In every country, there are well-kept and preserved beauty secrets, often made from local natural ingredients. Have you ever heard of African beauty rituals? Their beauty secrets are often centered on the nutrition and hydration of the epidermis. This is due to the very hot climate and daily sun exposure.
Indeed, a black, mixed or matte skin is much thicker and rich in melanin. It therefore fights better against skin aging. However, it is also very dry by nature, and therefore highly prone to dehydration! Travel to the heart of African beauty traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation.
1/ The djampe and black soap combo
In order to get rid of all impurities, traces of pollution, dust and others, African women first start by cleaning their skin using the sponge or shower net called “Djampe”. Originally from West Africa, this beauty accessory gently exfoliates the skin. It is more hygienic and economical than a classic washcloth. It eliminates dead skin for a supple and luminous skin. If you try it, you’ll tell us about it!
Use it with black soap for best results.
African black soap comes primarily from Ghana. It has the power to relieve several skin problems like acne or pigmentation spots. It is suitable for all skin types but is particularly appreciated by people with oily skin . Djampe + black soap: a perfect combo to clean and nourish the epidermis.
2/ Moisturizing with shea: a major and traditional asset.
Native to West Africa and produced more particularly in Nigeria, shea is rich in fatty acids and many vitamins. In fact, it has nourishing and softening virtues. Shea provides maximum hydration to the skin, promotes healing, fights against the harmful effects of free radicals and protects the epidermis from dehydration. African women use shea from birth and throughout their lives for its indisputable virtues.
But shea is not only useful for your skin. You will see that it also proves hyper effective in your hair rituals. The hair associated with black and mixed race skin is often subjected to a very high dryness coming from a very low production of sebum. The hair fiber therefore needs to be nourished in depth. Shea butter will restore vitality to the hair while strengthening it. Shea butter is therefore a major asset to sublimate your face, your body as well as your hair .
💡 Beauty idea 1: Before shampooing, melt a small dab of shea butter between your hands. Then, apply it to your hair, which you will have previously slightly moistened, while insisting well on the damaged ends. Then leave this “mask” on for about 20 to 30 minutes, for greater effectiveness. To reinforce the action of this treatment, cover your hair with cling film or a hot towel. This allows the mask to better penetrate the hair fiber. Once your hair is washed and towel dried, you’ll see the difference right away ! One of the most famous African beauty traditions!
3/ Kaolin: the African beauty secret of Cameroonian women
Kaolin is a very fragile white rock that is broken into fragments. It is in fact one of the most wonderful clays for the skin! Coming from phyllosilicates (like talc), kaolin is rich in mineral salts and has many virtues. Thus, its absorbing properties allow to purify the epidermis and to regulate the sebum without drying the epidermis. It also exfoliates the skin gently and fights against the dull complexion. Its soft texture adapts to all types of skin, even dry and reactive sensitive skin.
💡 Beauty idea 2: To make your moisturizing and purifying mask, mix 2 tablespoons of kaolin, 1 tablespoon of argan oil and 2 spoons of floral water chosen according to your skin type (rose, lavender, chamomile…). Then apply the paste obtained on your face and let pose 15 minutes. Then, rinse with clear water and admire how your skin has gained in comfort and luminosity.
4/ Marula vegetable oil, a treasure from Africa
Native to southern Africa, marula bark fights malaria, scorpion stings and snake bites. The marula oil, coming from the almond of its tree, is a real cosmetic asset and is therefore part of the traditions of African beauty.
Indeed, its composition is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids. It slows down the water loss of the epidermis which preserves it from dehydration. Antioxidant, marula oil fights against premature skin aging and maintains the skin’s elasticity.
5/ Baobab vegetable oil, the secret of Senegalese and Guinean women
The baobab is the oldest tree in Africa. It is an emblem for Senegal and Guinea. Its oil is extracted from the seeds of the fruits it produces. First dried in the sun, the seeds are then cold pressed to extract the precious oil! Rich in fatty acids and proteins, baobab oil is particularly effective for stretch marks and chapped skin.
It is ultra-nourishing and regenerating, which helps preserve the comfort and elasticity of the skin. Plus, its softening and emollient properties offer a silky touch to the skin. Finally, frizzy hair will be very fond of this oil with its repairing benefits. Makes you want to, doesn’t it?
6/ The fruit soap of the Congolese women
In Congo, no woman throws away banana peel or papaya peel after eating them . Everything is reused to make… soaps! The skins are in a first step, dried in the sun, then reduced to powder. They are subsequently boiled until the water has completely evaporated. We then obtain a black paste. This is then washed with water and mixed with palm oil. The final result? A very soft natural soap, perfect for the body and hair. Super greasy, it protects the skin from drying out and nourishes damaged hair ends.
Did you know about these African beauty traditions? Do you use any of these natural skin care products on a daily basis?
