea trees can be found in West Africa.
The butter created from the shea tree nuts has been used in cosmetic products for quite some time due to its moisturizing properties.
It has a thick consistency and is usually white or creamy in color.
What skin types is shea butter good for?
As shea butter is fairly thick and moisturizing, it is not suitable for all skin types. For example, if you have oily skin, shea butter may not be the best option for you.
As it is so moisturizing it will likely cause your skin to become even more oily, which is something you will want to avoid.
However, if you are prone to suffering from dry skin, shea butter can be a lifesaver. As it is so moisturizing, it will provide your skin with the moisture it is craving.
You will notice that many cosmetic products that help with dry skin will contain shea butter.
Does shea butter clog pores?
It is only natural to wonder whether or not shea butter will clog pores. The answer will vary depending on the individual and their skin type.
For example, if you have naturally oily skin, shea butter is more likely to clog your pores in comparison to if you have dry skin.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, shea butter can clog pores. If you already suffer from acne-prone skin, the best decision would be to avoid using shea butter.
The oily thick texture of shea butter will likely cause your acne to become worse, especially if it clogs your pores.
Given that shea butter can clog your pores, care should be taken when using it. If you do have particularly dry skin, we would recommend using shea butter in small quantities. If you have too much shea butter on your face, this could lead to clogged pores.
The oleic fatty acids in shea butter are what can cause it to clog pores. It is worth remembering that although shea butter can clog pores, it may not always be the case.
If you are using pure shea butter, this is a lot more likely to clog your pores in comparison to products containing shea butter.
When shea butter is included in products, it does so in smaller quantities, given this, it will be better for your skin overall. Depending on the product, the amount of shea butter will vary.
If used in small quantities shea butter is perfectly fine to use and should not cause you any skin issues if your skin is not prone to acne.
Benefits of using shea butter
While shea butter is known to clog pores in certain situations, it also has many amazing benefits for your skin. Given this, you should not discredit using it.
1. Acne scars
If you have suffered from acne in the past, you will know how difficult it can be to reduce the appearance of acne scars. While they will fade eventually, they are something people can feel self-conscious about.
Shea butter can help to decrease the appearance of acne scars and fade them with continued use.
2. Anti-aging properties
Shea butter is also said to have anti-aging properties. This is because of its collaging boosting properties.
The new cell generation created from this is said to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines.
3. Anti-inflammatory properties
Shea butter has anti-inflammatory properties. This is great if you suffer from dry or sensitive skin. It can be a difficult task trying to find a suitable moisturizer when you have dry skin.
Many moisturizers will contain perfumes or ingredients that can make sensitive skin worse. By using pure shea butter, your skin can stay hydrated without being irritated.
In addition to this, if your skin is already sore or irritated, it can help to calm your skin. This is due to the shea butter triggering cytokines in the skin.
It is safe to use shea butter?
Shea butter is completely safe to use on your skin. Unless you are allergic to it, you will not have to worry about your skin reacting badly to it. This is great if you are struggling to find a suitable moisturizer.
It is worth noting that this is in regards to pure shea butter. Moisturizers and other skin products that contain shea butter may contain other ingredients that disagree with your skin and make it sensitive or reactive.
Summary
We hope that you found this article helpful. As you can see, shea butter does have many skin benefits. While it can clog pores, it is completely safe to use. If you have oily skin it may not be the best option for you. But, if you have dry skin it is a fantastic cosmetic product to consider.
Shea butter is found in many skincare products in different quantities, but you can also use pure shea butter on your skin too. It has many different benefits, from anti-aging properties to even reducing the appearance of acne scars.
While everyone has different experiences using skincare products, it is worth trying shea butter. It has some fantastic properties and it will not always block pores, especially if it has been used correctly.