does Shea butter clog pores? Who should use it?
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Is shea butter good for acne? Let’s get through your fears and know if shea butter clogs pores or not!
Let’s talk about shea butter for a minute, shall we?
Shea butter is honestly a godsend for most skin types. It is fully packed with antioxidants and vitamins A, E, and F so it is hard not to get obsessed with this ingredient. You can find this miracle worker in creams, body lotions, bodywashes and many skincare products that are meant to nourish the skin.
It is indeed an excellent moisturizer. But does it work for oily, acne-prone skin? Does shea butter clog pores? Is it comedogenic? There are so many controversies about shea butter that we thought of putting them to rest once and for all!
Let’s get into shea butter, what it does, and who should use it in detail so that you don’t have to worry about your beautiful skin again!
What is shea butter?
Shea butter is a fat that is derived from the shea tree. It has been used for centuries in Africa as a food source and beauty treatment. The shea tree is native to the countries of Senegal, Sudan, Mali, Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, and Kenya.
The oil from the shea tree is extracted and then either left unrefined or refined. Unrefined shea butter has a yellowish color and a nutty scent. Refined shea butter has a white color and is odorless. There are more differences between refined and raw shea butter you must check out before deciding!
The magical shea butter is solid at room temperature but melts when it comes into contact with the skin. It is slowly absorbed into the skin and does not clog pores. But wait, that’s not all the information you need before adding shea butter to your routine.
Benefits of shea butter
Shea butter contains vitamins A and E and essential fatty acids. These nutrients have extraordinary beauty and health benefits that can improve your skin for good!
When used topically, shea butter can help moisturize the skin, reduce inflammation, repair the skin barriers, soothe irritated skin and sunburn, and combat diaper rash. It is often used in massage therapy and aromatherapy. If that’s not enough, it can also be used to improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks – two things that take years to disappear! In addition, shea butter can be used as a hair conditioner or scalp treatment.
How can one not get obsessed with shea butter after all?
When used in cooking, shea butter adds flavor and nutrients to dishes. It can be used in baking, frying, or as a spread on bread.
But what uses are these benefits if you don’t know whether shea butter is comedogenic or not, right?
What does comedogenic mean anyway?
So I’ll not complicate the term for you and will explain it briefly.
Every skincare ingredient is categorized as comedogenic or non-comedogenic. This basically is our helpline where we can know whether an ingredient will clog your pores and trigger acne or not. Yes, any ingredient that can clog pores and cause breakouts or worsen your acne.
Also, yes, every skincare ingredient we know has been ranked on the comedogenic scale.
The scale ranges from 0-5, 0 being the least comedogenic and 5 being the most.
Any ingredient that lands between 0-2 is generally safe to use on the skin or is less likely to clog pores and cause breakouts.
I know your next question is…
Is shea butter comedogenic?
Absolutely not. Shea butter has a comedogenic rating of 0, which makes it non-comedogenic. Most skin types can use it safely for all skin concerns shea butter is meant to solve. Like stretch marks, intense moisturizing, sunburn, irritated skin etc.
But what about acne? Can you use shea butter on acne? I have my fears about this. Let’s discuss it more.
Does shea butter clog pores?
This is a tricky part.
While shea butter has a comedogenic rating of 0, and is majorly composed of ingredients that cannot clog pores, it still is not an ideal choice for oily, acne-prone skin types. Due to its thick, creamy texture, it can feel quite heavy on the skin.
To learn whether you can use she butter for your acne-prone skin, let’s have a look at its composition.
- oleic acid (40–60%)
- stearic acid (20–50%)
- linoleic acid (3–11%)
- palmitic acid (2–9%)
- linolenic acid (<1%)
- arachidic acid (<1%)
It’s quite clear that a major chunk of shea butter is made up of oleic and stearic acid, which are good for the skin. However, we cannot ignore the small yet troubling percentage of linoleic acid that has been proven to cause acne.
That being said, linoleic acid is not the only reason why shea butter is bad for oily, acne-prone skin. Its thick, rich, heavy texture can be too much, and all the oils in it can work against your skin. So it’s better to avoid shea butter in your regimen.
Who should use shea butter?
She butter can be an excellent moisturizer for dry to extra dry skin types. Sensitive and normal skin types can also benefit from this gem if used in small quantities. Due to its anti-inflammatory advantages, it can be safely used by irritated skin types also.
How to use shea butter on the face?
Just because you have dry to normal skin doesn’t mean you can use shea butter in huge quantities. Excess of everything is bad!
After you wash your face, pat it dry with a soft towel. Then scoop out some shea butter from the jar and rub between your palms before massaging onto the skin in circular motions. Let it absorb fully into the skin before applying any other product.
