The world as we know it is a constantly changing place and in the bid to survive or feel among, you either “get with the times” and adapt to it or get left behind.
While some of current trends lately have been questionable (cue: using Ozempic for weight loss and drinking Aloe Vera juice for acne), others have evolved and are now highly recommended in the beauty industry.
One of such is the change from using organic skin products to now using natural, ethically sourced products for the skin. In the skincare communities in Nigeria and abroad, the online conversation borders on making and using quality products with little to no after effects on the body.
Gone are the days when your favorite beauty product boasted ingredients made from chemicals you’d probably never heard about. From body lotion to skincare and makeup, it’s all about natural ingredients nowadays and the best part is that you reap more benefits using them than their chemical counterparts.
In this article, we’ll be exploring some of the traditional beauty products our foremothers used in the past, and how we can reap their benefits in the modern world.
Aloe Vera
This was (and still is) a very accessible ingredient used for skincare in days of old as a moisturizer. This plant is native to Africa, Asia, North America and Europe. Aloe Vera was traditionally used to improve the health of the skin.
Benefits: It can be used to treat dry skin, eczema, inflammatory acne, cuts, abrasions and burns. It works well for removing dark circles and an anti-aging product too.
Usage: It is mostly used in the form of a topical gel for skin treatments. Alternatively, the plant can be cut and its juice squeezed out for immediate use.
Moringa Oil:
Moringa oil is obtained from Moringa seed which is an abundant plant in Africa and Asia.
This natural ingredient is very powerful as it can be used for other purposes asides skincare.
Benefits: It nourishes and revitalizes the skin. It also reduces skin blemishes, fine lines and wrinkles in the body.
Usage: It can be used as a facial oil or in hair are for the treatment of damaged hair.
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is gotten from cocoa beans, which in turn is gotten from the cocoa tree. Cocoa butter works best as a moisturizer.
Benefits: It works as a skin hydrator, leaving it feeling soft, smooth and supple.
Usage: It is usually incorporated into body creams and lotions.
Neem Oil
Neem oil is obtained from the seeds of the Neem tree which is rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids. The Neem tree is native to Africa and Asia and its oil is notable for it antibacterial, antiseptic and antifungal properties.
Benefits: It is used for spot treatments against blemishes and acts as a remedy for itchy scalp and dandruff. It is also useful for treating eczema and acne.
Usage: It is incorporated into skin and hair products or it can acts as a standalone product.
Shea Butter
This versatile skin ingredient is native to West Africa, therefore it is abundant in Nigeria. Shea butter is high in essential fatty acids and the vitamins A, E and F — all of which work to keep the skin healthy, soft and glowy.
Benefits: It reduces or prevents wrinkles, stretch marks, skin blemishes and dermatitis.
Usage: It is usually incorporated into skin products used to make body creams and lip butters. It works well as a hair conditioner too.
Baobab Oil
Baobab oil, like its name suggests, comes from the baobab tree. It contains antioxidants, omega fatty acids and the vitamins A, D and E.
Benefits: It is great for moisturizing the skin, reducing stretch marks and combating dryness. It also works to improve the elasticity of the skin and cell regeneration.
Usage: This oil is non-greasy, hence it can be incorporated into body creams and skin lotions.
African Black Soap
African black soap is a hand-made soap usually made from natural ingredients. These ingredients may consist of roasted plants and fruits and it is notable for its exfoliating and gentle cleansing properties. Caution should be exercised if you have sensitive skin as it has been found to have skin drying properties.
Benefits: It is used to treat eczema, acne and skin irritation. It also works well as a skin brightening ingredient.
Usage: it can be used as a soap for body wash and facial cleanser
Marula Oil
The Marula fruit is native to Southern Africa but the plant species has been found in Northern Nigeria. This oil contains omega fatty acids and antioxidants that helps give the skin a shiny glow.
Benefits: It works as a skin hydrator and skin softener. It also has anti-aging properties that helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the body.
Usage: Marula oil is used by rubbing it into the skin as body butter or on the face as facial oil.
