After years of not moisturizing, not drinking enough water, and just all around neglecting my body, I think it's time to take charge. I absolutely hate my skin. I have dark spots, suffer from folliculitis in God forbidden places, and acne scars plague my face from years of breakouts that weren't taken care of properly. I've researched and used so many different products and nothing seems to work which is mainly due to my inconsistency and laziness.
Since I got the eating right part down, I figured it's time to take extra measures to getting my skin to the glowing beauty it once was (pre-puberty). In an effort to do so, I've been looking for more natural products to use on my body as opposed to the commercially processed products that are sold.
For years I've heard about the benefits of African Black Soap, Cocoa butter, Shea butter, and Coconut oil. It's one of those things where I've been meaning to try it, but never got around to it. Monday night I randomly decided to give it a go and I must say, I'm never going back!
African Black Soap:
African Black Soap is made from the ashes of plantain skins, palm tree leaves, cocoa pods, and Shea
tree bark. It promotes healthy skin by helping to relieve acne, eczema, brightening, toning & firming skin, and even helps to relieve razor bumps and ingrown hair bumps. Black soap is made mainly in Ghana and should ALWAYS be 100% organic with no other preservatives or chemicals added to it.
Shea Butter:
Shea butter is made from the seeds of the fruit of the Karite Tree. It is a solid fatty oil that is rich in Vitamin A, D, E, & F. It has been used heavily in the cosmetic market in lotions, bath products, hair products, and much more. Unfortunately, some of those products are accompanied with other chemicals that are not so good for your skin. 100% organic Shea butter, however, is amazing for the skin and helps to relieve dry skin because of it's moisturizing abilities. Shea butter also helps the skin's natural collagen production, so cellulite can be reduced, it helps fade stretch marks, and protects the skin from UV rays.
Where To Find Them:
Shea Moisture has an African Black Soap Line, where everything from the actual soap, to skin toner, to shampoo & conditioner can be bought. Their line is found a most drugstores and Walmart. You can also find African Black Soap at your local urban beauty supply. However, make sure to check the ingredients and ensure that your soap is 100% organic!
Pure Shea Butter can also be found at urban beauty supplies or online. BGLH Marketplace sells raw or scented and whipped Shea butter that is made from natural ingredients.
Since these are natural products made from natural ingredients, food allergies may affect your ability to use these products. As with anything, please remember to consult with your dermatologist before usage.
I have tried African black soap because I remember my parents use to use it on my skin when I was little. I tried it as an adult and it dried out my skin! It was terrible. As soon as I got out the shower, my skin was stiff. I love sheabutter, but I feel like it is so thick. I use shea butter as a hair moisturizer. I love adding 2-3 oils to the sheabutter and applying it to my hair after washing it. It makes my hair so soft! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteShamira,
DeleteI notice that with my skin as well. I've started using a moisturizing body scrub after I use the soap and then when I get out the shower and moisturize, my skin feels so soft. With the Shea Butter I like to add Shea Moisture's Coconut & Hibiscus Oil which helps to loosen it up! Thanks for sharing!