Earlier in the week, we discussed some of the best solutions for battling breakouts in the winter without stripping your skin of the moisture it needs in the drier months. Today, we’ll highlight one of the best skincare ingredients you can reach for at this time of year for acne-prone skin: African Black Soap.
What is African Black Soap?
African black soap is a natural, plant-based product that can deliver a wealth of benefits to your skin. The soap, typically made in Western Africa is comprised of botanical components such as shea butter, plantain leaves, and cocoa pods. The ingredients are dehydrated in the sun and roasted until they form ash, which is what makes the soap its iconic black color.
How does African Black Soap help with Acne?
The soap may be particularly effective for those with acne because of its natural antibacterial properties. The soap is thought to remove more bacteria from the surface of the skin than some synthetic chemical cleansers. Despite being so effective, the soap is also loaded with enough natural carrier oils to not strip the skin or cause irritation.
In addition to being antibacterial, the soap’s ingredients are largely anti-inflammatory due to their high Vitamin A and E content. These essential nutrients are powerful antioxidants, meaning they can help protect the skin cells from damage by free radicals and other environmental pollutants.
The soap is also antifungal, making it useful in deterring those pesky tiny forehead bumps that are often caused by a build-up of a specific kind of yeast in the pores.
How does African Black Soap moisturize the skin?
One of the primary ingredients in the soap is shea butter, which is richly moisturizing and helps to address irritation, itching, and dry patches. Additionally, the cocoa and coconut oil that is often also found in the soap are richly moisturizing.
While the soap is hydrating, the coconut oil and plantain skins can also help prevent overactive oil glands and ensure that your complexion does not become overly oily despite the moisturizing effects.
What else does African Black Soap help with?
African Black Soap is also beneficial for soothing irritation that arises in conditions such as eczema or contact dermatitis. This is due to the calming properties of shea butter, which is particularly high in Vitamin E and promotes moisture, skin cell turnover, wound healing, and blemish prevention.
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