From Ashy to Classy Skin Care for Melanated Surfers; Palm Oil vs Shea Butter

Now I don't know about you but I was lookin' extra dry up until a month ago due to all the UV rays with the combination of salty ocean water and I'm sure a few pollutants in their as well from wave chasing the past three seasons. It was noticeable that I was looking like a washed up mermaid 😞 on the content I posted on YouTube... making me a little nervous because I thought the aging process was knocking extra hard on my door (so much for the Black don't crack saying) but then, I had forgotten that I needed to switch up from my summer skincare to my more heavier, moisturizing winter skin routine.  You should've seen the way I hopped in my truck and sped to the place I go get both my shea butter and palm oil when I remembered they were my go-to jams. 

As Melanated Surfers, I'm sure you're already familiar with using shea butter, coco butter and coconut oil. In minutes you can go from ashy to classy after a swimming in a pool with chemicals or salt dried up on your body. Most People know about shea butter and it's benefits of being rich in fatty acids, which help to soothe dry, irritated skin. 

It also contains vitamins A and E, which are known to help protect the skin from environmental damage, as well as antioxidants that help to reduce wrinkles and improve skin elasticity. In addition to having anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce the appearance of redness and inflammation, making it a great choice for sensitive skin.

 But few here are familiar with palm oil  in the US which is commonly used in a some skincare  products, but unless you frequent African or Indian markets where they usually carry all the raw oils and butters as well as other plant based products for those of us who support sustainable, eco-friendly products.  

Side Note* I use this distinction  because our skin can adhere to more plant, oil based moisturizers than non- heavily Melanated people. In my 30 years of being a Cosmetologist who specialized in hair loss, I know for sure that I can't treat every clients hair and skin care the same. I can braid one clients hair from an African background with 3 different oils mixed together but if I do that same thing to someone with an Scandinavian background I know they're going to get very itchy and start breaking out. This is just a matter of fact in my  Professional experience over the past 30 years with how different products react with diverse backgrounds of People. 

 

The origins of palm oil are native to Tropical Regions are sustainable but problems with sustainability in regions where they naturalized them should be concerning... 

Palm oil (also known as African Oil Palm or Ma-caw fat) is derived from the fruit of the Elaeis Guineensis  palm tree, which is native to tropical regions in West and Central Africa. It has been used for centuries by local populations for both cooking and medicinal purposes. In the 19th century, the palm oil trade began to expand to other parts of the world, particularly Europe, and its production and use has since become an important industry in many tropical countries. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and healthy fatty acids. It can be used as a skin softener, moisturizer, and even to treat skin conditions. Both ingredients are sustainably sourced and provide a range of skin care benefits but there's a disadvantaged side as to where it's sourced. 

The Disadvantages of using non-native oil palm that doesn't come from Africa 

The oil palm, cross-breeding species naturalized in Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri-Lanka and Central America is the  more controversial concerns due to the deforestation and major sustainability problems there.  Naturalization of plants mean they are not native, they are reseeded to attract pollinators. So, I'm talking about a specific type. The environmental practices producing them have had a detrimental effect there which you can read more at Mongabay; News & Inspiration from Nature's Frontline . It's a major problem there that should be more publicized. 

According to the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting  article... One of the challenges Africa faces is the consumption is greater than they produce because it is imported from Indonesia and Malaysia up to .08% of all greenhouse gas missions from converting their swamp forest to Palm Plantations. Make it make sense?!? 

The many uses of Palm Oil in our food and products 

Palm Oil has many names like

•  Vegetable Oil, Vegetable fat 
• Palm Kernel Oil, Palmate, Palmolein Glyceryl
• Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
•  Hydrated Palm Glycerides and others. 

It's used in commercial pizza dough, instant noodles, detergent, shampoos, margarine, chocolate, ice cream, cookies, soap, packaged breads, pastries, chips that contain vegetable oil, vegan cheese and lipstick. So pretty much it's safe to say that most of us have eaten or used a product with palm oil in it. Is it Good or bad? In my opinion, kind of both, depending on the source and how the impact on Indigenous communities. 

The best way to use palm oil for it's benefits on your skin are...

Palm oil is an excellent choice for dry skin because it is extremely moisturizing and helps to lock it in to replenish your skins surface. Additionally, it contains beneficial fatty acids like oleic acid and linoleic acid that help reduce inflammation, improve skin elasticity, and even fight off bacteria and other skin irritants. I really love using it because it's very similar to shea butter to me except softer to use right away wear as with raw shea butter I have to whip it to get a softer consistency. 

The best way to use palm oil for your skin is to look for cold-pressed, unrefined, and organic varieties. This type of palm oil is full of antioxidants that moisturize your skin, and provide anti-aging benefits. To use it, simply massage it into your skin and let it absorb. You can also mix it with other oils, such as coconut, vanilla,  and argan oil to create a powerful skincare blend.

The origins of shea butter come from Africa

Shea butter has been used for centuries in Africa for its healing properties. It is extracted from the nut of the Karite tree which grows in the savannah regions of West and Central Africa. Shea butter has been used to protect and nourish the skin, hair, and lips of people living in these regions. Its unique combination of vitamins and fatty acids make it an ideal moisturizer, helping to restore and maintain the skin's natural balance.

 Another use I found helpful when surfing in cold temps is to slather it on before putting my wetsuit on to lock in body heat. Before my photographer was getting shots of me in the Ocean, I noticed he was rubbing petroleum jelly on his skin before we went out to sea without his wetsuit on, he said they used to do that when he was a Navy Seal in the Military when they had to do diving. That was so profound to learn so I tried it with shea butter and it worked which is now apart of my surfing supplies when the ocean feels like ice. 

It's actually incredible how well they work in such a short period of time when you are consistent using them. Now because both are extremely moisturizing and can make you look very oily and mess up all your cute outfits, I would suggest using them towards the evening before bed after your bath or shower. 

Shea butter is a great moisturizer and can help protect your skin from the elements, while palm oil can help keep it hydrated and nourished. Although it's very nourishing and beneficial ingredient for skin, however its properties may not be suitable for everyone. It is important to consider your skin type and sensitivities when selecting beauty and skincare products.

 If you have sensitive skin, it is recommended to consult with a dermatologist before using #Sheabutter or #palmoil. My skin is extremely sensitive to synthetic made products so I find these to be pure and most complimentary to my skin type, what about for you? 

In conclusion, both of these oils are rich in vitamins and minerals that can help keep your skin healthy and glowing. I will definitely make sure I am purchasing Palm Oil and Shea Butter from it's indigenous roots, I hope you do as well. Have you ever tried mixing the two together to create a more intense moisturizing experience? If not, give it a try and see what you think!

Check out this Blog for more tips on hydrated skin... https://www.creativelycultured.com/2022/12/winter-skin-looking-little-dull-and.html