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Shea butter is a fat obtained from the nuts of the African shea tree, which is indigenous to Africa. It is edible, and is used for cooking in some African countries. However, it has a range of skincare uses, due to which it’s used commonly in cosmetics and skincare products. To find out if shea butter would complement your skincare routine, take our specially designed skin quiz!
Shea butter can be used for a variety of skin-related issues. It can be used to add moisture to the skin, to balance oil levels, to reduce inflammation, provide antioxidants, to repair and rejuvenate skin, and to clear acne. However, that’s not all – not by far! Shea butter can also help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, diminish scars, help with cell regeneration, provide sun protection, reduce chapping, treat skin conditions such as eczema, and treat burns, insect bites and other wounds.
Shea butter is a wonderful, gentle ingredient that doesn’t have many side effects and has been used by millions of people for many generations. However, in some people usage on the face can lead to acne breakouts due to the fat content. In fact, if you’re sensitive to it, even using a product with a small percentage of shea butter in it may lead to a breakout.
There are several different types and causes of acne. Cystic acne occurs when pores in your skin are clogged with sebum, dirt, and dead skin cells. This creates a perfect opportunity for the growth of bacteria, which can cause an infection. The infection can grow deeper into the skin, leading to inflammation and redness, causing raised acne bumps (AKA cysts) with pus that can be tender to the touch.
Benzoyl peroxide is a topical agent for fighting bacteria and can be good for some type of cystic acne. Jojoba oil and rosehip oil are also good for reducing inflammation, fighting bacteria, and keeping in moisture for healthier skin. Ingredients that help exfoliate dead skin cells and increase new skin cell production, such as Vitamin A/Retinol, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid, are good for treating cystic acne as well.
The secret to winning the battle against cystic acne is having the right regimen for your skin. Products that are too strong can be irritating and drying, causing your skin to overproduce oil, which leads to more acne. Picking the wrong active ingredients may have no effect. Using the right regimen for your acne type and skin tolerance can effectively clear acne while keeping your skin healthy and balanced.
Shea butter may be effective for cystic acne, but there are many other factors that may affect whether this ingredient would work on your skin or if there are better ingredients that may work for you. Take this skin quiz to find the best ingredients for your skin and build your skincare routine.
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