We know choosing the right moisturizer can be daunting but even more so if you have oily or acne prone skin. Many products sold to young people often contain cheap ingredients. We wanted to discuss one of the most popular ingredients often used and why you might want to avoid it in your facial moisturizer.
Shea butter is a natural fat, extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, it's known for it's moisturizing, healing, and protective properties. It is commonly used in body lotions, hair conditioners, and even lip balms. However, while shea butter can offer benefits for many parts of the body, it might be the worst choice in your facial care routine.
At Good For You Girls we do not use Shea Butter, nor do we use any of the ingredients known to dry, irritate or damage skin such as alcohol, fragrance, sulfates, parabens, oxybenzone, artificial colors, artificial fragrance or mineral oils in any of our products.
In this blog post, we shed light on why Shea Butter is not an ideal ingredient in your moisturizer but also highlight the superpower ingredients we DO use.
5 Reasons we do not use Shea Butter:
1. While shea butter is technically non-comedogenic, meaning it does not typically clog pores, it still has a moderate comedogenic rating which is why it is not recommended by The American Academy of Dermatology for use on the face. For some individuals, especially those with oily or acne-prone skin, shea butter may exacerbate breakouts or lead to clogged pores.
2. Texture and Absorption: Shea butter has a thick and heavy consistency. It can feel greasy on the skin and may not blend well with other skincare or makeup products.
3. Individual Sensitivities: While shea butter is generally well-tolerated, some individuals may have sensitivities or allergies to it. It is always important to patch test new products before applying them to the face to check for any adverse reactions. If you have experienced sensitivity to shea butter in the past, it's best to avoid using it in your facial moisturizer.
4. Inexpensive: Shea butter is one of the least expensive extracted oils. At an average cost of $5.00 per pound vs a Borage Oil at over $35.00 per pound.
5. Shelf Life: Raw shea butter has a shelf life of about 24 months if it is unrefined. After that a product made with shea butter may start to change color or take on an unpleasant smell.
WHAT WE USE INSTEAD AND WHY:
At Good For You Girls we use three essential fatty acid oils in our Facial Moisturizer. Each have a distinct function but together provide a trifecta of benefits to the overall health and function of your skin which are extremely important with oily or acne prone skin.
Rose Hip Oil:
Rose Hip Oil is derived from the seeds of wild rose bushes and is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. It offers numerous benefits for the skin. Firstly, its high content of vitamins A and C helps promote skin regeneration, reducing the appearance of scars, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. The antioxidants present in Rose Hip Oil help combat free radicals, preventing premature aging and maintaining a youthful complexion. Additionally, the oil's nourishing properties provide deep hydration, improving skin texture and elasticity. It also contains essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, which contribute to a strengthened skin barrier, protecting against environmental stressors and retaining moisture. Rose Hip Oil is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Borage Seed Oil:
Borage Seed Oil, extracted from the seeds of the borage plant, is renowned for its high gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content. This essential fatty acid has exceptional anti-inflammatory properties, making Borage Seed Oil highly beneficial for sensitive or acne-prone skin. It helps soothe redness, inflammation, and irritation while promoting a calm and balanced complexion. Additionally, the oil's moisturizing properties assist in maintaining skin hydration and improving overall skin texture. Borage Seed Oil is also rich in antioxidants, including vitamin E, which helps protect the skin against environmental damage.
Flaxseed Oil:
Flaxseed Oil, derived from the seeds of the flax plant, is a powerhouse of essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids play a crucial role in maintaining skin health. Flaxseed Oil helps fortify the skin's natural barrier function, locking in moisture and preventing water loss, resulting in improved skin hydration and softness. Its anti-inflammatory properties can calm and reduce skin redness, irritation, and inflammation. Flaxseed Oil also contains lignans, which act as antioxidants, shielding the skin from oxidative stress and environmental pollutants. Regular use of Flaxseed Oil can promote a more supple, balanced complexion and help alleviate common skin concerns such as dryness, eczema, or psoriasis.
Supplementing with Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
Not only do essential fatty acids benefit your skin externally but Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients found in certain foods and are the building blocks of healthy cell membranes. They can serve to regulate the skin's oil production, improve balanced hydration, subdue breakouts and minimize signs of aging. Omega-3s can also help soften rough, dry skin and have a soothing effect on irritation and dermatitis.
We hope you have learned more about some of our favorite ingredients. See our STORE for all your favorite Good For You Girls products.