In this post, we will be looking at whether using an African black soap as a face wash is beneficial for dry and sensitive skin.
African black soap is increasing in popularity thanks to its all-natural based products. The soap is made using plants originating in countries such as Senegal (where I am originally from), Gambia, Mali, Guinee Bissau to name a few.
As a key remedy for healthy skin, this soap is well known in African cultures because of its effectiveness in obtaining healthy skin.
But before looking at its main benefits, we should understand:
WHAT A BLACK SOAP IS and HOW IT’S MADE.
As briefly mentioned above, black soap is a traditional all-natural soap made in West African countries.
The soap is traditionally made by hand by blending the ashes of dried plantain skin with coconut oil, cocoa pods, shea nut butter, palm oil and other natural ingredients. The shea butter and palm oil are melted until they form solids; a process called saponification that creates the essential ingredients that help cleanse and moisturise the skin.
Its main natural ingredients include palm kernel oil, shea butter, burnt cocoa pod ash. And as you may know by now traditional ingredients are free from chemicals and fragrances that can irritate your skin.
So, guys, you may ask, WHAT ARE THE PRIMARY BENEFITS?
Given its numerous benefits, we will be listing down some of the most popular ones according to experts:
- Since African black soap contains no chemicals or fragrances, it is typically safe for many skin types, including dry, sensitive skin. Thus, it is an ideal alternative to modern soaps.
- It contains antibacterial properties. In fact, according to a study conducted by the Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology Research, they discover that black soap offers properties that can help remove bacteria from the skin. Black soap is indeed more efficient at removing certain bacteria than medicated soaps.
- It can help treat acne. Several users have reported better skin conditions after using black soap.
And guys let me tell you something; I have experienced it first-hand! When my skin started to break out badly my mum advised me to give the African Black soap that she brought from Senegal a try.
Guys, after only one week of use my skin had improved so much, that I could not even believe it! I was shocked! It amazingly made my skin look better, and it still does! I was using only black soap (mainly as a cleanser) with no other products!
Check out my before and after picture below!!
So yes, it helps treat acne!
(By the way, only when my skin was getting better that I started to implement other products into my skincare).
- It can help reduce fine lines or wrinkles due to its antioxidant properties which can effectively fight damaging free radicals.
- It can help diminish the appearance of dark spots or hyperpigmentation or age spots (which are parts of the skin that are darker than others)
- Reduce razor bumps and other blemishes; many people have reported being very satisfied
- It can help remove makeup. Black soap can be used for effective makeup removal.
- It can help reduce the impact of eczema; it is not clear how exactly it is effective but many people suffering from eczema have reported that black soap has benefited them tremendously.
- It can have antifungal properties. Therefore, it can aid with fungal infections.
- It contains moisturising effects due to its key ingredients. In addition to the above, black soap contains shea or shea butter. The latter helps improve the moisture of the skin, a key ingredient for people that do suffer from dry skin.
Some people however may find that after using the soap their skin feels or gets rougher and dryer. In that case, always remember to use a moisturiser right after! It works perfectly fine! I do that all the time and even my dermatologist recommended me to do so.
- It washes off the skin easily and leaves the skin feeling clean and not sticky.
- It has soothing effects – the oils and fats that are in black soap help calm the skin.
- It will not cause oil to build up and it is a reliable over cleanser and many are using it as an alternative to traditional cleansers.
- It is naturally exfoliating which helps remove dead skin, leaving the skin fresh and clean.
- Can be used on the body too!
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It is not surprising then to know that its popularity is increasing day by day given its numerous benefits for the skin and with all its natural clarifying properties.
There are however some risks or side effects to take into consideration when using black soap, especially if you do suffer from sensitive and dry skin;
RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS:
Since the soap is mainly ideal for people with oily skin and acne-prone skin, some particles of the soap may cause mild irritation given its rough texture.
And the overuse of black soap on dry sensitive skin can cause irritation and severely dry skin. Because of it, some experts even advise people that suffer from dry sensitive skin to avoid using it.
However, if used gently, with caution and not excessively, it can work well on your skin!
Besides that, experts claim that there are no particular side effects or risks connected with using African black soap, even on dry and sensitive skin. Can absolutely relate!
However, we are not all the same, and if you want to give it a try, experts advise you to spot test your skin’s reaction to it by applying a small portion of it to the skin first.
If it works, experts recommend using the soap 3 times a week. However, if your skin is breaking down badly you could try to use it daily (as I did). Once the skin calms down, you should reduce the use of the product.
Furthermore, it is highly advisable to look for authentic African black soap. Additionally, it is always advisable to read the product label for the ingredients the soap contains. As some components may differ from others, always check that the soap contains its main key ingredients (Shea butter, palm kernel oil, burnt cocoa pod ash).
SO ONCE AGAIN, always check the label and the key ingredients!
You should check this article here for insight into the difference between a black soap & a regular one.
TO CONCLUDE: IS A BLACK SOAP FOR YOU?
Well, you can’t really tell unless you give it a try!
It is true that like any other product, black soap may not be for everyone. It might not work on some skins, particularly if you suffer from dry and sensitive skin. However, it has benefitted a lot of people that many are starting to implement it into their skincare routine.
My mum for instance has been using the black soap ever since she was a teenager and let me tell you something she has one of the most amazing skins out there! Never even got a pimple on her face! And considering that she is 48-years-old and has very sensitive skin, the black soap has benefitted her profoundly too!
Please feel free to ask any questions in the comments 🙂
