By Tanisha Coleman

Everyone wants smooth and beautiful younger looking skin. You know, skin that's healthy, even-toned, and free of blemishes. That’s exactly why so many households have a container of Shea Butter stored somewhere in the medicine cabinet. 

Although Shea Butter is commonly used for cosmetic purposes – it’s also an edible fat, that’s used in food processing, pharmaceuticals as well as for other industrial purposes.

So, What Exactly is Shea Butter? 

Shea Butter is derived from the nut of the Karite tree, which grows throughout West Africa. African Shea Butter has been utilized for centuries for its amazing ability to renew, repair and protect the skin. The name Karite means the "Tree of Life," due to the many important uses that Shea Butter provides for the people of that region. 

Shea Butter is unique because of its high content of non-saponifiable fats, which act as a natural skin moisturizer. Shea Butter moisturizes skin with all the essential elements it needs for balance, elasticity and tone. 

Shea Butter has a natural SPF of 3-6. So use with additional sunscreen.

Enriched with vitamins A, E and F, Shea Butter is very popular. Africans have used Shea Butter for years to protect and rejuvenate their skin. To date, Shea Butter has been effective at treating: dark scars, eczema, burns, rashes, acne, severely dry skin, chapped lips, skin discolorations, stretch marks, wrinkles, psoriasis, razor irritation and dry, damaged hair. It even offers protection from UV sun rays. 

As you use this multi-purpose cream, you're likely to discover additional uses. The amount of time required for optimum results may vary with each condition. Consumers are encouraged to look for the Seal of the American Shea Butter Institute on the container before they buy the product. The Institute’s Seal will assure you are buying High Quality Premium Shea Butter. So now, are you ready to butter yourself up?

Photographs by Luisa Puccini / Getty Images