Chronic dryness, eczema, and psoriasis have become increasingly common complaints, with many consumers frustrated by synthetic skincare treatments that offer minimal relief. Recent debates question whether natural fats such as those in unrefined shea butter could outperform standard prescriptions for inflammatory skin conditions, contradicting decades-old advice that favours processed products.
The Science Behind Shea Butter:
Unrefined shea butter is composed of approximately 85-90% essential fatty acids, primarily stearic acid (36-50%) and oleic acid (40-50%), with smaller amounts of palmitic acid (3-8%), linoleic acid (4-8%), and arachidic acid (0.8-2%). This unique fatty acid profile is critical for skin health: these lipids mimic the skin's natural barrier structure, which is composed of ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids arranged in a "brick and mortar" formation.
When applied topically, shea butter's fatty acids are rapidly absorbed into the stratum corneum (the skin's outermost protective layer), where they act as a "refatting" agent restoring lost lipids and creating a protective barrier that locks in moisture. This barrier function is essential for preventing trans epidermal water loss (TEWL), the process by which water evaporates from the skin's surface. Excessive TEWL weakens the skin barrier, leading to dehydration, irritation, and inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Evidence of Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
Multiple peer-reviewed studies published in respected scientific journals confirm shea butter's powerful anti-inflammatory properties. A landmark 2012 study published in the Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine demonstrated that shea butter extract significantly reduced inflammatory markers including nitric oxide, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-12 (IL-12) in macrophage cells. The research identified that shea butter's anti-inflammatory effects work by inhibiting the NF-κB signalling pathway, a key mechanism that triggers inflammation in conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
The active compound responsible for this effect is lupeol, a triterpene alcohol found in shea butter's unsaponifiable fraction. Lupeol inhibits the expression of pro-inflammatory enzymes including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), effectively reducing skin inflammation, redness, and irritation.
A 2022 clinical trial published in Dermatology and Therapy evaluated a topical treatment containing shea butter and salicylic acid in 20 patients with mild-to-moderate psoriasis over 12 weeks. Results showed statistically significant reductions in erythema (48%), desquamation (46%), induration (51%), and overall severity scores (48%) at Week 12. Notably, 50% of participants used the treatment as monotherapy (without prescription medications), demonstrating shea butter's standalone efficacy.
A 2015 study published in the Hong Kong Medical Journal examined the efficacy of a cream containing shea butter extract for childhood atopic dermatitis. After four weeks of use, 74% of patients reported "very good" or "good" treatment acceptability, with significant improvements in disease severity scores and skin hydration levels.
Additional Benefits Backed by Research:
Shea butter is also rich in vitamins A, E, and F, which provide complementary skin benefits. Vitamin A stimulates collagen production and promotes skin elasticity, vitamin E acts as a potent antioxidant protecting against free radical damage and UV rays, and vitamin F (linoleic acid) supports healthy cell turnover and skin repair. The unsaponifiable matter in shea butter contains high levels of tocopherols (vitamin E), polyphenols, and phytosterols—compounds with proven antioxidant and cholesterol-reducing properties.
Aviela's Shea Butter Solution:
Aviela's Pure Shea Butter is 100% unrefined, ensuring it retains its full spectrum of bioactive compounds, fatty acids, and vitamins. It penetrates quickly, forming a protective barrier and delivering rapid relief to irritated or inflamed skin affected by eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. The scientific evidence demonstrates that shea butter reduces swelling, calms flare-ups, and minimizes scarring and stretch marks through enhanced cell regeneration making it far more than a moisturizer.
Real users report transformative results: one customer described how Aviela's shea butter helped soothe chronic psoriasis and cracked skin, relieving symptoms within days. The founder's personal story began with massaging shea butter into her daughter's stiff ankle resulting in rapid healing, less inflammation, and even improved mobility, which inspired the brand's launch.
