Shea Butter For Acne

Shea butter works to cleanse and moisturize at the same time, removing excess oils without drying out your skin. This makes it an excellent preventative measure and cure for active acne breakouts. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory properties that heal your skin and is a good source of collagen that helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles. 

What is shea butter?

Shea butter is a fat extracted from the nut of the African shea tree. It's widely used in cosmetics as a way to moisturize, soften, and tone skin. 

Can it be used on oily skin?

Yes. Though this may sound counterintuitive being that it's thick and oily, consider that shea butter is high fatty acids that moisturize the skin and clear it of the bad oil, known as sebum, that leads to breakouts. Shea butter also cleanses the skin without drying it out or stripping it of essential bacteria. 

Shea butter is great for acne—here's why

Here are a few reasons you should use shea butter as a regular part of your skin routine: 

• Shea butter is non-comedogenic. This means it can be absorbed into the skin without clogging pores. This may seem like a given, considering its benefits. Still, it's important to remember that many over-the-counter skin products aren't non-comedogenic. 

• It helps prevent acne breakouts. The ability to remove sebum while simultaneously moisturizing your skin helps balance your skin's natural oils, leading to fewer breakouts.

• Shea butter is an anti-inflammatory, helping reduce skin irritation, pimple size, and even chronic conditions like eczema. 

Here's how to use shea butter to treat your acne

The easiest way to use shea butter is to purchase a cream at your local pharmacy. However, you can also apply raw shea butter directly to your face! Here are some tips for making your own shea butter face mask: 

• Do it overnight

• Lightly cleanse your face beforehand and wait for it to dry naturally

• Apply a generous amount of shea butter on your face with a makeup sponge

• Let it dry before going to bed. 

You can also use shea butter soaps as facial cleansers. Those with dry skin should consider over-the-counter shea butter moisturizers. 

Aside from acne, Shea butter can help with other skin issues

Shea butter can also help with other skin conditions, such as: 

Eczema

Shea butter is an anti-inflammatory, meaning it can help control the symptoms of eczema. 

Sunburn

As another result of its anti-inflammatory properties and its natural moisturizing capabilities, shea butter can assist in sunburn healing. (Tip: Shea butter itself has an SPF of between 3-4, meaning you can layer it over your sunscreen!)

Wrinkles

Shea butter is high in collagen, which helps reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and helps plump up your skin!

Tips to prevent your acne from worsening

Shea butter is excellent. But there are a few other things you should consider when thinking about managing your acne. 

• Cleansing your face. Wash your face frequently, even before you use shea butter. This helps reduce the buildup in your pores. 

• Talk to your dermatologist. If your acne is severe or longstanding, your dermatologist may help you find a skincare routine that works for your skin type. Additionally, they can prescribe stronger topical and oral medications to help clear your complexion. 

Here's the best ways to treat your acne

While acne breakouts and pimples are inevitable at some point in your life, it's not something you have to live with forever. There's a wide range of treatment options that have shown to combat those pesky red bumps for good.

• Benzoyl Peroxide: Typically a main ingredient in many acne facial cleansers and lotions, benzoyl peroxide goes into your pores to lift and remove excess oil, dirt and debris (acne-causing agents).

• Glycolic Acid: An alpha-hydroxy acid, this ingredient exfoliates dead skin cells and removes surface impurities. This stops your pores from clogging; preventing future breakouts.

• Retinoids: Arguably the most effective acne treatment, retinoids expertly diminish sebum (excess oil), dirt, bacteria, and any other acne-causing agents on your skin's surface to prevent future breakouts. This powerful drug has also been proven to stop acne scars from forming, leaving behind only smooth, radiant skin.

Treat your acne fast! Get a prescription retinoid, today!

We understand how annoying and bothersome acne breakouts can be. Whether it's picture day at school, or you've got a job interview, acne is not a welcome friend. Fortunately, it's a treatable condition. Our licensed physicians make it easy and more comfortable to have a discussion about your skin and the best treatment options available for you.

Talk to one of our reputable online physicians to get your prescription Retinoid, today!