Item Tag: Skin

What is African black soap?African black soap (also called African soap or black soap) is the latest skin care product to reach “holy grail” status, and for good reason.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? Sign us up!And unlike the synthetic soaps you find at the drugstore, authentic black soap is handmade from plant-based ingredients in Africa.If possible, buy fair-trade black soap. Each fair-trade purchase supports sustainable production, and, in some cases, it directly benefits communities in need.Still not convinced? Read on to learn more about this skincare favorite and how you can add it to your routine. 1. It’s antibacterialNatural 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:facehandsbody2. It’s safe for all skin typesIf 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 moisturizingShea butter is a crucial ingredient in black soap. While shea can help relieve itchiness and soothe dry skin, cocoa and coconut oil add moisture.4. It won’t make your skin oilyIf 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.5. It helps soothe irritationAfrican black soap may also soothe itchiness and irritation caused by:eczemacontact dermatitisskin allergiesIt may even help clear rashes related to eczema and psoriasis. To maximize these benefits, find a soap with oatmeal added.6. It’s anti-inflammatoryBlack soap is rich in in vitamins A and E. These vitamins are both antioxidants, which help combat free radicals and attacks on otherwise healthy skin tissues.This may be helpful for people who have inflammatory conditions like rosacea.7. It helps fight acneOn that note, black soap may also help fight acne.In addition to balancing your skin’s natural oils, the soap’s shea content may help repair damaged cells.Its antimicrobial properties may even clear severe acne caused by Propionibacterium acnes bacteria.8. It may help reduce fine linesShea butter and coconut oil may help reduce collagen loss and encourage new development.In turn, this can help plump up fine lines and wrinkles. The rough texture of the soap can also exfoliate dead skin cells that make fine lines more noticeable.9. It helps protect against photoagingAntioxidants found in shea butter can help protect your skin from photoaging. Over time, sun exposure can cause sun spots ( age spots), but black soap may offer another barrier.10. It helps improve skin textureAfrican black soap is chock-full of natural ingredients, but part of its benefits come from its form.When left unprocessed, the raw ingredients that make up black soap leave the product far less smooth than the average drugstore soap bar. This makes it a natural exfoliant, which may help improve skin texture.11. It helps prevent razor burn and related rashesExfoliation is another key factor in keeping your skin smooth after:shavingwaxingother methods of hair removalExfoliating will help remove dead skin cells before they can clog your hair follicles. The moisture in African black soap may also help prevent the lumps and bumps that result from razor burn.12. It may help reduce hyperpigmentationHyperpigmentation is often caused by acne scarring and sun damage — two things that African black soap may help soothe or prevent.13. It’s antifungalOne study on the effects of African black soap found the product effective for seven types of fungus — this includes the common Candida albicans yeast.You can safely use African black soap to help treat conditions like toenail fungus and athlete’s foot.Where do all these benefits come from?The benefits of African black soap lie in its ingredients, which includes a combination of:cocoa podscoconut oilpalm tree leaf derivatives, including palm kernel oil and palm oilplantain bark, which contains iron, as well as vitamins A and Eshea butterKeep in mind that the ingredient makeup of black soap largely varies based on the region of Africa where it’s made. For example, plantains are found in Central and Western Africa, but not in Eastern Africa.You may also find black soap with added essential oils, such as eucalyptus, to promote relaxation. Some African black soap bars contain added oatmeal or aloe vera.How to use African black soapReal, unprocessed African black soap has a rough texture. Although the natural texture is ideal for removing dead skin during exfoliation, you’ll want to smooth it out before using it as a regular cleanser.To do this, simply pull a small chunk of soap off of the bar and rub in between your hands. If you prefer a liquid cleanser, you can dissolve your piece of soap in water before use.You can apply the bar directly to your skin if you’re looking for exfoliation, but be gentle!The rough texture is already an exfoliant in itself, so you don’t have to scrub. You may also consider rubbing the bar on a soft washcloth first for gentle cleansing or use on rashes.With whatever method you choose, make sure that you thoroughly rinse the soap off with lukewarm water after use.Afterward, apply your favorite moisturizer to your damp skin. This will help lock in the soap’s natural hydrating effects.