Embracing Shea Butter in the Florida Heat by Beauty Editor, Donna Francis

I’ve had to adapt my skincare regime now that I live in Florida and being exposed to the relentless sun and humidity has taught me a thing or two about skincare and haircare. When I first moved here, I knew that wearing a high SPF was a must but what I hadn’t anticipated was the effects that the intense heat and moisture in the air had on my hair and skin. 

I discovered the amazing effects of shea butter when I was looking for something natural and ultra nourishing. Due to my job as a Beauty Editor, I knew that shea butter was all-natural and deeply moisturizing, however the shea butter based products that I’d come across previously tended to be ultra greasy and also a bit smelly too. But then, whilst on a trip back to London, I discovered Aviela Pure Shea Butter. It was a dream to use - not tacky at all and it didn’t have that pungent smell either. 

One of the biggest challenges I face in Florida is keeping my skin hydrated. The sun can be brutal, and despite drinking tons of water, my skin often feels dry, tight and irritated. So I apply it all over my body, and my skin immediately feels softer and soothed. Unlike other lotions that contain alcohol and other drying agents, this pure shea butter provides long-lasting hydration without any harmful additives. And while it’s incredibly rich, it locks in moisture without leaving that tacky feel.  And if I do get caught out in the sun, I find this really helps to soothe any soreness. It has amazing natural anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritated skin and reduce any redness.

My hair has also thanked me for using shea butter in my routine. The humidity in Florida can turn any good hair day into a frizzy mess, but shea butter has helped tame the wildness. I use a really tiny amount to smooth out frizz and flyaway. I melt a tiny bit in between the tips of my fingers first and then run it through the mid-length to the ends. I’ve even tried it as a deep conditioning mask. I warm it up until it’s liquid and then massaging it into my scalp and hair. I’ll keep it on overnight and wash it out in the morning. The intense heat can dry out my scalp, but this helps to keep it moisturized and flake-free. Shea butter also has amazing anti-fungal properties that also keep any potential scalp issues at bay.

My tips for using Aviela Pure Shea Butter: 

Less is More: Shea butter is incredibly rich, so you only need a small amount. Start with a pea-sized portion and add more if necessary.

Melt it in your fingertips first: Rub it between your fingertips to melt it before you apply. This makes it easier to spread evenly over your skin and hair.

Mix It Up: For a lighter application, I sometimes mix shea butter with a few drops of my favourite essential oils or even a bit of aloe vera gel.

This has been a true lifesaver in the Florida heat, keeping my skin hydrated and my hair manageable, so if you’re dealing with similar struggles, I highly recommend giving it a try!