African black soap benefits your skin in multitude of ways. It contains cocoa pods that reduce skin inflammation. It shows potent antibacterial and skin cleansing properties that keeps your skin healthy and germ-free. The presence of the ash of plantain skins and palm tree leaves is effective in the treatment of acne, and eczema rashes.
Application of the soap balances sebum production on the skin and opens clogged skin pores. The raw and authentic African black soap is ideal for all skin types including sensitive skin. There are many more skin benefits of using African Black Soap. Read on to know more about its benefits and the right way to use it for different types of skin.
What are the Ingredients in African Black Soap?
African Black Soap is popular for its magical skin benefits. It is inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial in nature. The potential benefits of the raw African soap are attributed to the ingredients used in its composition.
1. Coconut oil
Coconut is a prime ingredient added to black soap. This oil boosts the production of collagen in the skin. It even aids in lowering the signs of dry skin disorders and dermatitis. Coconut oil shields the skin from adverse environmental conditions.
The fatty acids in the oil strengthen the lipid barrier of the skin and lock in the moisture. It helps in repairing dry skin issues, eczema, skin damage, and wrinkles. It also has potent antibacterial and cleansing properties that help remove makeup, and grime.
2. Shea butter : African Black Soap Shea Moisture
Shea butter is present in various varieties of African black soaps. It exhibits amazing moisturizing properties. Shea butter inhibits several inflammation-causing enzymes in the body.
Due to its effective anti-inflammatory qualities, it is used in the preparation of several topical treatments that aim at reducing inflammation on the skin. The presence of fatty acids adds moistness to your skin.
Shea butter has an abundance of vitamins E and vitamin A that strengthens and repairs the skin from damage. It heals burns, scars, and soreness in skin tissues. It is also effective in the treatment of eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis.
Shea butter rejuvenates the skin cells and tissues and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Its effective anti-microbial and non-comedogenic properties make it effective in the treatment of acne scars.
3. Cocoa Pods
Cocoa pods have active compounds that assist in lowering skin inflammation and creates a protective layer on the skin. Cocoa butter also helps enhance the overall health of the skin. It is also effective in the management of several skin ailments naturally.
4. Plantain Peels
These peels are loaded with antioxidants and are high in iron, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E. The extracts of the peels comprise several antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Vitamin E helps improve the structure of skin tissues.
It also exhibits amazing healing and moisturizing properties that help enhance tone and texture. Vitamin A aids in the production of collagen in the skin. Plantain leaves also have a compound named “Allantoin” that stimulates the development of new skin cells.
5. Palm Oil
Palm oils are a potent anti-aging agent. The addition of this oil in the soap makes the skin youthful, healthy, and beautiful. This oil has fatty acids like palmitic acid that offers a skin-protective effect to it. In this way, it helps condition the skin in a natural way. Palm oil also aids in boosting the production of collagen in the skin.
Palm oil has two types of vitamin E tocotrienol, and tocopherol. It is effective in the best treatment of eczema, and acne. This leads to a reduction in cellular damage due to free radicals and ecological toxins. This oil also has high amounts of lauric acid that gives it anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.
6. Palm Tree Leaves
Raw African Black Soap possesses amazing skin and wound healing abilities. The addition of this ingredient is effective in the treatment of a variety of skin infections perfectly.
How Is The Raw African Black Soap Made?
This soap is made by preparing a mixture of palm tree leaves, cocoa pods, and plantain peels. This mixture is sun-dried and roasted to form ash. To it, various skin-beneficial oils such as palm oil, shea butter, and coconut oil are added.
In this way, African black soap is made. Various manufacturers of the soap, add a variety of other ingredients to maximize its effects. It is best to buy the raw and pure form of this soap that is manufactured in Ghana and other western regions of Africa.
How Does African Black Soap Works On Your Skin?
African black soap has got plenty of glycerine in it. It hydrates the skin by soaking moisture from the surrounding air. In this way, it makes the skin smooth and supple. The research performed on this soap tells about many of its wonderful properties that are shown below.
