Benefits of Shea Butter Soap

Shea butter soap offers many benefits for skin and hair. The rich fat content of shea butter moisturizes skin, improves elasticity, and helps defend against UV rays. Using shea butter soap can help with:

• Moisturizing dry or cracked skin
• Smoothing wrinkles and fine lines
• Soothing skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis
• Preventing razor burn from shaving
• Protecting skin from sun damage
• Retaining moisture in curly and kinky hair
• Restoring shine and reducing frizz

The vitamins and fatty acids in shea butter nourish skin and hair in a gentle, natural way. It's an excellent ingredient for sensitive skin types.

Choosing a High-Quality Shea Butter Soap

Not all shea butter soaps are created equal. Here's what to look for when choosing a high-quality bar:

• Raw, unrefined shea butter - This retains the highest concentration of skin-loving nutrients. Refined shea butter loses some benefits.
• High shea butter content - Aim for at least 25% to receive the full effects. Check the ingredients list.
• Simple, natural ingredients - Look for bars with only shea butter, oils, and botanicals. Avoid harsh detergents.
• Handmade and fair trade - Support artisans practicing sustainable production.
• Ethical sourcing - Choose companies that work directly with women's cooperatives in Africa.
• Minimal processing - Cold-pressed and unbleached shea butter retains more nutrients.
• Rich consistency - The soap should feel creamy, not dry, when lathering.
• Gentle scent - Natural shea butter has a mild, nutty aroma. Avoid strong fragrances.

Taking a few moments to read labels will ensure your shea butter soap delivers the highest benefits for your skin.

Using Shea Butter Soap on Your Body

Shea butter soap offers head-to-toe moisturizing for dry skin. Follow these tips for getting the most out of each bar:

• Lather up well - Create a nice foam before applying to skin. Shea butter's fatty acids will dissolve into the lather.
• Massage gently - Work the lather over your body in circular motions. Take your time to fully cleanse and condition.
• Rinse thoroughly - Wash off all soap residue after bathing. Lingering bubbles can dry out skin.
• Pat dry - After bathing, gently pat away excess water instead of rubbing vigorously with a towel. This retains moisture.
• Apply while damp - Immediately after bathing, smooth a dollop of shea butter cream over still-damp skin to seal in moisture.
• Target dry areas - Focus especially on using shea butter soap on notoriously dry areas like knees, elbows, and feet.

With regular use, shea butter soap leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, and comfortable all over. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also help reduce body acne.

Using Shea Butter Soap on Your Face

The moisturizing benefits of shea butter soap also work wonders on the sensitive skin of your face. However, facial skin has some unique needs.

Here are tips for effectively using shea butter facial soap:

• Choose a very gentle formula - Look for one with at least 25% shea content, minimal additives, and no harsh sulfates.
• Use sparingly - A small amount of facial soap goes a long way. Work into a light lather between your palms, not directly on your face.
• Focus on problem areas - Gently massage the lather onto acne, flaky patches, or wrinkles. Avoid the delicate eye area.
• Rinse thoroughly - Wash off all traces of soap to prevent clogged pores and dryness. Splash face with cool water to close pores.
• Apply a light moisturizer - Follow cleansing with a hydrating, non-comedogenic face cream to lock in moisture.

With its anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties, shea butter facial soap can greatly improve several common skin concerns like acne, rosacea, eczema, and wrinkles.

Storing and Caring for Shea Butter Soap

Like any natural soap, shea butter bars require some care to enjoy them at their best:

• Let bars cure - Artisanal soaps need 4-6 weeks to harden and become milder. Resist using a new bar right away.
• Store in a dry place - Shea butter's fatty acids can go rancid if exposed to too much moisture. Avoid the shower or bath.
• Allow to dry between uses - Set the bar on a rack or cloth to let it dry out. This prevents gooey melted bits.
• Skip the soap dish - Standing water dissolves shea butter. Allow bars to dry thoroughly before the next use.
• Handle gently - Shea butter's softer consistency makes bars prone to cracking and breaking. Don't drop them.

With some simple care, a bar of shea butter soap will last about a month, providing soothing moisture with each use.

Shea Butter Soap from African Fair Trade Society

For an indulgent shea butter soap made through fair trade practices, check out African Fair Trade Society. Our handcrafted bars contain raw unrefined shea butter ethically sourced from women's cooperatives in Ghana.

We use a simple recipe of shea butter, sunflower and coconut oils, plantain ash, and a mild almond fragrance. Every scenic bar nourishes skin while supporting sustainable livelihoods for African women harvesters.

Pamper yourself with the best of ethical self-care by treating your skin to African Fair Trade Society's shea butter soaps. The natural moisturizing benefits will leave you feeling refreshed and radiant.