Shea butter comes from the oil of the seed of the African Shea tree - women there use it to protect their skin and hair from the intense heat of the sun.
We use it for it's high fatty acid content (mostly oleic, stearic & linoleic), which aid in the skin's natural collagen production and protect and nourish it to prevent drying. If used over time, shea butter can improve fine lines and actually strengthen and enhance the elasticity of the skin.