A note before you start
Sienna Hibiscus Infused Shea Butter was made as a hair butter. Some customers also choose to use a small amount on their skin, and this guide is for them. The formula contains essential oils and fragrance oil, so patch test on a small area first, keep it away from your eyes and from broken or irritated skin, and stop if you notice redness or discomfort.
If you have eczema, very sensitive or acne-prone skin, or you are thinking of using it on a baby, speak to a qualified healthcare professional first. Shea butter is a cosmetic moisturiser; it does not treat skin conditions, stretch marks, dark marks or sunburn.
Why summer calls for a lighter touch
In winter, a thick butter can feel comforting on dry skin. In summer, the same amount can feel heavy and sticky, especially in humid coastal heat in Durban or on a hot afternoon in Pretoria. Sweat and a rich layer of butter do not mix well, and a heavy layer under clothing can feel uncomfortable.
The answer is usually not to stop altogether but to use less, to use it where skin actually feels dry, and to shift it to the evening when you are cooler and not heading out into the sun.
Sunscreen comes first
This is the most important part of any South African summer routine. Shea butter is not a sunscreen and should never be relied on for sun protection. During the day, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen as directed on its label, reapply after swimming or sweating, and add a hat and shade during the strongest midday sun.
If you like a little butter in the morning, keep it to small dry areas such as the backs of the hands or elbows, let it absorb, and apply your sunscreen as the product instructs. On a hot day, many people find it simpler to save the butter for the evening.
Where a little butter makes sense
Summer skin is rarely dry all over, so be selective. Places that often still feel dry or rough in warm weather include:
- Heels and the soles of the feet, especially after a season in sandals.
- Elbows and knees.
- Hands, particularly after frequent washing or swimming.
- Cuticles and the skin around the nails.
Most people prefer lighter products on the face in summer. If you choose to use any butter on your face, use the tiniest amount and only after a patch test, and avoid it if you are prone to breakouts.
Keep your jar cool
Sienna is made with natural butters and oils, so it softens and can melt in summer heat—a car dashboard or a sunny windowsill is enough. Store it with the lid closed in a cool, dry cupboard. If it melts, let it cool and set again; it can still be used as intended, though the texture may be slightly different. Use clean, dry hands so water does not get into the jar.
Summer also tends to mean swimming and more wash days, so you may find yourself reaching for the butter for your hair too. Our how-to-use guide covers the hair routine, the 4C hair guide goes section by section, and the Highveld winter guide is there when the weather turns. Sienna is handmade by Mashudu in Centurion and comes in a 250 ml jar for R180 or a 125 ml jar for R100—see delivery and free collection.