1. Antibacterial properties
This is the most important benefit of African black soap. Its anti-bacterial effect is greater than what you get from commercial antiseptic and medicated soaps. The soap has antibacterial compounds such as cocoa husks, plantain palm extract that is effective in the treatment of bacteria-induced skin infections. In this way, it treats and manages of a variety of skin issues naturally.
2. Antifungal Properties
This is another important advantage that makes the African black soap beneficial for the skin. The soap effectively fights against fungal infections and Candida albicans fungal strain present on the skin. People who are suffering from any bacteria or fungi infection, should get relief by using this soap.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Attributes
Inflammation is the cause of various skin and hair issues. This includes redness, breakouts, swelling, etc. Raw African black soap helps lower the signs of inflamed skin and make it healthy.
Benefits of Raw African Black Soap
Here are some of the benefits that you are sure to get by including Raw African black soap in your daily skin cleansing regime.
1. Moisturises the skin
The presence of coconut oil and shea butter helps in deep moisturization of the skin. It sinks deep into the skin pores and provides moisturization to every single layer of the skin. Your skin becomes soft and smooth. Also, with adequate skin hydration, you would even get good relief from psoriasis, eczema, skin rashes, and other related skin woes.
2. Aids in Skin Healing
The soap is made using the bark of the tree that helps heal all kinds of cuts and wounds on the body. The abundance of antioxidants in the soap helps in fighting off the free radicals that cause dry skin, skin discoloration, dark spots, and blemishes in the skin. The antioxidants support the skin cells, repair and regenerate the skin.
3. Offers UV Protection
Raw African black soap is composed of Vitamin E and Vitamin A enriched ingredients that work as potent antioxidants for the skin. These antioxidants protect the skin from the UVA rays of the sun.
4. Gentle Exfoliation
African Black soap has a grainy texture that is beneficial in reducing dead skin cells from the skin. It gently cleans the skin and eliminates accumulated toxins, grime, dirt, bacteria, and impurities from the skin. It deeply cleans and unclogs the pores that help lessen the possibilities of skin flare-ups, rashes, and acne breakout.
5. Makes Your Skin Young And Beautiful
The soap contains natural ingredients that boost collagen production in the skin. This makes the skin firm, toned, and youthful. You will notice that your skin gets a natural healthy glow.
The presence of cocoa inhibits the working of the tyrosinase enzyme that secretes melanin in the skin. It enhances skin elasticity, lightens skin complexion, and avoids the development of stretch marks and scarring from getting formed. Furthermore, there will be a reduction in the wrinkles and fine lines on the skin.
6. Protects The Skin From Bacterial And Fungal Infections
African Black Soap is touted for its incredible cleansing and lathering capabilities. The presence of antifungal and antibacterial properties in the soap lowers the presence and growth of fungi and bacteria in the skin. In this way, it shields your skin from a wide range of skin issues such as acne, blackheads, etc.
7. Gives Relief From Insect Bites
African black soap has plantain peel extracts that exhibit remarkable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Cleansing the skin with soap helps reduce itching, inflammation, and infection caused due to insect bites.
Ways To Use African Black Soap
African black soap is best to enhance the health and appearance of the skin. You need to learn the right way to use it to get its maximum benefits.
1. Use it as a Skin Cleanser
You can use it just like a skin cleanser. There are two ways to do it –
Take some amount of it in your palms. Roll it to create some lather and then apply it gently on your skin to get exfoliation benefits.
– OR –
Take some warm water in a bowl. Add a tiny piece of soap into it. Run your hands in the water to form a rich lather. Ensure that there are no coarse soap grains present in the water. Apply the lather to the skin using circular motions of fingers. It will help cleanse the skin and eliminate bacteria and dead skin cells. Finally, rinse the skin with water. Apply natural moisturizer to hydrate and protect the skin.
2. Use it as a Body Wash
You can even use it in the form of a body wash. Take some purified water. Now soak the soap in it for some time. Allow it to dissolve. Use it in the form of a body wash.
