Get acne free skin with Black African Soap

Just as the name suggests, the African black soap originates from the western region of Africa. Commonly known as black soap, it is locally known as “alata samina” or “anago samina” by the Ghanaians and also ose dudu by the Yorubas in south-west Nigeria [1]. The production of this black soap is ancient art that is passed down from one generation to another.

What is African Black Soap?

The African black is a 100% natural product made by drying, cooking or roasting plant materials such as plantain peels, shea tree, and cocoa pod. The ash obtained from this process is mixed with natural oils like coconut oils, shea butter, and palm oil to produce a black soap. The ingredients used in the production might differ just as the tribes differ but the effect, potency is very similar. The color of African black soap ranges from beige to dark brown some can be grey or black which is very popular, but the color is influenced by the procedures of production.

Composition of African black soaps

The beneficial effects of African black soap can be traced to its composition. The following are the core raw materials used in the production of African black soap as well as their beneficial contributions to the finished product.

Cocoa Pods

African black soap contains cocoa pods, which is proven to contain bioactive compounds which are anti-inflammatory. These compounds have been implicated in enhancing the radiance and health of the skin. [2]

Palm tree leaves

Studies [3] have shown that extracts from the leaves of the palm tree could hasten the healing process. Also, its ashes have been reported to be potent and effective against infections of the skin. Since it is part of the raw materials for the production of black soap it accounts for some of its beneficial properties.

Palm oil

From scientific studies [ 4 ][5 ], palm oil is known to contain fatty acids, palmitic acids which moisturizes the skin as well as protects the skin. It is also known to encourage the synthesis of collagen [ 6], which is a major skin protein.

Plantain peels

Plantain peels are great sources of nutrients and antioxidants in African black soap. Extract from these organic materials can exert anti-microbial effects on skin pathogens [ 7]

Coconut oil

Apart from palm oil, coconut oil also enhances the production of collagen on the skin [ 8]. It also alleviates the symptoms of dermatitis and protects all skin types from external effects.

Shea butter

Shea butter is a major component of most African black soaps and its benefits are enormous on the skin. It moisturizes the skin due to its high fatty acid content and also has anti-inflammatory properties [ 9]

BENEFITS OF AFRICAN BLACK SOAPS

The African black soaps have huge benefits for the body surfaces it makes contact with, which includes the face, skin and the hair. Some of these benefits are as follows:

Enhances the health and radiance of the hair

Through research findings [ 10 ]African black soap is known to be a natural hair conditioner and moisturizer as it contains lots of fatty acids such as lauric acid, cinnamic acid, stearic, palmitic, linoleic, myristic as well as arachidic acids due to the presence of coconut oil, shea butter which has been implicated in enhancing the health of the hair. It maintains the radiance of the hair due to the high concentration of Vitamin E, D, C,[ 11 ] and studies[ 12 ] have shown that it eliminates dandruff and dermatitis, prevents itchy scalp. It also keeps the scalp healthy by preventing hair infections due to its anti-fungal properties.

Effective against acne, scars, and blemishes

The black soap is very skin friendly as it cleans and lathers easily, mopping up excess oil that is secreted by the gland of the sebaceous gland which could cause acne. Also, due to its anti-bacterial properties, it is potent against the activities of acne-causing bacteria like Propionobacteruim acne and other microorganisms. This also has been verified by a good percentage of its users [ 13 ].

African black soap boosts collagen production which helps the cells of the skin to naturally regrow on their own. Through this process, the healing process is greatly enhanced and scars minimized. Studies [ 14 ] indicate that shea oil as one of its constituent supplies large amounts of antioxidants which destroys free radicals, increasing the moisture content of your skin, smoothens the face and removes blemishes.

Natural cleanser and clears skin pores

Research [15] has shown that the African black soap has great cleansing abilities. Lots of dirt, dust particles that could accumulate on the skin, can be cleansed from the skin naturally. It also keeps the skin well moisturized. It protects the skin from the effects of pollutants and other forms of irritants. Furthermore, it removes blackheads that could form on the skin due to the clusters of dead cells. It also enhances the complexion of the skin, as it exfoliates the skin, preventing the incidence of pimples or infection of the pustules.

Anti-inflammatory properties

African black soap exerts anti-inflammatory effects on the skin regardless of its type [ 16 ]. This has been proven by studies and it is linked to the presence of shea butter and plantain peels which contain phytochemicals [ 17] that are effective against skin inflammation, itching or redness either due to insect bites or the activity of enzymes.

Anti-microbial effects on the skin

This property could be a major reason you should consider using African black soap. Even as a natural product, it is proven [ 18 ][ 19 ] to be a potent anti-microbial remedy against skin pathogens ranging from fungal pathogens like Candida albicans, Tinea versicolor etc to bacterial skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Propionibacterium acne and a host of others. It also brings relief to skin rashes, eczema and itchiness and soothes very sensitive skin.

Enhances the uniform tone of the skin

Using African black soap ensures your skin has a uniform, unvarying skin tone, as it eliminates dark patches on different areas of the skin that could be caused by the excessive exposures to the sun, inflammation or excessive activity of tyrosinase enzyme which is responsible for the production of melanin. Scientific reports [ 20]show that African black soap exerts such effects on the skin due the presence of cocoa pods which regulates the activity of tyrosinase, thereby giving the skin an unvarying lighter tone, as well as offering it more protection from external influences.

Prevents premature aging

Due to the presence of cocoa pods and plantain peels which are natural deposits of vitamins as well as tannins, gallic acids, flavonoids, saponins, quercetin and many other antioxidants which neutralize the effects of damage from free radicals. Research [ 21 ] has proven that they are helpful in removing lines, wrinkles and other symptoms of premature aging.

Just as listed above, the benefits of African black soap are enormous, so if you are thinking of getting one for yourself, get the ones that are purely natural, without chemical additives. This natural product is perfect for all skin types and you will have no regrets using them.

References

Disclaimer: This content is strictly the opinion of the author, and is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither FoodsMedicine.com nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading this blog. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians or doctors before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.

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Get acne free skin with Black African Soap

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