A long beauty secret that is bred in the motherland are the African Black Soap and Shea-Butter, from generations it has been passed on to us for so many purposes and use, but unfortunately it seems we haven’t been educated enough on the benefits we can derive by using these two products which works more magic than all the chemical products out there.
African black soap, or black soap (also known by various local names such as sabulun salo, ose dudu and ncha nkota, Alata samina), is a kind of soap originating in West Africa. It is made from the ash of locally harvested African plants and dried peels, which gives the soap its characteristic dark colour. Touted as a solution for breakouts, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, and everything in between, black soap is the ultimate beauty buy for those on a budget. A one-size-fits-all approach to flawless skin.
Image of a black soap
Here are a few reasons to start using the Black Soap
1. It’s antibacterial
Natural antibacterial properties make African black soap an excellent alternative to chemical-laden cleansers.
In fact, it may actually remove more bacteria than chemical cleansers do. Despite its strength, black soap is gentle enough to use on your:
- face
- hands
- body
2. It’s safe for all skin types
If you have dry or sensitive skin, you likely already know that scented soaps and lotions are off-limits. African black soap is naturally fragrance-free just make sure your chosen product is labeled “unscented.”
People with oily or combination skin are also in the clear! Black soap can help balance your skin’s natural oil production without stripping necessary oils or adding excess oil to your skin.
3. It’s moisturizing
Shea butter is a crucial ingredient in black soap. While Shea can help relieve itchiness and soothe dry skin, cocoa and coconut oil add moisture.
If you have combination skin, black soap makes choosing the right soap that much easier. Shea may add moisture, but coconut oil may help prevent overactive oil glands. African black soap may also soothe itchiness and irritation caused by:
- eczema
- skin allergies
Image courtesy of Shea-Butter from Skingourmet.com
Benefits Of Shea Butter For The Skin by incorporating shea butter into your regular skin care routine will work wonders. Check out how
1. Moisturizes Dry Skin
Shea butter is an excellent moisturizer for the face and the body. It locks in the moisture in the skin and keeps it hydrated for long. Dehydrated and dry skin becomes rough and scaly. Certain areas of the body can even develop skin cracks due to dryness. Shea butter can nourish the skin with its fat content. It can also help to soften the skin on your hands and feet and make it supple. It penetrates the skin easily, without clogging the pores, and is effective for dry skin.
Use shea butter to heal cracked heels, dry cuticles, and rough patches on your skin. You can also use it to simply moisturize your skin during the colder months.
2. Treats Acne And Blemishes
3. Reduces Skin Inflammation
Generalized inflammations from conditions like dermatitis and rosacea can be alleviated by using shea butter on the affected area. Sunburns, rashes, cuts, and scrapes that can result in swelling can also be treated using this butter.
4. Restores The Elasticity Of The Skin
Shea butter also improves the production of collagen in the skin. Thus, its application restores the natural elasticity of the skin besides hydrating, softening, and beautifying it. Restored elasticity also ensures reduced wrinkles and blemishes.