3. Use it as a Body Scrub
This soap is also beneficial for removing dead cells from the skin. To use it as a scrub, mix this soap with brown or white sugar and scrub it all over the body.
4. Use it as a Face Mask
You can also use African black soap in the form of a face mask. Take a small piece of this soap and add it to hot water. Let it dissolve completely. Now add a tsp of honey, five drops of tea tree essential oil, and two tsp of baking soda in it.
Apply it all over the neck and face and wait till it dries. Now massage your skin gently with water. In place of honey, you can even add Aloe Vera to the mixture.
5. Use it as a Shampoo
African black soap is also good for hair. You can even use it as a shampoo for washing the scalp and hair.
How To Use African Black Soap on Different Skin Types?
For Dry Skin
- People, who have dry or sensitive skin, should limit its use to once a day. In the first week of its use, you may feel that your skin becomes dry, or tight but after a few days, your skin will adjust and these signs will disappear on their own.
- It is very important to always apply a good amount of natural hydrating serum or cream after using this soap on the skin.
- Beginners or first-time users should start with a small amount and gradually increase the amount as their skin adjusts with it.
For Oily Skin
People who have oily skin can greatly benefit from using this soap. It balances oil production on the skin and gives you an oil-free look. Always apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer like sweet almond oil or virgin coconut oil on the skin after cleansing it with this soap.
Side Effects Associated With The Use Of African Black Soap
African black soap is mostly safe for all types of skin. However, it is noticed that different types of skin respond differently to the ingredients present in the soap.
Some people may find it quite hydrating while it can cause skin dryness to others. If you are allergic to any of its ingredients, then you can notice flaking or peeling of the skin. It is thus required that people with dry skin should perform a skin patch test before using the soap.
As African black soap is a good exfoliator, it draws excess oil and impurities from the skin. Due to this reason, people with dry skin can experience extreme dryness, redness, and burning sensation on the skin. However, it is a passing phase and the skin will get back to its normal state some time.
How To Buy The Best African Black Soap?
African black soap is available by a few more names such as Dudu-Osun, alata simena, and anago soap. Make sure you buy the organic African black soap. It is sold in the form of a whole block that you can cut into small sizes of bars for use. It is important to check its manufacturing location, color, and ingredients.
The pure and authentic form of African black soap is made in Ghana, Africa. It has a traditional dark grey or black color. It is composed of plantain skins, palm tree leaves, and cocoa pods. This soap also contains ingredients such as shea butter, palm oil/coconut oil that helps in skin healing.
It is devoid of artificial ingredients that could deprive your skin of its natural moistness and protective oils. Regular use of raw African black soap in place of ordinary soap will make your skin even healthier.
What is the Right Way To Store African Black Soap?
African black soap has the tendency to absorb the excess amount of moisture from the air. Due to which it softens slowly and break. Though this attribute enhances the durability of the soap but requires you to store it properly. Here are some of the best tips to store the soap.
- Do not let it remain in the water after you use it.
- Also, do not keep it close to any wet place. This can be in the bathroom or close to the sink. There is a possibility that it could absorb moisture.
- Make sure you place the soap bar on a wood-based soap dish. It will help drain the excess water from the soap correctly.
- When you expose the soap to air, a thin white-colored film is developed on the surface. In order to prevent such happening, it is required to put it inside an airtight zip-lock bag.
- Normally the soap comes in bulk. The best way to keep it safe is to cut the desired amount of piece and keep the rest in a ziplock bag. Keep in a dry and cool place.
Conclusion
Authentic African black soap ensures that you get the best outcome for the skin without causing any side effects. It provides additional moisture to your skin that makes it helpful in various inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, eczema, etc. Reviews of African Black Soap are always positive by many users. Hence it is worth giving a try.
If your skin is allergic to any of its ingredients, then discontinue its use. A patch test is always advised before you use it. So, try this miraculous soap and witness its transformational benefits.
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