A little goes a long way, so don’t be afraid if it’s not looking too rich right off of the bat – just keep rubbing until there’s enough applied!
Does shea butter cause acne?
The answer isn’t quite so simple. You see, acne is caused by a number of things, including hormones, genetics, and diet. And while shea butter may not directly cause acne, it can certainly aggravate the condition.
That’s because shea butter can clog pores and trap dirt and oil due to its thick consistency. So, if you already have a predisposition to acne, you may want to avoid using shea butter on your face. However, if you don’t have oily, acne-prone skin, you may be able to use shea butter without any problems. Just be sure to do a patch test first to see how your skin reacts.
alternatives to shea butter for acne-prone skin
Why do you want to risk breakouts when you have so many safe alternatives to shea butter? Here’s a list you can trust blindly!
For starters, try aloe vera gel. Aloe vera gel is incredibly soothing and can help to reduce redness and inflammation. Unlike shea butter, it won’t clog your pores, making it a great option for people with acne-prone skin.
Another option is jojoba oil. Jojoba oil is very similar to the natural oil your skin produces, so it’s easily absorbed. It’s also non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores. Jojoba oil can help to balance oily skin and heal acne scars.
Rosehip oil is also a great idea to deal with acne, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines and wrinkles. It doesn’t clog pores; in fact, it helps deal with breakouts for good!
Argan oil is another godsend moisturizer with a comedogenic rating of 0, safer than shea butter, and highly nourishing for oily akin.
If you want quick hydration that doesn’t trigger breakouts and is not greasy for oily and acne-prone skin, Safflower oil is the way to go.
FAQs
which butters are non-comedogenic?
There are a lot of different kinds of butter out there, and it can be hard to know which ones are right for your skin. If you’re looking for a non-comedogenic butter that won’t clog your pores, here are a few of our favorites.
Shea butter is a rich, creamy butter that’s perfect for dry or sensitive skin. It’s packed with nutrients and antioxidants that help to keep skin healthy and hydrated. Plus, it’s non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores.
Cocoa butter is another great option for dry or sensitive skin. It’s loaded with fatty acids that help to nourish and moisturize the skin. And like shea butter, cocoa butter is also non-comedogenic.
Finally, if you’re looking for a light, non-greasy option, consider jojoba oil. Jojoba oil closely resembles the natural oil our skin produces, so it’s easily absorbed. Plus, it won’t clog your pores or leave your skin feeling greasy.
What happens if you apply shea butter every day?
As anyone who’s ever tried it knows, shea butter is a miracle worker for dry skin. It’s packed with nutrients and antioxidants that nourish and protect the skin, and it can even help to heal scars and stretch marks. But what happens if you apply shea butter every day?
For starters, you’ll notice that your skin becomes softer and more supple. The moisturizing properties of shea butter mean that your skin will be better able to retain water, making it less likely to become dry or irritated. In addition, regular use of shea butter can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging. So if you’re looking for a way to keep your skin looking young and radiant, start using shea butter every day!
can I use shea butter on oily skin?
Shea butter is not comedogenic and there is very less likelihood of it clogging pores (there’s still a chance). However, it’s thick, greasy texture can be too much for oily skin, so it is important to use it sparingly. If you have very oily skin, you might want to try using a light moisturizer that contains shea butter instead of using shea butter on its own.
Does shea butter dry out the skin?
Not at all! Shea butter is jam-packed with vitamins A, E and F and other antioxidants that make up one of the best natural moisturizers, let alone dry out the skin. It contains natural oils that help to balance the skin’s sebum production and is deeply nourishing and helps to keep the skin hydrated.
does shea butter clog pores on legs?
The answer is a resounding no! You might be surprised to learn that shea butter can actually help to prevent clogged pores on your legs. That’s because it’s a natural moisturizer that helps to keep your skin hydrated. In addition, shea butter contains vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy skin.
When your skin is properly nourished, it’s less likely to develop clogged pores. So, if you’re looking for a natural way to prevent clogged pores on your legs, try using shea butter. You just might be surprised at the results!
Can shea butter worsen acne?
Despite its oft-touted hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties, shea butter can clog pores and trigger breakouts.
Final thoughts on can shea butter clog pores?
Of course, it can. Even though it’s non-comedogenic and the likelihood of it clogging pores are very less for dry skin types, oily skin is at risk of breaking out due to the heavy formula of shea butter which can make oily skin excessively oily. So it’s better to avoid it at its best and look for healthy alternatives!
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- Is Olive Oil Comedogenic? Is it good for skin?
- Refined Vs Unrefined Shea Butter: What’s The Real Difference?
- Is Castor Oil Comedogenic? Can It Clog Pores? Answering All The Questions!
