Shea butter has 3 main benefits.  The first is Moisturizing and Conditioning.  Unrefined shea butter is one of nature’s best moisturizers.  It has the ability to penetrate into the deeper layers of your skin.  This prevents moisture loss and helps promote the delivery of other active antioxidants.  Also because it’s absorbed and doesn’t sit on the outer layer of yours kin, shea won’t leave your skin greasy or clog your pores.  It really is great for all skin types. 

As a conditioning agent, shea contains allantoin, a natural skin softener responsible for soothing the outer layers of your skin.  This acts as a lubricant and slows the loss of water from the skin by providing a protective barrier.

In short the moisturizing and conditioning properties of shea butter means it feels good on your skin and keeps it from drying out.  It softens, lubricates and protects it from external forces like the wind and cold which can make your skin feel dry, cracked and irritated.
The second is Anti-aging and Antioxidant Rich.  There are two causes of aging.  Intrinsic and extrinsic.  Intrinsic aging is genetic, but extrinsic aging is affected by our environment.  The sun, the foods we eat, how much sleep we get, how much stress we have and pollution contribute to extrinsic aging.  She butter is considered anti-aging because it help with some of the extrinsic causes.  Shea has naturally high content of antioxidants and phytosterols that literally help to nourish and feed your skin.  Vitamins A and E are both antioxidants that fight free radicals by preventing the cellular rusting that’s caused by environment factors.   Vitamin A can also help to reduce wrinkles and boost collagen production.  Phytosterols act as UV protectors and help to ward off damage from sun exposure.
The third is Anti-inflammatory and Anti-bacterial.  It is said that shea butter can sooth insect bites, rashes and sun burns and eczema.  This is due to its anti-inflammatory benefits.  Phytosterols and cinnamic acid present contribute to this by reducing redness, irritation and help skin recover.
Shea also has catechins, a polyphenol also found in green tea which has some anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties which may help prevent blemishes when used as a part of a healthy skincare routine.