African black soap is a soap made in West Africa that consists purely of natural ingredients and has been used for centuries. Numerous women in the West African villages are skilled in the crafting of this soap, which is often a family skill that is passed down from mother to daughter. Different regions have different variations of ingredients, but most traditional African black soap consists of cocoa powder, palm oil, plantain skin’s ashes, and water. What is certain is that authentic African black soap is free from fragrances, dyes, and other chemicals which affect its purity. This guide aims to discuss about the benefits associated with using African black soap.
Antibacterial Properties
This type of soap has properties that help to remove bacteria from the skin. In a study conducted by the Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology Research, African black soap was more effective at removing and reducing certain bacteria compared with their medicated counterparts. African black soap is also able to help with the treatment of acne.
Safe for All Skin Types
Because this soap is made from natural ingredients with no chemicals or additives, it is gentler on the skin and is a better alternative for people with sensitive skin or who are allergic to certain chemicals. However, buyers should still check the ingredient label before purchasing the soap to ensure that none of the ingredients contain chemicals that are sensitive for the person. People who have oily skin will also benefit from using this soap as it will help to balance their skin’s natural oil production without adding excess oil to their skin or removing necessary oils. This is because the coconut oil present in the African black soap helps to prevent overactive oil glands.
Reduce Dark Spots
As we age, our skin undergoes many changes, with dark spots and wrinkles being some of them. African black soap can help treat these skin issues and reduce the appearance of dark spots. Shea butter, which is another common natural ingredient in African black soap contains antioxidants that help protect your skin from photoaging. Moreover, this soap is also used to soothe and prevent hyperpigmentation which may occur due to sun damage or acne scarring.
Soothing Effects
The black soap contains many oils and fats which help to soothe a person’s skin. It is also able to provide mild relief for people suffering from rashes and other skin conditions which cause pain or itchiness. African black soap is also naturally exfoliating. This is because if African black soap is left unprocessed, the raw ingredients which make up the black soap will result in a product with a rougher texture than the average soap bar found in most shops. Exfoliation can help to improve skin texture as dead skin is removed, leaving the skin much cleaner and fresher after using the soap. Although African black soap is generally safe for most people to use, some ingredients in the soap may cause irritation to a person’s skin. To prevent this, you should rub a small amount of soap into a lather in your hands and rub the lather over your damp body, face and hair. It is also advisable to use small amounts of African black soap as large quantities could result in irritation or redness.