The Lavender Pig

Many people have heard of shea butter but only in the cosmetic context. Shea butter, however, has a very large and diverse range of uses. On the most basic level, shea butter is actually a natural fat extracted from the shea tree fruit. Taken alone, shea butter is edible and has been used in West African cooking for centuries. Less commonly, it replaces cocoa butter in chocolate.

Aside from eating it, shea butter is a common ingredient in high end cosmetics by virtue of its moisturizing characteristics. Some people even claim that shea butter has been effective in treating scars, acne, rashes, eczema, and more. Finding itself in everything from shampoo, conditioner, and shea butter soap, it is also commonly used in other cultures during indigenous ceremonies. In Uganda, for example, a small group believes that covering the body in shea butter will stop bullets.

Oatmeal is extremely beneficial for dry skin. Oatmeal soaps and baths are good for every skin type, but are most healing for dry and irritated skin. Oats are anti-inflammatory and ease itching while nourishing and smoothing dry skin. If you are suffering from the itchy, dry skin that is often caused by cold winter weather, you should try soaking in an oatmeal bath.

To create a simple oatmeal bath at home: grind 2 cups of rolled oats with one cup of baking soda in a blender, food processor, or coffee grinder. Add the oatmeal powder and baking soda to a tub of warm water. Soak for 15 minutes to sooth dry skin. This oatmeal combination will also offer you temporary relief from rashes.

The continued use of oatmeal soap will be helpful for your dry skin problems.