Beauty ingredient of the week: shea butter

International spa consultant and wellbeing expert Linda Hall talks us through the benefits of shea butter. ""Shea butter is just the most amazing skin health ingredient, especially for treating mums-to-be as it helps prevent stretch marks! It is also fantastic for conditioning hair. Shea butter contains high levels of vitamins A and E, as well as other important nutrients that help heal wounds and promote skin regeneration on every level." Shea Butter Products   CRYSTAL CLEAR INTENSE ANTI-AGEING SERUM, £60 - When skin needs that little bit more than a normal moisturiser, use this collagen-boosting serum to create a firmer, younger look, toning and hydrating to reduce wrinkles. - As well as Shea Butter, the powerful anti-ageing complex includes Syn-Ake which is based on a polypeptide found in the venom of the Temple Viper snake, which is particularly effective in reducing expression lines and wrinkles by inhibiting muscle contractions. 08705 934 934 www.crystalclear.co.uk   DERMALOGICA ULTRACALMING BARRIER REPAIR, £35.60 - As we age, the skin's natural moisturising factor becomes less effective at regulating the skin’s water balance. Barrier Repair helps fortify sensitised skin and a damaged skin barrier. -  Use after toning to help shield against environmental and internal triggers that cause skin stress. It contains Dermalogica’s exclusive UltraCalming™ complex to interrupt inflammatory triggers that lead to sensitisation, whilst helping to minimise discomfort, burning and itching. - Evening Primrose Oil strengthens the skin’s natural lipid barrier, helping to prevent future assault. - Emollient Silicones provide a velvety feel. - Shea Butter, Vitamin C and Bisabolol combat free radicals and moisture loss. - Ideal for men after shaving to reduce irritation. www.dermalogica.co.uk   SOTHY'S TONING CREAM, £55 -  Sothy's Toning Cream containg nourishing Shea Butter and an anti-stretch complex (pumpkin, crowberry juice and rutin salt extracts) help to restore skin elasticity and firmness. - Perfect for combating stretch marks. www.sothys-uk.co.uk