Many of us have used shea butter and black soap; either directly or indirectly. But what makes these possible game changers effective?
Word on the street is that Shea Butter is a known product that helps rid of skin ailments and increases moisture in hair. We decided to get the 411 on the effects of both Shea Butter and Black Soap once and for all.
Shea Butter is a fat that’s extracted from shea tree nuts. It’s off-white or ivory-colored and has a creamy consistency that’s easy to spread on your skin. Most shea butter comes from shea trees in West Africa.
14 Facts About Shea Butter
Anti-inflammatory
Heals burns
Natural hair conditioner
Contains Vitamins A, E & F
Used for Eczema/Psoriasis
Relieves sunburn
Natural SPF
Restores skin elasticity
Fades dark marks and scars
Prevents bumps after shaving
Softens skin
Calms irritated skin
Relieves joint pain
High concentrations of fatty acids and vitamins make shea butter an ideal cosmetic ingredient for softening skin. Additionally, Shea butter has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Using shea butter on your body, especially your face, can condition, tone, and soothe your skin.
It can also be used as a mask by adding a bit of honey and grape seed oil. Many VIP beauties also like using it as a component to a deep moisturizing hair mask.
Plus, its anti-inflammatory components can help revitalize the scalp and reduce hair breakage!
African Black Soap Benefits
Natural skin cleanser
Fights acne
Reduces wrinkles
Enhances skin tone
Minimizes scars
Treats Ezcema
If you haven’t seen Black Soap at your local downtown flea market or in a swap meet when visiting your cousins , let us introduce you. Black Soap has been a buzzing ingredient in many skin care products catering to the communities of color.
Known as the solution for breakouts, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, and everything in between, black soap is the ultimate beauty buy for those on a budget. Black soap is usually made from locally harvested African plants such as plantain, cocoa pods, palm tree leaves and shea tree bark.
The ingredients are sun dried and roasted, which is how it gets its deep color. Then, water and oils such as coconut, palm and shea butter are added. The soap is then left to sit and cure.
Black Soap is traditionally made in West Africa by tribeswomen in Ghana from special secret recipes. These soaps are more likely to be pure, whereas commercial soaps made in the U.S. may include additional artificial ingredients.
Keep in mind, the ingredients may vary depending on the brand. At VIP, we offer a variety African Black Soap bars and Shea Butters. We even carry brands that use a great deal of both products as prime ingredients!
There you have it. The 411 on our favs. Swing by for more details on which may work for you best!
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