As the search for the secret to eternal youth continues so too do the effects of pollution, wind and sun on our skin. It is a race against time as life and the elements take their toll leaving skin feeling dry, lacking in lustre with signs of sun damage and wrinkles forming.

None of this appeals to us in this ever increasing image conscious culture. If we can protect our skin from the elements, maintain the moisture levels and heal damage then we can defy the aging process and put off wrinkles for a little while longer.

The good news is that nature has it’s own remedy which is claimed to not only prevent wrinkles, but to heal sun damaged skin as well as having a curative effect on many dry skin conditons. This natural wrinkle remedy is Shea Butter. Shea butter is known mainly for it’s emoillent and healing properties and has been used in Africa for hundreds of years both on the skin and hair. Africans used it (still do) to protect their skin and hair from sun damage and to heal skin conditons such as psoriasis etc.

Derived from the African Karite tree (also known as ‘The Tree of Life’) Shea Butter has been hailed as one of the best natural moisturisers available. It even has natural sun protection- up to factor 15.

When applied to the skin Shea Butter provides a breathable, water-resistant, sun protecting film. This makes it an ideal daily moisturiser.

Shea butter gains it’s special skin healing & protecting properties from its high vitamin A and E content.

Vitamins A and E are both powerful antioxidants that protect skin cells from the damage otherwise caused by exposure to ultra violet light, cigarette smoke, air pollution etc. As such they are thought to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles which is why you will often find these ingredients in wrinkle creams and lotions.

As Shea Butter contains large quantities of Vitamin A & E it is increasingly being used in cosmetics as well as sold in it’s pure unrefined form.

Swedish company AAK says it has confirmed the moisturising power of Shea Butter, which while known about for many years had never before been properly tested. This is good news for those who are seeking validation for natures natural wrinkle remedy.

Processing of Shea Butter can reduce it’s healing properties and as a result pure Shea Butter will often be graded as an indication of it’s quality.

The grades go from A to F with A being the highest quality retaining it’s unique skin healing properties. F grade has reduced healing properties due to the refinement process .

Shea Butter in it’s pure unrefined form should have a light beige colour and a pleasant, slightly nutty aroma.