Among all the stress, uncertainty and anxiety that this virus is causing, there is one thing that I am really enjoying: the unusual amount of time at my disposal. Without the constraints of the daily routine and with the “help” of a nonexistent social life, for the first time I feel like I can hit the pause button and slow down to engage in things that i really like and that make me feel good, like reading, taking care of my plants and decluttering old spaces. 

What I am also enjoying, as a fan of natural and chemical free products, is testing local organic ingredients as part of my beauty routine. There is such an abundance of high quality natural products here! And while some of them are pretty much famous, others totally proved to be a nice and unexpected surprise. 

Curious about them? Keep reading then to discover 5 African natural beauty products you should definitely know!

|| Be Inspired: Post-Covid Design Trends #1 : Designing the new Well-Being

Foto 01 credits + Foto 02 credits 

[symple_divider style=”dashed” margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″]

5 African beauty remedies you should definitely know

[symple_divider style=”dashed” margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″]

1. African black soap

Proudly produced in the whole west Africa, the black soap is an all-natural fragrance free product made from the blend of several plants ashes. It is mostly sold in rough and uneven blocks and despite its coarse surface, black soap cleanses gently and moisturizes all skin types; for its strong antibacterial and noninflammatory properties, it works wonders on acne and breakouts and it is a great helper for hyper pigmentation and stretch marks.

Foto 03_ Tip: use black soap on lightly wet skin to gently exfoliate and scrub. Credits 

Foto 04_Black soap can be also found as liquid or as a thick paste. Credits

2. Argan Oil

Made from the kernel of the Argan tree, Argan oil is often referred to as “golden oil” both for its amber color and for its countless benefits. Rich in vitamins, fatty acids and anti oxidants, it is a great treat for skin, for its anti aging and anti inflammatory properties, and an even better one for hairs: a few drops are enough to nourish the lengths, seal split ends, reduce scalp inflammations and make the hairs shining without over greasing them; it is also an excellent slip for heat styling. 

Foto 05_ Tip: a few drops of Argan oil added to your usual conditioning make a great hair mask to apply before shampoo; wrap your head on a warm towel for a deeper nourishing. Credits 

Foto 06 _Argan tree typically grows in Morocco, in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Credits plant 

3. Shea butter

For centuries African women have used the butter extracted from the nuts of Shea tree (also known as Karitè) to prepare food as well as a cosmetic ingredient for smoothing, soothing, and conditioning the skin; it moisturizes deeply and Its high concentration of vitamins and fatty acids makes it perfect to reduce fine lines, stretch marks, scarring as well as to treat cracked feet. When raw it has an ivory color;  here in Senegal and in most West Africa it is dyed yellow using palm oil. 

Foto 07 _Shea tree is one of the oldest indigenous tree of the whole West Africa Credits

Foto 08_Tip: Shea butter tends to grease a bit so better to use it at night; also, to mitigate its intense smell, whip it with a few drops of your favorite essential oil Credits

4. Baobab Oil

Baobab tree produces a fruit that is believed to be the one of the most nutritious on earth. From its seeds, a precious oil is extracted, rich in vitamins, antioxidants and nutrients; nicely nutty to smell, Baobab oil is great to treat and rejuvenate the skin, especially on critical areas such as the eyes’ contour and lips. It has also an insulation-like effect and can protect skin from high and low temperatures.  

Foto 09_Also known as “the tree of life”, Baobab is one of the most representative and evocative of Africa Credits

Foto 10_Tip: Baobab oil doesn’t grease, so try add a tiny amount of it to your usual day cream to see your skin happy and glowing! Credits 

5. Moringa Oil 

Typically native to India, Moringa tree also grows in many other warm countries in Africa as well as in South America. As per the Babobab’s, its fruit is believed to be a super food while its oil is a great cosmetic rich in plant hormones which stimulates cells growth and regeneration. Beside its moisturizing and anti aging properties, Moringa oil is great on sunburns and skin infections

Foto 11_Moringa tree also grows in Senegal where it is referred to as Nebeday Credits  

Foto 12_ Tip: Moringa’s oleic acid makes it beneficial when used topically as a cleansing agent; try replacing your cleansing milk with it to appreciate its emollient properties. Credits 

Are you going to try some of these African beauty products? They can easily be found on famous on line retailers such as Amazon. 

And keep following the Pink dog to read about other inspirational stories!