Mixing Monday: Coconut Shea Butter Moisturizer

Happy New Year! Its 2010 lets get it in! lol

Happy Mixing Monday!

There is a down turn in the jet stream and frigid temperatures have hit our nation from north to south, east to west.  Darker melanin needs to be moisturized to bear the cold temperatures to prevent dry skin.  There are plenty of over the market cocoa butter, shea butter, lotion products, but why not use the most natural ingredient?  Shea Butter!  Shea butter is the best natural moisturizer out. 

Shea butter is a slightly yellowish or ivory colored natural fat extracted from the seed of the African shea tree (Butyrospermum parkii, also called vitellaria, karité, and other names) by crushing and boiling. It is widely used in cosmetics as a moisturizer and salve. Shea butter is edible and may be used in food preparation, or sometimes in the chocolate industry as a substitute for cocoa butter.

Africans have known for thousands of years the benefits of shea butter. Western countries are just beginning to recognize the considerable health and beauty benefits of shea butter. Shea butter has been used to help heal burns, sores, scars, dermatitis, psoriasis, dandruff, and stretch marks. It may also help diminish wrinkles by moisturizing the skin, promoting cell renewal, and increasing circulation. Shea butter also contains cinnamic acid, a substance that helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays. In order to received the highest results from shea butter and to gain the total effectivness of shea butter, it is important to purchase the closest natural derivative.

To help prevent dry skin during these cold temperatures there is a quick moisturizer that can be used on your hair and body to keep you from getting ashy and keep your hair shiny throughout the day.

Coconut Shea Butter Moisturizer

Ingredients needed
1 cup Organic Coconut Oil (found at any local grocery store)
4 oz 100% natural Unrefined Shea Butter (I get mine from http://www.buttersandbars.com/)
2 drops of Peppermint Oil (found at any local whole foods or organic store)
1 Tbs Vegetable Glycerin (found at any local whole foods or organic store)

Melt shea butter in double boiler or heat in microwave until cake batter like consistency.  Add in coconut oil, drops of peppermint oil and vegetable glycerin and blend until pudding consistency.  Transfer into storage container and let rest until harden.  After it molds use to your desire on hair, skin, face, and body.  This is great for twist outs, braid outs, and just over all daily moisturizer on hair.  It is also good for any scars, eczema, or any other skin irritation.

How do you like the mix?

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E